Project: Grand Design RV Project Day
Location: New York

Description: On July 12, 2025, a total of 35 volunteers attending the Grand Design RV Rally came together in Finger Lakes National Forest to support a large-scale stewardship and restoration effort. The volunteer work day focused on cleaning up litter, improving campsite conditions, and supporting long-term forest health to ensure continued enjoyment of this treasured public land for future generations.

Volunteers worked across approximately 50 campsites and surrounding forest roads, removing trash that had accumulated from recreational use. Through their collective efforts, roughly 4,000 pounds of trash were gathered and properly removed, significantly improving the environmental quality and visitor experience throughout the area.

In addition to cleanup efforts, a dedicated group of volunteers assisted with forest restoration by installing 300 protective cages around newly planted oak seedlings. These cages will help safeguard the young trees from wildlife damage, supporting successful growth and long-term ecosystem resilience.

Overall, an estimated 30 miles of trails, campgrounds, and forest roads were positively impacted by the volunteer efforts during this project day. The event highlighted the power of collaboration between recreationists, conservation organizations, and agency partners, and demonstrated a shared commitment to responsible recreation and land stewardship.

Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
 • Finger Lakes National Forest
• Grand Design RV
• National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)
• Tread Lightly!
• CorpsThat
• Lucky Hare Brewing Company

“The Finger Lakes National Forest is a small forest with a small staff. Despite its small stature, it’s a popular location for recreators visiting the area and has active programs in all facets of resource management. Engagement of partners and volunteers is integral to us accomplishing our mission and providing high quality recreation opportunities to the public. Support from Tread Lightly! has been vital for us keeping our forest clean and safe for visitors. Their support is a force-multiplier for our ability to garner more volunteer support and clean up popular recreation areas on the forest. Events supported by Tread Lightly! have resulted in hundreds of hours of volunteer support and engagement and removed many thousands of pounds of trash from the forest”-Matthew Kautz, Forestry Technician, Finger Lakes National Forests

“I want to thank Grand Design RV for integrating this wonderful volunteer project as part of their owner rally event in the Finger Lakes NF. It is through companies like Grand Design RV and many others that Tread Lightly! can help support the many trails, campgrounds and public lands, and Protect the Adventure for future generations of motorized users, campers, and overlanders. Removing trash from this forest and placing cages around the new seedling trees was a valuable contribution to the Finger Lakes National Forest staff.”-Lowell Eckart, Southeast Program Manager, Tread Lightly!