Volunteers are invited for two days of something completely different, joining "boulderers" and Park Commission Rangers for the 9th Annual "Adopt-A-Boulder" trail maintenance and New Jersey's only outdoor bouldering (rock climbing) competition. The event is the only organized rock climbing competition in New Jersey



On Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m., volunteers will meet at the Sourland Mountain Preserve Parking Lot off East Mountain Road in Hillsborough, to venture into the Sourlands for a day of trail maintenance.



On Sunday, April 21 at 9 a.m., New Jersey's only outdoor Bouldering (rock climbing) competition will take place in the Sourlands. Bouldering is a style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope and normally limited to very short climbs so that a fall will not result in injury. It is typically practiced on large boulders or artificial man-made boulders, however it can also be practiced at the base of larger rock faces.



The volunteer day is partially funded by a grant from the Access Fund in the amount of $1250. The Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that keeps U.S. climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment.



The competition is presented courtesy of a $5,000 grant from REI, retailer of outdoor gear and the nation's largest consumer co-op offering innovative, high-quality outdoor gear and apparel. REI is committed to giving back to the communities in proximity to the retail stores by supporting volunteer projects of outdoor-focused community organizations with money, gear and "sweat equity."



Volunteers should register by calling 908-231-0802, ext. 22 or by email at ddendler@scparks.org.



Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at somersetcountyparks.org.

