American Conservation Experience (ACE) Trail Crews at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace

Contact: Anna Wilmhoff, 270-358-3137

Contact: Stacy Humphreys, 270-358-3137

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park benefits greatly from the dedication of staff and volunteers who keep the grounds beautiful and accessible. Since July, trail crews from the American Conservation Experience (ACE) have been working diligently to improve the Overlook Trail at the Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek. With each swing of a tool and each step carried uphill, the crews have shown their commitment to the park and the project. Box steps now line a large portion of the trail, promoting accessibility, preventing erosion, and enhancing the visitor experience.

Crews have persevered through a hot and humid summer, where above-average temperatures and persistent humidity made outdoor labor especially challenging. Long days begin with the uphill haul of rock drills, augers, and saws, followed by hours of cutting, measuring, and carrying lumber to secure steps on the steep slope. The terrain is unforgiving, and for many, this is their first time tackling labor of this kind. Yet their persistence demonstrates a deep sense of responsibility to the land and to those who will walk these trails in the future.

The site itself presents additional challenges. Located nearly ten miles from the Birthplace Unit, the Boyhood Home is somewhat remote, and limited cellular service complicates communication. Frequent crew rotations-every two weeks-require the crew leader to repeatedly train new members, maintaining safety and productivity while building team cohesion. The steady progress is a testament to both leadership and the determination of the crews who keep pushing forward despite the obstacles.

Trail maintenance is grueling work, but it is also deeply rewarding. ACE projects provide participants with training in environmental conservation and resource management, while instilling a passion for stewardship. Each hitch offers new skills, from mastering specialized tools to developing teamwork through shared responsibility and communal living.

That sense of purpose is felt by the crews themselves. "You go back to camp tired, but you see the impact right away," said Ryan, a crew member. "On a busy trail, you can actually see how you directed the flow of people walking." His words reflect the satisfaction of seeing results after a day of hard work.

Victoria highlighted the value of accessibility. "It's really fun to give back. I've walked on so many wooden steps, and it's cool to be the one building them and helping people access nature, which is really important." Her enthusiasm underscores the passion these young conservationists bring to the project.

Payton spoke to the larger meaning of the work: "I think what's really important-and what I hope a trail like this could become-is to open up further conversations about how your environment, the place that you're in, impacts decisions and understandings of the world." His reflection shows how the experience has stirred deeper connections between the land and those who protect it.

For many crew members, this season has already influenced their paths forward. Some plan to pursue careers in conservation, while others have discovered they thrive in the field through the physical challenges and visible rewards. Their commitment to the project is leaving a lasting mark not only on the trails but on their own futures.

Crews rotate on two-week hitches, with leaders ensuring safety and consistency. Crew leader Garrett noted that adaptability and people skills are essential. "I've learned how to better work with people of various backgrounds and find a way to meld different personalities," he said. "We're getting a lot of work done, but we're also having a good time while we do it." His leadership reflects both the diligence required and the passion shared among the crews.

In total, fifteen crew members have worked 400 hours to build fifty sets of box steps, or 200 linear feet of new trail stairs. Jim B. Phelps, Employee of LaRue County Schools and Knob Creek Conservancy Board Member, emphasizes the impact that the project will have on accessibility:

"As an avid trail user, I am excited about the work being completed on the Knob Creek Overlook Trail. Adding the steps on the steep .3-mile section should make the trail more sustainable during heavy rains and should make the trail easier to traverse when going up and down. The Overlook Trail gives users such a great view of the unique knobs when looking east towards Athertonville and New Haven. The work being completed will only draw more users to the trail. We are fortunate that the NPS is dedicating the effort to make the trail even better."

In October, ACE crews will begin regrading and leveling the Big Sink Trail, located across from the Birthplace Unit at the park's picnic area. These projects, born from commitment and hard work, ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy the landscapes and history of Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park for generations to come.