Individuals 18 years of age or older, families, local community groups, business and school groups are eligible to adopt sections of trail. Participants 17 years of age or younger may assist adopters, but they must be supervised by adults 18 years or older.

Adopters must hold meetings at least twice a year to review safety and other guidelines. No participant may be involved in a work project unless s/he has attended at least one such meeting per year.

Litter pickup should be completed along both sides of the gravel equestrian trail and asphalt trail a minimum of four times a year, or more often if necessary.

Other Adopt-A-Trail activities may include trimming overhanging branches, sweeping glass and gravel and reporting maintenance problems to park officials at 703-729-0596 (Trail office) or 703-352-5900 (NVRPA headquarters).

NVRPA will provide participants with safety information and plastic trash bags. Arrangements can be made through the trail office at 703-729-0596 to obtain these items.

If participants cannot dispose of filled trash bags, they may call the park office at 703-729-0596 to arrange pickup, and should identify the location and number of trash bags.

When leaving filled trash bags along the trail, please be sure not to place them in a ditch or any closer than three feet to the edge of the trail.

Adopters are encouraged to separate and recycle appropriate materials.

After each pickup, adopters must either mail or e-mail a report detailing the number of bags of litter collected, the participants involved and the hours worked.

NVRPA reserves the right to revise these conditions as needed.

•Watch for Trail users when crossing the Trail.

•Wear light-colored clothing to be more visible.

•Wear hard sole shoes and work gloves.

•Work only in daylight and fair weather.

•Do not over exert yourself. Take breaks and drink ample fluids.

•Stay alert for and avoid all contact with snakes, other wildlife, and noxious weeds.

•Do not pick up materials that appear to be hazardous. Notify your local police, the hazardous waste hotline (1-800-552-2075), or the park office (703-729-0596).

•Do not participate in careless activities that may endanger or distract park visitors.

•Do not allow small children to accompany you.

•Park personal vehicles in public parking areas only, DO NOT park on the Trail or on property belong to private citizens.

•Avoid working in areas under repair or construction, especially during the operation of excavation, mowing, or other major equipment.

•Never participate in Trail work while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

•Report any problems or safety concerns immediately to the park office (703-729-0596).

•After the clean up leave all bags in a single location just off the Trail surface, and contact the Trail office for pick up.