What began as a small group of residents passionate about advocating for Folsom’s trails back in 1991 has grown into a volunteer-led nonprofit with nearly 200 volunteers and over 100 members.
This year Friends of Folsom Parkways experienced tremendous growth in all ways. On December 11 they hosted a year-end “Trail-abration” to celebrate the group’s accomplishments and recognize a few volunteers who have truly gone above and beyond.
If you were ever wondering what Friends of Folsom Parkways does to support the City’s nearly 60-miles of trails, here’s just a snippet of the work done by volunteers this year:
• Adopt-a-Trail Program: Every trail in the system is now adopted, with volunteers actively caring for their one-mile segments.
• Over 400 volunteer hours dedicated to reducing fuel-ladder hazards throughout the parkways.
• Invasive plant removal: Major progress in removing Tree of Heaven and Himalayan blackberry along our trails and Hinkle Creek.
• More than 200 hours of fuel-ladder mitigation, specifically in Hinkle Creek.
• Post-and-cable replacement completed at Hinkle Creek.
• Chipping crews supporting the City in removing brush piles along our trails.
• Over 100 hours of trail care spent blowing leaves off trails, clearing weeds, and starting many new maintenance efforts.
Trail Adopter of the Year
Bill Woodruff has been a trail adopter for many years, long before Friends of Folsom Parkways took over coordination of the Adopt-a-Trail program for the City. Bill works on his segment almost daily, whether he’s blowing leaves off the trail, picking up trash, or trimming brush and branches. But he is not just focused on his portion of the Humbug-Willow Creek trail.
Whenever there is a volunteer event, Bill is there too.
He has spent countless hours removing fire fuels from the Parkway and Hinkle Creek Nature Area, often going back several times after the event is over to continue working on the area. Bill’s lent his tools to the crew, and you will usually find him with his trusty chainsaw to cut downed trees or trim fire fuels. He helped with the post-and-cable fence replacement at the Hinkle Creek parking lot as well as building a picnic table outside the nature center there.
Bill’s can-do spirit and positive attitude are infectious, and he always brings others along for the ride, encouraging neighbors and friends to get involved as volunteers.
Volunteers of the Year
Mark Brusby and Mat Ferron have been two of Friends of Folsom Parkways’ most consistent volunteers, always raising their hands to help. Whether removing fire fuels and invasive plants like Himalayan blackberries or building the post-and-cable fence at Hinkle Creek or manning the tow-behind leaf blower along the parkways, Mark and Mat are there.
According to Special Projects Director, Glenn Hermanson, “Mark is the definition of a foundation. He’s always there and gets stuff done. Mat Ferron is quite the force of nature. He’s been coordinating leaf blowing and was first to raise his hand to help with the chipping crew.”
With their experience, they now lead crews, showing new volunteers what needs to be done.
Having amazing volunteers like Bill, Mark and Mat make doing what we do worth it!
Want to Give Back to Folsom’s Trails?
Friends of Folsom Parkways have a variety of volunteer opportunities available, so whatever your passion and talents are, there’s something for everyone. And you don’t have to wield a chainsaw for all our projects, we promise! Your level of commitment is up to you – whether you can help a few hours each month or on a one-time basis, that’s great!
Communications Committee
Help us spread the word about the work we do in the community. We’re always looking for people who enjoy writing, photography, videography, social media, graphic design and more. Even if you can distribute flyers or signs throughout Folsom, that’s a huge help!
Email Communications Director, Megan Annis atmeganannis17@gmail.comif you’re interested in serving on the Communications Committee.
Membership & Fundraising Committees
Our members are the core of this organization, and we need your help to identify creative ways to grow membership. From staffing a booth at the Farmers’ Market to helping send out welcome notes to new members, there’s always room at the table if you’d like to help our membership team.
Have a knack for fundraising? Whether you love getting out in front of local businesses to pitch sponsorships or have experience with grant-writing, we could use your help.
Email Membership Director, Eric James atejamespe@gmail.comto join the Membership or Fundraising Committee.
Special Projects Committee
Love planning events? Have ideas for projects to improve our trails? Want to roll up your sleeves and get dirty? Join this committee to help lead trail maintenance and improvement projects.
There are also several upcoming invasive plant removal projects coming up in December and January.
Email Special Projects Director, Glenn Hermanson atspecialprojects@friendsoffolsomparkways.orgto get more involved on the Special Projects committee.
Folsom’s outdoor spaces and parkways certainly make our City distinctive by nature so having volunteers who want to keep our open spaces maintained, safe, and beautiful for all is incredible. In 2026, make it your New Year’s resolution to give back and support Folsom’s trails and join the Friends of Folsom Parkways, volunteer, sponsor, or donate!
Megan Annis is a member of the Board of Directors and is the Communications Director for the Friends of Folsom Parkways.
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