In April of 2009, a team of volunteers joined Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Service rangers for a first ever ‘eco-venture’ joint effort to maintain the well renowned Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell National Park.

The Larapinta Trail, which stretches 223km from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder and traverses a range of naturally stunning landscapes, has become a ‘must do’ remote walking trail for both experienced hikers and casual day walkers.

Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife senior ranger, Phil Cowan, who is based at Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell National Park, said that—due to heavy rains throughout the area in November 2008—there was erosion and a prolific increase in vegetation along the trail.

“Trail maintenance is essential to the protection and management of the fragile desert environment. The Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Service undertakes yearly repair and maintenance programs,” Mr Cowan said.

Trek Larapinta, a locally owned business in Alice Springs specialising in Larapinta Trail guided tours, initiated the volunteer project as a unique way to traverse the Trail and actively participate in the maintenance of it.

“The volunteers will enjoy the opportunity to experience the amazing and varied landscapes along the Larapinta Trail while working alongside rangers. And we will look after them well, providing all the meals, the transport, camping facilities, comfortable swags and real coffee!” Trek Larapinta owner Shane Fewtrell said.

“The Larapinta Trail provides walkers with a unique experience of Central Australia’s desert ranges, unequalled by any other walking trail,” says Mr Fewtrell, “and it leaves a lasting impression on all those who venture along its path.”

Mr Cowan said the team of 16 interstate volunteers, organised by local Larapinta Trail tour operator Trek Larapinta, worked with rangers to prune vegetation, repair damage caused by erosion, replace worn or damaged track markers and clear grasses and other vegetation off the trail.

“It is encouraging to us, and certainly appreciated by our rangers, that companies such as Trek Larapinta are committed to the long term future of the trail and want to put something back into the management of the trail,” Mr Cowan said.