Adopt a Trail Volunteer Story: Eric Davis
by Kaitlyn G. Kausler
When you visit Sleeping Bear Dunes, you may notice volunteers in bright orange ambassador vests hiking the trails. These are members of the Adopt a Trail team who are dedicated volunteers who help provide visitors with information while enjoying the park, as well as keeping the trails clean and reporting trail maintenance issues.
Eric Davis is one of those volunteers, and he takes a quieter, more personal approach to Adopt a Trail. He can often be found along the Park’s many trails, talking individually with hikers and visitors. With guidance and a friendly presence, Eric helps educate people about trail safety, hydration, and how to prepare for changing conditions, all to prevent accidents before they happen.
His method is all about connection, conversation, and guiding people toward better decision-making while out on the trails. He educates visitors about trail awareness and the importance of communication, things like knowing your route, bringing enough water, and understanding the physical demands of different hikes. “You have to anticipate what someone might need, or what they haven’t considered yet. Sometimes it’s just about asking the right question before they start a hike,” says Eric.
In addition to his conversations with visitors, Eric plays an important behind-the-scenes role. He reports on trail conditions, noting everything from downed branches to erosion risks and washouts, essential information that helps the park maintain safe and accessible trails for everyone.
What sets Eric apart is his perspective. He frequently visits other parks across Michigan, giving him a strong basis for comparison. This broader view helps inform his approach and fuels his commitment to improving how things are done. “Do things differently, do what works, and find other ways to make it even better,” he says. This is the best way to improve upon something.
For Eric, volunteering with Adopt a Trail is deeply personal. “This gives me a chance to actively support what I believe in, stewarding the environment and doing it within an organization,” he shares. “That’s why I’m a part of Friends.”
Whether he’s quietly walking a trail or helping someone rethink their hike, Eric Davis embodies the spirit of Adopt a Trail, proactive, thoughtful, and always working to keep people safe while helping them connect more deeply with the park.
If you want to learn more about joining Eric on the Adopt a Trail team, head to the Adopt a Trail Program page to learn more or register to become a new volunteer today!