Clay Trafton, 15, helps clear newly cut trails Sunday at the Auburn Nordic Ski Association Trails on Perkins Ridge. The association provides recreational trails for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking during the summer months. The all-volunteer group had a 40% increase in membership last year, with many local people looking for outdoor recreational activities. Association President Bruce Condit expects another bump in membership this season. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Ted Walworth helps remove brush from a new trail Sunday at the Auburn Nordic Ski Association Trails on Perkins Ridge. Walworth is a retired surgeon and enjoys volunteering in the community. The trails are being improved for hiking as well as for groomed skiing. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Simon Hall, 17, helps cut and move brush from a new trail Sunday at the Auburn Nordic Ski Association Trails on Perkins Ridge. The trails are used by the Edward Little Ski team, the Auburn Middle School team, and the Bates College team for both skiing and running. Most of the trails are on the Lost Valley property and the Ricker Farm property. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal