👋 Meet Jessica, a KTA supporter from Lancaster, PA! Q: What makes hiking in Pennsylvania special/meaningful to you? A: "I love the diversity of the type of hikes you can take in Pennsylvania. There are short “rail to trail” type paths for a quick after work unwind and there are more challenging hikes for a Weekend Warrior schedule. The changing seasons make Pennsylvania extra special. " Q: What type of hiking do you typically prefer most often? A: "My preference is a 5 - 7 mile hike on the weekend." Q: When did you start hiking? A: "I started hiking while training for an adventure in Zion National Park. It was about 4 years ago." Q: What are you currently excited about in your hiking life? A: "We are so excited to hike the famous Havasu Falls hike near the Grand Canyon starting on May 20th. It is a lottery system to get a reservation for 3 days and 4 nights near 5 amazing blue-green waterfalls. It is a steep 1.5 mile hike down from the rim into the canyon and then an additional 8.5 miles to the campsite. The training has begun!" Q: Which hiking trails do you enjoy/recommend that are near where you live? A: "We like to go to Lancaster Central Park and just have fun “choosing our adventure” at each turn. Money Rocks in the Welsh Mountains is a nice shaded hike." Q: Which hiking trails do you recommend (anywhere in PA)? A: "Highly recommend World’s End trails and doing parts of the Appalachian Trail in PA." Q: What do you value most about KTA's mission? A: "I appreciate how the KTA promotes community involvement by setting up challenges." Do you care about providing, protecting, preserving, and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania? That's why KTA is here! Help ensure this mission continues to be fulfilled. 👋 Meet Daniel, a KTA supporter from Lancaster, PA! Q: What makes hiking in Pennsylvania special/meaningful to you? A: "There's incredible diversity so close to home. Each season offers a new opportunity to experience the outdoors in a completely different way. We're fortunate to have the chance to hike through all four seasons on the trails. " Q: What type of hiking do you typically prefer most often? A: "Day hikes and weekend backpacking." Q: When did you start hiking? A: "Growing up as a child in the 80s" Q: What are you currently excited about in your hiking life? A: "I'm grateful for every moment I can get my kids out in nature, and I'll always be working towards my eventual thru-hike." Q: Which hiking trails do you enjoy/recommend that are near where you live? A: "The Mason-Dixon along the West side of the Susquehanna." Q: Which hiking trails do you recommend (anywhere in PA)? A: "The AT section between Rt. 501 and Rt. 183 in Lebanon County." Q: What do you value most about KTA's mission? A: "Preserving all these beautiful trails is a tireless, thankless job - but it impacts so many hikers who rely on the trails for their own recreation." Do you care about providing, protecting, preserving, and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania? That's why KTA is here! Help ensure this mission continues to be fulfilled. 👋 Meet Stephanie, a KTA supporter from Philadelphia, PA! Q: What makes hiking in Pennsylvania special/meaningful to you? A: "Hiking has been a way to connect with the people I love, away from technology and distractions. I am a mom of nine kids, and sharing the outdoors with my family has been an excellent way to connect and share with them my adventurous side. Hiking and trail running was also a way that my sister and I stayed connected, we even did the Frozen Heart 50k and the Keystone Trail Challenge 50k. My sister died in 2020, and sharing those miles of trails with her has become a priceless memory. Every time I do the Keystone Trail Challenge, I am honoring her memory. Hiking is also a sweet time of solitude. It's been a way to get out of my busy home and recharge. I am convinced that if more people hiked regularly, the mental health field would not be so busy. " Q: What type of hiking do you typically prefer most often? A: "I would love to do a multi-day hike, but full day and regular short hikes have been what I do most. My goal is to stay in shape and plan for bigger hiking trips either with the family or with friends." Q: When did you start hiking? A: "I've always loved the outdoors and even did some backpacking in high school, but I was also on the track team so I saw myself as more of a runner. It wasn't until my husband and I took our kids to Canada that I fell in love with hiking. Even so, it took several years and a few more babies being born before I became a regular hiker. I started competing in Spartan races at 46 and then fell in love with 25k and 50k. Now in my 50s, I still see myself as a runner, but hiking definitely gets more time and appreciation." Q: What are you currently excited about in your hiking life? A: "I love the answers above! Where can I learn Wilderness First Aid? Right now, I am immersed in being a grandmother and homeschooling mom so I feel that there is a ton I would love to do, but have been limited in what I can explore. My bucket list is long!" Q: Which hiking trails do you enjoy/recommend that are near where you live? A: "The Philadelphia area has a beautiful trail area called Wissahickon Valley. I know most of them by heart." Q: Which hiking trails do you recommend (anywhere in PA)? A: "Wissahickon (also called Forbidden Drive) is amazing! Valley Forge also has some nice views and interesting historical sites. Ringing Rocks, Jim Thorpe, PA Grand Canyon ... too many to list." Q: What do you value most about KTA's mission? A: "I'm a holistic coach so I am super excited about KTA's mission. People need to have regular movement and to be in nature. They need to know how beneficial it is and definitely way more economical than gyms." Do you care about providing, protecting, preserving, and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania? That's why KTA is here! Help ensure this mission continues to be fulfilled. Keystone Trails Association welcomes three new staff members, expanding its presence throughout Pennsylvania
KTA’s newest employees reside in Lancaster, Bedford, and Lock Haven, making the organization more accessible for developing powerful strategic partnerships Mechanicsburg, PA: The Keystone Trails Association, a statewide organization committed to providing, protecting, preserving, and promoting hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new staff members: Al Germann as Regional Trail Care Coordinator in the PA Wilds, Kate Prisby as Manager of Events and Programs, and Haley Feaster as Manager of Communications and Development. Once an all-volunteer organization with only a few staff, KTA is transitioning to a staff-driven organization destined to expand its reach and impact on the hiking community and trails preservation in Pennsylvania. “These new hires are a proactive, strategic response to our leaders who are investing more resources into elevating outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania,” shares Brook Lenker, Executive Director of KTA. “KTA will now more than ever be an amplifier for the importance of hiking and hiking trails across the commonwealth.” Al Germann brings experience in trail stewardship and a passion for exploring the state’s great outdoors to a new position focusing on the extensive trail network in the PA Wilds region, assessing trail conditions, and organizing maintenance activities as KTA’s first Trail Care Coordinator. Kate Prisby, with a background in education, program management, volunteer recruitment, and conservation leadership, will serve as KTA’s Manager of Events and Programs. In this role, she will orchestrate outings and other programs that offer memorable trail adventures and teach hiking etiquette, safety, and skills – ensuring that hikers of all demographics and experience levels feel comfortable and respected on PA’s trails. Haley Feaster, an entrepreneur with a resume steeped in advocacy and communications, will expand KTA’s network of partners and continue to build awareness of KTA’s mission as Manager of Communications and Development. She brings a wealth of energy and ideas to her new post. “KTA is equipped with an incredibly talented staff,” says Lenker. “We’re looking forward to great success as we begin implementing KTA’s five-year strategic plan that will work in harmony and support aspirations for a strong and sustainable outdoor recreation economy.” About Keystone Trails Association: The Keystone Trails Association offers a robust trail care program with volunteer opportunities available on PA trails, serves as the statewide voice of the hiking trail community and trail advocate in PA’s capital, and offers a wealth of hiking opportunities throughout the year that both long-time hikers and the next generation of hikers can enjoy together. Keystone Trails Association to Host Special “Trail Love” Maintenance Event in the Michaux State Forest on National Trails Day
KTA has been awarded a generous Mini-Grant from the South Mountain Partnership to organize a collaborative hiking trail maintenance event within the Michaux State Forest. Mechanicsburg, PA: Keystone Trails Association, a statewide organization committed to providing, protecting, preserving, and promoting hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania, will be hosting a new “Trail Love: Michaux State Forest Edition” maintenance event on Saturday, June 1, 2024, celebrating National Trails Day and the 40th anniversary of its Trail Care Program. Trail Love will be a lively and festive trail maintenance blitz at sites throughout the forest. Volunteers will have a variety of projects to choose from including options that are accessible and accommodating for any level of maintenance experience. “Trail Love will be a fun way to welcome first-time volunteers and elevate our seasoned regulars!” shares Jenn Ulmer, Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training at KTA. “We’re honored to have so many great partners coming together to host trail maintenance projects at the event including PA DCNR, surrounding Friends groups, Pennsylvania Parks & Forest Foundation, and Appalachian Trail Conservancy, just to name a few.” A South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant was awarded to the Keystone Trails Association for the planning and development of Trail Love during the September 2023 Power of the Partnership Celebration. “Pennsylvania’s conservation landscapes, like the South Mountain, are critical to the preservation of our state’s hiking trails,” shares Brook Lenker, Executive Director of KTA. “South Mountain Partnership is doing incredible work to promote the Michaux State Forest. We’re excited to collaborate with them on this event and hope it helps people feel more invested and connected to the South Mountain region.” Volunteers for Trail Love will have the option to camp out the Friday evening before the event at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, can enjoy complimentary meals on Saturday (including a special cookout), and will receive a free commemorative t-shirt. Learn more about and volunteer for Trail Love: Michaux State Forest Edition at: www.kta-hike.org/michauxtraillove About Keystone Trails Association: The Keystone Trails Association offers a robust trail care program with volunteer opportunities available on PA trails, serves as the statewide voice of the hiking trail community and trail advocate in PA’s capital, and offers a wealth of hiking opportunities throughout the year that both long-time hikers and the next generation of hikers can enjoy together. This project was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Environmental Stewardship Fund, under the administration of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. The grant was awarded through the South Mountain Partnership, with management oversight of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. We are a partner of the South Mountain Partnership, an alliance of organizations working to preserve and enhance the cultural and natural assets of the South Mountain Landscape in Central Pennsylvania. To learn more about the Partnership, please visit www.southmountainpartnership.org. ### We want to announce a sizable bequest that has just been received from the George Gardiner Probst Estate. In his honor, the majority of the bequest has been invested in the Keystone Trails Endowment fund. George, who is from Wellsville, NY just north of the Pennsylvania line, was a veteran of the United States Navy and the United States Air Force. He was a Mason, and a member of the Susquehannock Trail Club, and Finger Lakes Trail Conference. He enjoyed hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, and camping. He especially enjoyed canoeing the Pine Creek in the Grand Canyon of PA. See his full obituary here: https://www.eveningtribune.com/obituaries/p0200357.
Continuing to grow our endowment fund is important to providing long-term financial stability to our organization. Consider KTA in your estate planning to make a positive impact on Pennsylvania Trails for future generations. Please take this opportunity to consider making a donation to The Keystone Trails Endowment Fund sometime this year as a lasting legacy to the mission of KTA. KTA member clubs and other groups may also make contributions to the fund. Consider making a donation in honor or memory of a club member who has made a difference in your club or the hiking community. An application is available on the KTA website: https://www.kta-hike.org/keystone-trails-endowment.html Donations will be recognized at the KTA Keystone Hiking and Outdoor Weekend, Susquehanna Riverlands, October 18-20, 2024. Thanks for your support, Wayne E. Gross KTA Development Committee Chair Dear Member & Friend of KTA,
Spring is upon us! Get out for a hike and bring a friend! I want to thank you for your efforts in furthering our mission of providing, preserving, protecting, and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. At a pivotal grassroots level, each of you is making a difference. Whether it be through trail maintenance, volunteering with local hiking clubs, adding your voice to advocacy issues affecting our trails, or leading a local hike, we thank you. A lot is going on with KTA. Through the efforts of our Executive Director, Brook Lenker, KTA has received Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Grants and has completed another application for 2024 DCNR funding. These grants are invaluable in helping KTA further its mission. Under the leadership of the Strategic Planning Committee, Chair Krista Cessna, KTA developed a strategic plan. The plan was adopted by the Board in December 2023 to help guide us over the next five years. Our strategic plan is beginning to be implemented. Congratulations to the trail and hiking clubs receiving the KTA mini-grants helping the clubs meet the needs of our hiking trails. The funds for these grants are direct investment disbursements from our endowment fund. Please apply for future mini-grant opportunities for your hiking clubs when available. We mark our 40th anniversary of KTA Trail Care in 2024. Plan to participate in one or more trail care activities that Jenn Ulmer and Al Germann have lined up for us. Check out our website for details. We wish a fond farewell to our Manager of Communications and Development, Holly Tritt, who is following other pursuits. We thank her for her enthusiasm and dedication to KTA. Welcome to Kate Prisby, Manager of Events and Programs, Al Germann, Regional Trail Care Coordinator: PA Wilds, and Haley Feaster, Manager of Communications and Development. We welcome these new staff who we are sure will bring their great diversity of talents to help us achieve the mission of KTA. These three join Brook, Casey, and Jenn on our staff to make great things happen for Pennsylvania Trails with our KTA volunteers and partner organizations. The Board and I wish to give a special shout out to our Executive Director, Brook Lenker, who has been navigating us through the many changes that have been occurring - all for the better. There is a full list of KTA events, activities and trail care opportunities. Please visit our website and sign up for one or more and bring a friend. We have our upcoming KTA Spring Hiking Weekend in Stroudsburg, PA on April 19-21. Please take an opportunity to go to our website and sign up by April 5th to attend. Hoping to see you there. For the trails and those who wander on them! Thanks Wayne E. Gross President, Board of Directors Keystone Trails Association The Statewide voice of Pennsylvania Hikers The following was written by current Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, Jenn Ulmer, for the April 2014 KTA newsletter. Not much has changed: there are still plenty of trails that need our help. Perhaps even more now. If you want to give back to PA’s hiking trails, please consider volunteering with us for a day or weekend!
So how many times has this happened to you: you’re hiking along, taking in the sights and sounds on a beautiful day, when all of a sudden, the trail starts narrowing and you’re navigating a bramble patch. Or you come upon some downed trees over the path. Or the blazes are so faint you really have to pay attention to make sure you don’t wander off the trail. “Gee,” you think, “someone should take care of that!” Then you start to think, “I wonder who does?” When we started volunteering with the KTA Trail Care program in August 2011, we thought it would be a great way to meet other hikers, and give back to the recreational activity that we love. So we contacted the Trail Care leader, Joe Healey, and he gave us some general information about the weekend and what we should bring. We showed up at Ravensburg State Park after work on Friday and set up our tent. Joe and his wife Lorraine offered us some chili from a big crockpot. Saturday morning, we lopped back encroaching vegetation with a crew consisting of Lorraine, Diane, Kathy, and Connie. What a hoot! After a long day on the Mid State Trail, we all went out to dinner. What a welcoming group, we thought- we’ll have to do this again. Never mind the fact that my Jeep had a dead battery Saturday morning, or that the showers at the state park were less than stellar- this all added to the adventure (and to future stories). One of the best parts of Trail Care is the “down time”. After a full Saturday of work, we hit the showers, have some supper and conversation, then more fun around a campfire at night. We are regaled by wonderful stories of hiking adventures, and tales of shenanigans at previous Trail Cares. This is also a great opportunity to seek opinions about hiking and camping gear, and first-hand information on some of PA’s premier hiking trails. Through KTA’s Trail Care, we have met the nicest, most welcoming bunch of people! You may be thinking that you wouldn’t be able to contribute much- we sure thought that. We didn’t know how to run a brushcutter or chainsaw. However, there is so much more to do, and we have learned a lot about trail maintenance: the proper size and placement for a trail blaze, the width to lop or trim a trail since it might not see a crew for another couple years (Wanda said to picture yourself carrying a 4x8’ sheet of plywood down the trail), some methods of alleviating swampy spots, digging sidehill, “planting” signs, and rock stepwork. Over the past year, I think we may have earned respect as hard workers who don’t mind getting dirty! At the end of the day, it’s so rewarding to us to think about all that was accomplished. Another benefit is that we have traveled to and camped at so many state parks and hiked so many trails that we may have never had the opportunity to, otherwise. In exchange for participation, we get free camping. We bought a PA State Parks and Forests Passport that we get stamped at each state park we visit, to chronicle our adventures. Please consider trying Trail Care at least once. That is all it took for us to get hooked. Your help will be invaluable. The more hands, the easier and quicker the job gets done! There is something for almost every level of ability. No one is made to feel inadequate-everyone is an equal and valued member of the team. Guest post by Jim Foster When people acclaimed the work of Sir Isaac Newton, he famously said: “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” I don't claim to have achieved anything like what Newton did, but, like him, I credit others for anything I have achieved. Here are three giants who inspired me to start maintaining trails and hike on them. In September of 2005, I had started hiking around my home in south central PA and heard about the Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club. I decided to come to one of their Saturday work days. That work day was led by Frank Bohn and Dick Barrick. Frank and Dick impressed me with their quiet, unassuming dedication to the Trail. We had a great time cleaning out water bars and brush. At the end, Dick, who was CVATC's chief of maintainers, asked me if I was interested in taking on a one mile section. I said that I might, and he showed it to me. I took over that section near Sherwood Drive, which I maintain to this day. Sadly, Dick has passed away. Frank moved to Florida several years ago. But the REAL star of CVATC was and is Craig Dunn. Some of you may know Craig as the husband of our illustrious Secretary of Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Cindy Adams Dunn. Not as many know that Craig is an acclaimed and well honored star of the Appalachian Trail in his own right. Craig started out with trail work in the 1970s with another wonderful A.T. club, the Susquehanna A.T. Club. He was President when SATC built its shelter on top of Peters Mountain in Dauphin County. In the late 1980s, the stewards of the A.T. decided to change the path of the A.T. from a road walk in the Cumberland Valley to a true woodland trail between Carlisle and Mechanicsburg. Craig led the effort with others to persuade landowners to give up a portion of their land for the trail. The effort became quite contentious and a group was organized to oppose the effort. For a time it looked like their efforts would succeed. But, they hadn't counted on the quiet, relentless persistence of Craig Dunn. More than anyone else, Craig was responsible for the ultimate success of the project. A new club was founded to manage the 17 mile section of new trail, CVATC. Since it was founded in 1991, Craig has been its trailmaster, leading the maintenance efforts. Craig, Dick and Frank inspired me to move from maintaining a section to leadership. I became President of CVATC in 2009. Later I started to lead the work on the section of the A.T. KTA manages in northeastern PA. I also found out that I loved backpacking. I completed a thru-hike of the entire A.T. in 2007. I've done several others around the world. These days we hear a lot from people who brag about how important they are to the success of a particular project. But, in my humble opinion, the real work of getting important work done is performed by quieter people who work behind the scenes and seek no glory for their successes. Craig, Dick and Frank exemplify these important people.
|
Categories
All
Archives
May 2024
Keystone Trails AssociationSubmissions welcome! |