by Sara Haxby, Program Administrator
The first time I went backpacking alone, rain poured on me for weeks. I saw that the planet’s most influential trail builder is water. It moves the trail, diverts creeks, and washes out steep climbs.
KTA’s volunteers and members—like you—provide the financial support and labor needed to maintain trails as walkable corridors despite extensive growth and natural erosion. Without your help, the forest can swallow these trails whole. We have had a wet summer so far this year, making it harder to get out and enjoy the trails. But seasons like this one make me proud of the trail crews venturing into the woods and onto the ridges, week after week, to preserve the footpaths we enjoy in the sunshine.
All this rain—and mud—might deter some adults from the trail, but it can have the opposite effect on the youngest hikers. Kids love muddying their boots and playing with all the textures in our great outdoors. They can get messy with permission and learn respect and admiration for nature while getting all tuckered out.
Need ideas? Here are 2 of KTA’s newest programs that lean toward educational as well as adventurous.
Eight aspiring backpackers of all ages signed up for KTA Board Member Jeff Mitchell’s Beginner’s Backpack in June. Through wet and dry conditions along the Pinchot Trail in Lackawanna State Forest, in 1 day they covered 9 beautiful miles (maintained by volunteer trail crews) carrying everything they needed on their backs. It’s never too late to don that pack and test your grit in the great outdoors!
In April, KTA launched the Trail Ambassador Program for kids to practice trail stewardship. We had an incredible turnout of 69 youths who pledged to be ambassadors of Pennsylvania’s hiking trails: promoting Leave No Trace Principles and advocating for preservation and recreation so we all can continue enjoying the mountain laurel (and the mud puddles!).
Please support our efforts to help more people of all ages enjoy and care for Pennsylvania’s footpaths. With a gift before September 30, you will help us keep our trails and programs thriving in 2016 and beyond. Click here to contribute today! Thank you for your help!