Dear Fellow Hiker,
In the summer of 2000 I set out on an adventure that changed my life: a solo backpack of the 85-mile Susquehannock Trail
System loop. At age 50, I was a complete amateur. I had a backpack that had been left behind by one of my foster kids; 2 pairs of used sneakers; 3 pairs of $1 cotton socks; a “jungle hammock;” and my son's sleeping bag, tied together with a rope that also tied it around my waist, because it didn’t fit in the backpack!
I had the beginning backpacker's love-hate relationship with the trail. As soon as I finished, I joined the Susquehannock Trail Club (STC). Then, per recommendation in the STC newsletter, I sent in $15 and joined Keystone Trails Association. I volunteered on a KTA trail crew on the Donut Hole Trail, where I learned for the first time about Pennsylvania's many hiking trails – and I fell in love with the people of the KTA hiking community. Show your appreciation with a contribution today!
I chose my new sport partly because it was cheap. Golfers, skiers, and most campers pay for their adventures. But we hikers and backpackers... we enjoy our trails, and even camping... for free! Because, many others dedicate their time and money to care for the trails.
I am thankful that the life-changing woods and the trails were there for me – for free. However, I've also come to realize that free (for me) did not come without cost (from someone else). Now that I'm in a position to do my share, I don't want to be what economists call “a free rider” - like someone who jumps or ducks the subway stile.
My third and final year as President on KTA’s Board of Directors comes to an end this fall. I wish I could turn over the reins with a confidence that we have developed a sustainable future, but that is not the case. I wish that we would not have to worry about turnover of smart, personable, wonderful staff, but that is not presently the case. As a hiking community, we have not fully assumed our responsibilities. Help KTA today with your gift.
Perhaps you were fortunate, as I was, to have parents who taught you how to live responsibly: save 10%, give 10%, and live on the rest. You are a giver. Would you please consider making KTA part of your regular giving legacy, to do your part for the trails we love?
For KTA to have a sustainable future, we need 50 people to commit themselves to give $20/month for our Keep Trails Alive program. I understand that not everyone is able to do that, because of medical expenses, previous debts, or other obligations. However, I believe that the fifty people KTA needs are out there, and I ask you to consider being one of them.
If you can make only a one-time donation, rest assured that that is not taken for granted, but if you would be one of the special folks who will join the Keep Trails Alive program with $20/month, we would be very deeply appreciative. We officers on KTA's Board give many multiples of that monthly, but we cannot do it alone.
Thank you, my fellow hikers, for joining us in doing your part for Pennsylvania's trails. 
I love you!
Sincerely,
Wanda Shirk, President, KTA Board of Directors