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February 2026
As I enter my final weeks of service as the organization's executive director, I feel wrapped in a weighted blanket - not an encumbrance, but a comforting embrace amongst a galaxy of KTA stars. From the explorers in our orbits to the programs we teach, the places we touch and the conservation we achieve, you are kindred travelers on paths through this cosmos. I feel lucky and blessed to have shared in the mission for a fleeting moment of planetary time. A leader of trail things should think in terrestrial terms, but this work has taken me sky high. Together we have accomplished so much, but there is more to do. Hiking is our nucleus, but how can we accelerate its power - to spark environmental awareness and action, and maximize its other benefits? Trails are our gravity, but how can we take them further and make them better? Members, both clubs and individuals, are the spacecraft that enable the journey. How can they be assembled, strengthened, and fueled to reach new heights? These are challenges to be expected, and with the brilliant minds involved with mission control, challenges to be met or overcome. Thank you for joining me on a 4.4 year voyage through annual trajectories and memorable frontiers. When I look down, I am awed. Together, we have sowed fertile ground. Our world is blooming and it is beautiful . . . because of all of you.
Please join me in welcoming KTA's bold new navigator, Holly Smith. The ship is truly on an exciting arc in its undauntable quest through the universe of outdoor discovery and stewardship. ~ Brook Lenker, Executive Director
President's Trailhead
February brings change here at KTA. This month, we wish our Executive Director, Brook Lenker, a fond farewell as he retires at the end of February. Personally, I have enjoyed our three years of weekly Thursday calls as we navigated many of the hurdles that have arisen for KTA along the way, and I count him as a friend. Happy trails, Brook! We welcome Holly Smith as our new Executive Director. She officially starts on February 17th.
Holly grew up roaming the woods near her home outside of Pittsburgh and spending many summers with her grandparents on an island in New Hampshire, where lakes, pine trees, and granite hooked her for life. Summer cross-country car trips — powered by her mom’s adventurous spirit — sealed her love of hiking and camping. After moving to central PA, she found her way to Shippensburg University in 1998, earning her BS in environmental education and her MS in geoenvironmental studies, during which time she also discovered backpacking. Spending a few days in the backcountry while honeymooning in the Tetons, backpacking the Grand Canyon (twice!), birding with Audubon PA, and learning tracking skills rounded out her outdoor résumé. Through her work as environmental educator and program coordinator with Audubon and Master Watershed Steward Coordinator with Penn State Extension, she sharpened and enhanced her knowledge of, and experience with, environmental science and community education. It was there she learned the value and pleasure of working with volunteers. Her work as program manager and then director at the Center for Land Use and Sustainability at Shippensburg University brought her past experiences together, sharpening her skills and blending them with a growing passion for recreation — ultimately leading her to KTA. She and her husband, a longtime rock climber, live in Carlisle and have two sons, now 22 and 18, who were raised on outdoor play. They also have a 4.5 - year old granddaughter, who is an expert nature explorer. During their spare time, Holly and her husband head to woods for hiking or to water for paddling or snorkeling. Holly also spends part of her weekends tending to retired horses at Rock Run Animal Rescue.
Holly is thrilled to step into Brook’s hiking boots and continue his remarkable work at KTA. She’s eager to learn from the amazing staff, Board, and trail club members who make it all happen. While applying for the position, she was impressed — and a bit flabbergasted — by KTA’s reach and impact across the Commonwealth, yet the people and the work felt immediately familiar. She’s excited to help move KTA’s mission forward, and looks forward to getting her boots under her.
KTA GRANTS TO CLUBS
KTA Member organizations can now apply for projects that benefit trails, the vitality of clubs, and hiking. The Spring 2026 round will award up to fifteen (15) $500 grants to qualifying organizations.
Trekking on the International Appalachian Trail Ulster-Ireland
Explore the wild northern reaches of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland on this KTA International Hiking Trip Fundraiser along the legendary International Appalachian Trail (IAT) Ulster–Ireland. Dates: August 9–20, 2026.
Big news: The lottery is now open and accepting applications. If epic coastal views, rich history, and meaningful miles for a great cause sound like your thing, this is your moment.
👉 Apply now and take your shot at an unforgettable international hiking adventure. Learn more and enter the lottery here.
Spring Hiking Weekend
Registration is open for Spring Hiking Weekend! Participants can choose from a wide range of activities suitable for many experience levels, with daily carpools coordinated from the Summit Inn. Join us for the entire weekend or for just one day. There are activities for all ages and ability levels. New for 2026, KTA is offering a “Give Back to the Outdoors Extended Weekend”, allowing attendees to arrive early for hands-on stewardship opportunities with the Mountain Watershed Association.
👉 Activities are filling up fast! Learn more and register here!
Policy and Action
On February 3 the Shapiro Administration announced $1.4 million in new investments to expand and improve all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails and facilities across Pennsylvania. Grants were distributed to several municipalities and organizations. The press release stated, "DCNR is working with partners at the local and state level, including the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, to expand ATV riding opportunities." It is this intention that most concerns KTA - that the integrity of our state forests will be further compromised by an expansion of ATV routes, and the enjoyment of hiking diminished. In 2023, KTA, in conjunction with Stony Creek Films, released a short documentary film that explores this issue and what's at stake. Please watch the video and tell the Governor and Pennsylvania lawmakers to protect our forests from ATVs.
KTA's executive director, Brook Lenker, recently testified at a PA DEP hearing regarding Pennsylvania General Energy's fracked gas development plans for a 3.9 mile access road, well pads, staging areas, and a pipeline in the Loyalsock State Forest close to Jacoby Falls. "It sickens me to think of the thousands upon thousands of repetitive violations and accidents committed by this industry. It's nearly a daily occurence. The industry's legacy is dystopian, leaving a wake of spills, leaks, habitat destruction, and fugitive emissions," Lenker said. The Loyalsock State Forest and Loyalsock Trail are wild respites loved by many Pennsylvanians. The Loyalsock Creek was declared River of the Year in 2018. The headwater streams in the path of PGE's plans feed that very river. At stake are treasured resources performing essential ecological functions. KTA believes in a verdant, sustainable, and beckoning commonwealth. Fossil fuel activity on public lands is antithetical to that vision. Accordingly, Lenker asked the DEP to deny a Chapter 105 permit (regarding stream encroachment) for PGE's project.
It's not too late to voice your concerns. Written statements must be received at DEP by the close of business on February 10. Written statements should be sent via the U.S. Postal Service to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Eastern Oil and Gas District Office, 208 West Third Street Suite 101,Williamsport, PA 17701, or emailed to RA-EPEASTERNOGPRG@pa.gov. Each written statement must contain the name, address, and e-mail address or telephone number of the person submitting the comments, identification of the permit application (Saluda Access Road and Staging Area), and a concise statement of the objections to the permit application and the relevant facts upon which the objections are based.
New DCNR Grant to Support KTA's Work
On January 12, PA DCNR announced their latest round of grants to support recreation and conservation projects across the state. KTA was awarded $229,600 for communications, training, and volunteer-coordination efforts in 2026 and 2027. "Your DCNR grant award is recognition of outstanding recreation and conservation work . . . " said DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn in the notification letter to KTA. "The Department is committed to building community conservation partnerships with local governments and nonprofit organizations to protect critical natural areas and open space, develop greenways and trails, provide quality park, recreation and conservation opportunities, and to improve the quality of life in Pennsylvania's communities."
The funding comes from the Environmental Stewardship Fund via the Community Conservation Partnerships Program administered by DCNR. We are grateful to be entrusted with this investment, and look forward to implementing the numerous exciting activities outlined in the work plan. Thank you, DCNR!
Featured KTA Store Item
Smoke to See By brings readers deep into the foothills of Northern Appalachia through vivid essays and stories of wildlife, weather, work, and place. With a sharp eye and a grounded heart, Ben Moyer reveals the quiet wonder and resilience of a landscape many overlook. Join Ben Moyer for a book discussion during Spring Hiking Weekend and experience this region up close, the way he does.
The South Central Accessible Adventure Guidebook is hot off the press! It is intended to excite and inspire- to encourage everyone to visit trails and experience them according to their own aspirations and abilities. Information is provided to facilitate safe introductory outings for individuals with the use of mobility aids or otherwise have limited mobility or face other physical challenges. The guide features 12 outstanding trails from across the south central region.
The guidebook is produced by Brook Lenker, Keystone Trails Association, Janetta Green, JW Consulting, John Naylor, and Josie Byzek. Funding for this program was provided by Partnership for Better Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
If you like talking about hiking and KTA, come join our cadre of table volunteers that attend public events (like races, conferences, and concerts) to promote KTA. We anticipate about 20 events this year, and are looking to expand our current volunteer pool. You'll work alongside another volunteer, meet great people, and help recruit more folks to KTA!
Thank you to the Fayette County Tourism Grant Program, administered through Go Laurel Highlands, for supporting Keystone Trails Association’s Spring Hiking Weekend. Pictured are KTA’s Haley Feaster and the Fayette County Commissioners. This grant program helps increase visitation, enhance the visitor experience, and encourage overnight stays across Fayette county by reinvesting local room tax dollars into tourism assets.
February KTA Trail Care Updates
KTA is excited to release some details of our upcoming 42nd season of the Trail Care Program! We are returning to familiar trails and heading to exciting new locales, such as Chapman State Park in Allegheny National Forest, Warren County. As more details are solidified, we will update the Trail Care website, with opportunities to sign up coming soon! We are also working on coordinating a Trail Care Academy training event similar to last year’s, but more in the center of the state. Schedule and registration coming soon. Stay tuned and keep an eye on the Trail Care website!
Trail Care Events (thus far! Those in italics are tentative): 🥾 March 27-29: Trail Care Academy training, Stone Valley Recreation Area 🥾 April 23-26: TRAIL CARE: Reeds Gap/White Mtn Ridge; Camp Karoondinha- Harris Cabin 🥾 May 7-8: Cabin Care: spring cleaning/remodeling Panther Run Cabin (PRC) 🥾 May 9-10: Eagleton 86 Trail Race, KTA Trail Care Aid Station, camp at PRC 🥾 May 14-17: TRAIL CARE: North Country Trail, TBA 🥾 May 22-23: TRAIL CARE Code Orange: Chuck Keiper Trail; PRC 🥾 May 28-31: TRAIL CARE: Tiadaghton State Forest Trails; Pump Station Cabin 🥾 June 5-7: TRAIL LOVE: Kittatinny Edition 🥾 June 11-14: TRAIL CARE: Mid State Trail-Everett Region, Tenley Park 🥾 June 18-21: TRAIL CARE: Mid State Trail-Tioga Region, Hills Creek Group Tenting Area 🥾 June 25-28: TRAIL CARE: Mid State Trail-State College Region, Camp Mount Luther 🥾 July 9-12: PSU Adventure Club TRAIL CARE: Sproul Trails, PRC 🥾 July 23-26: ALL WOMEN'S TRAIL CARE: Sproul Trails, PRC 🥾 Aug. 6-9: TRAIL CARE: Donut Hole Trail, Hyner Run State Park 🥾 Aug. 20-23: TRAIL CARE: Allegheny Front Trail, Black Moshannon State Park 🥾 Aug. 27-30: TRAIL CARE: Hickory Run State Park Trails, HRSP 🥾 Sept. 10-13: TRAIL CARE: Pinchot Trail, TBA 🥾 Sept. 10-13: TRAIL CARE: Bucktail Path, Sinnemahoning State Park 🥾 Sept. 24-27: TRAIL CARE: Chapman State Park Trails, CSP 🥾 Oct. 3: TRAIL CARE Code Orange: Gifford Pinchot State Park 🥾 Oct. 31: TRAIL CARE Code Orange: KTA’s A.T. Section @ Lehigh Gap 🥾 Oct. 2-Nov. 1: TRAIL CARE: Chuck Keiper Trail, PRC 🥾 Nov. 5-8: TRAIL CARE: T Squared Trail, Jersey Mills Ranger Station
Club Hours
Traditionally, KTA has collected volunteer statistics from our trail clubs. Most clubs request this information from their members and volunteers when they work on the trail: how many miles of trail, number of volunteers on the work trip, and round trip driving miles to the trailhead. In 2024, we switched from time driven to miles driven, to align with DCNR's Conservation Volunteer Program reporting parameters. You can submit time driven if that's what you have. We encourage you to collect this data if not already, and you can submit your 2025 data via the form here.
KTA Webinar: Live Staking February 10, 2026 - 6:00 pm| Virtual Join reforestation expert Ryan Davis with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to learn about live staking, a technique to plant native trees and shrubs from cuttings. This method can be a fast, free way to increase biodiversity and improve water and habitat quality. Registration is free, but required. Learn more and register here.
Rescheduled Bird Migration Hike with Pennsylvania Game Commission February 21, 2026 - 2:30 pm| Stevens, Pa Middle Creek is a Globally Important Bird Area managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. It provides an annual winter resting spot for migrating tundra swans and snow geese. During this time, bird counts can reach over 100,000. Join KTA and the Pennsylvania Game Commission for a short, guided hike to discuss Middle Creek's history, snow goose migration, and other natural wonders. Learn more and register here.
KTA Webinar: What's So Cool About a Vernal Pool? April 7, 2026 - 6:00 pm| Virtual Vernal pools are isolated, small wetlands that only contain water for part of the year. They are often found in the forest and are easy to overlook while hiking, yet they are vitally important to the survival of several wildlife species. Join Miranda Smith, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Southwest Region Education Specialist, to learn about vernal pools and how they serve as a vital habitat. Registration is free, but required. Learn more and register here.
North Country Trail Slackpack- Clarion June 10-12, 2026 | Clarion, PA Join KTA and the Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail for three days of hiking and half day of kayaking the Clarion River. Save the date! Registration opening soon.
Trekking on the International Appalachian Trail Ulster-Ireland KTA International Trip Fundraiser August 9-20, 2026 | Lottery is now open! Explore the northern reaches of the Republic of Ireland as well as the Causeway Coast section of Northern Ireland on this KTA international hiking trip fundraiser. The International Appalachian Trail Ulster-Ireland begins in the west in West Donegal in the Republic of Ireland and stretches for 279 miles into Northern Ireland, finishing in Larne in County Antrim. We will explore several sections of trail in the Republic of Ireland near Donegal before transitioning to Northern Ireland to hike several days on the Causeway Coast section of trail, which includes the Giant's Causeway. The trip includes roundtrip airfare from Dulles (IAD), ten night's lodging, all ground transportation, guided daily hikes, and some meals. Transport to and from Dulles is also provided in a large passenger van from Harrisburg. Luggage transport is included so that participants will never need to carry more than a daypack while hiking. Accommodations are in modern hotels/inns. Price: $4,999 (double occupancy only) Learn more and enter the lottery here!
Forests for All: The DCNR Bureau of Forestry has released its Forests for All Strategic Plan, outlining priorities for the future stewardship of Pennsylvania’s forests. Check out the plan here.
Get paid to care for PA’s outdoors! The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps is recruiting 9-month crew members to work on trail repairs, tree planting, and forest conservation across Pennsylvania. Gain hands-on experience and professional training. Learn more or apply here.
Have a say in NWPA’s outdoor future! The Northwest Commission is collecting input for an Outdoor Recreation Economy Study. Take the short survey to share how you recreate and what matters most—your voice helps guide future planning and investment. Survey open through Feb 27. Take it here.
Apply for Regional Trail Workshop Grants! Funded by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and administered by WeConservePA, these grants support trail, water trail, and greenway education and safety training. Learn more & apply here.
Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year announced! The Conestoga River has been named PA’s 2026 River of the Year. Learn more here.
Nominate a Trail Champion! Know someone in your local trail community who goes above and beyond for the North Country Trail? Nominate them for a North Country Trail Association Award—recognizing outstanding volunteer contributions of time, talent, and support. Nominations for 2026 awards are open now through April 6. Learn more and review award details here.
Other PA Club & Organization Events
Hike the Hill 2026 — Feb 9–11 (Virtual) | March 1–5, 2026 (Washington, DC) Registration is open for Hike the Hill 2026. Virtual Issue Briefings take place Feb 9–11, followed by the in-person event March 1–5 in DC. Presented with American Trails, this annual effort by the American Hiking Society and the Partnership for the National Trails System brings the trails community together to advocate for funding, public lands, and shared trail priorities. Learn more here.
A.T. Museum Spring Work Days — Fri–Sat, March 20–21, 2026 | Gardners, PA Save the dates for the 2026 A.T. Museum Spring Work Days at the A.T. Museum (1120 Pine Grove Rd). Two work sessions are planned: Friday, March 20, 1–4 pm (indoor tasks) and Saturday, March 21, 10 am–1 pm (outdoor tasks), with flexibility built in for weather. Learn more & sign up here.
Hellbender Hootenanny — Sat, March 21, 2026 | Harrisburg, PA The New Cumberland Collective presents the Second Annual Hellbender Hootenanny on March 21 at 7:00 pm at Abbey Bar. Tickets are $15, with all proceeds supporting local land and natural resource conservation in South-Central Pennsylvania. Learn more and get tickets here.
Spring Up Peters Mountain — Sat, March 21, 2026 | Duncannon, PA Volunteers needed to help the York Hiking Club with spring trail cleanup on the Appalachian Trail. No experience required—just a willingness to get outside and give back. Learn more & sign up here.
72nd Annual Meeting of Alpine Club of Williamsport — Sun, March 22, 2026 | Hillsgrove, PA. Attendees are welcome to join us for a bite to eat at 3 pm. The meeting of Loyalsock Trail friends will start at 4 PM. Learn more here.
Wilderness First Aid — April 18–19 | Oliver, Pa Presented by Outside In. This Wilderness First Aid course provides essential skills for managing medical emergencies in outdoor and remote settings. Please contact administration@myoutsidein.org for more details.
Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference — April 29–May 1, 2026 | Lancaster, PA. Join the Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference at the the premier networking and training event for land conservation professionals. Learn more here.
Hike Across Maryland (HAM) 2026 — Sat, May 23, 2026 | Maryland Save the date for the 2026 Hike Across Maryland on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Mountain Club members will receive a registration invitation around Feb 14, with non-member registration opening Feb 28. First-time, non-member hikers should email their full name and email to get started.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Summer Nature Camps — June 15–Aug 7, 2026 | Kempton, PA. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary announces 2026 Summer Nature Camps—eight weeks of hands-on outdoor learning for youth in grades 1–5, running June 15 through Aug 7. Learn more here.
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