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July 2024
"The end of June saw a fun and informative interactive design session for the Scott Farm, generating exciting ideas for KTA's future home. This gathering, like the Trail Love trail maintenance event on National Trails Days at the beginning of the month, underscored the power of partnerships and the good things that happen when people come together for a common purpose. Read on and be energized about adventuring in Pennsylvania.'s great outdoors. Thank you for being part of our enthusiastic community of hikers and stewards!"
- Brook Lenker, KTA Executive Director
President's Trailhead
The Scott Farm along the Appalachian Trail will eventually become KTA's headquarters. KTA has started preparing the Scott Farm Trailhead Master Site Plan. We recently held a charette with KTA Staff, Board Members, and stakeholders like ATC, Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, CVATC, and others to begin the brainstorming of ideas. We are now seeking your input on what should be done at the Scott Farm Trailhead space to better serve the community and visitors. Please help us by taking our survey (due by July 15th) : Enter survey here! -KTA President, Board of Directors, Wayne Gross Click to read more of the President's Trailhead!
TRAIL LOVE 2024 - Michaux Edition Recap!
Weekday Trail Care Opportunities
Keystone Trails Association is again partnering with the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy to host Trail Care days throughout the summer.
You're invited to join us at LeTort Spring Garden Preserve near Carlisle for workday trail opportunities! These events suit individuals of all experience levels, whether you're new to trail maintenance or a seasoned veteran. Activities will include maintaining existing trails and constructing two new accessible trails.
Dates to join KTA at LeTort Spring Garden Preserve: Tuesday, July 23rd, 9:00am (women-only workday with Women Who Explore) Tuesday, August 20th, 9:00am
Calling all community members and visitors, KTA is excited to be developing a master site plan for the future of the Scott Farm Trailhead! What do YOU think should be done at the Scott Farm Trailhead space to better serve the community and visitors? Please help us by taking our survey by clicking on this link
KTA LOYALSOCK TRAIL SLACKPACK!
Join Brook Lenker, KTA Executive Director, for a three-day, two-night adventure, September 13-15, 2024, on the mightily scenic Loyalsock Trail, a Pennsylvania favorite. More information below!
Wilderness Advanced First Aid
Keystone Trails Associations announces a WAFA training this fall! Please see below for more course details. Congratulations to all the new Wilderness First Responders! KTA staff Al Germann and Kate Prisby recently completed over 30+ hours online and five days focusing on hands-on skills. Wilderness first responders are individuals trained to provide emergency care in remote locations. They are part of a diverse group of medical providers who handle medical emergencies in the wilderness. Thank you, Blue Mountain Medic and Wilderness Medical Associates!
KTA Announces Spring 2024 Mini-Grant Recipients!
The KTA Grants-to-Clubs program offers funding to KTA member organizations for projects beneficial to trails, the vitality of their organization, and the practice of hiking. We are pleased to fund the Blaze on Ventures - Lorain/Stonycreek Hiking Trails! Stay tuned for more project updates!
Blaze on Ventures - Lorain/Stonycreek Hiking Trails in Johnstown, PA used the KTA mini-grant to purchase new chainsaws for trail maintenance season. The club had been using volunteers equipment in the past. New chainsaws would allow the club to be better equipped to deal with down trees and campsite maintenance.
Meet A PA HIKER
👋 Meet Jessica, a KTA member and supporter from Philadelphia, 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. "
Allegheny National Forest Hiking Weekend August 16-18 (Fri-Sun) | Allegheny National Forest A long-standing tradition, KTA's ANF Hiking Weekend is great for hikers looking for a laid-back weekend with friends (or friends-to-be). Explore the beautiful forests on guided group hikes during the day. Then enjoy relaxing evenings with a prepared dinner, attend a special guest presentation, or head into town for a night out!Register Now > - Limited Spaces Available!
Trail Challenge 25K Hike/Run September 7 (Sat) |Lower Susquehanna Gorge Challenge yourself to complete these arduous miles of steep climbs and rocky terrain punctuated with fantastic vistas and scenic forest hollows. The course is great for both trail runners pushing for their best times on rugged trails and hikers aiming to complete the strenuous challenge before the evening finish cutoff.*Early bird pricing ends June 30!*Register Now >
KTA Primitive Slackpack September 13-15th|Loyalsock Trail - Eastern Section
Bucolic Worlds End State Park will be the base for group camping and breakfast & dinners prepared by KTA. Each day, slackpackers are shuttled to and from the trail to traverse 6.5, 7.6, and 5.6 miles respectively, carrying ample water and packed lunches. The heavy stuff (e.g tents, sleeping bags, etc.) remains at the campground. This supported expedition is a great way to experience nearly 20 miles of an awe inspiring trail. The registration fee includes three days of guided hikes, shuttles to and from the campsite and trail, and two breakfasts, two dinners, and two lunches. Participants bring their own tent, camping gear, and day one lunch. A full "what to bring" list will be provided to registrants. Optional round-trip transportation from Harrisburg is available for an increased fee. Participants will meet at either the Dauphin Park and Ride lot or the Worlds End State Park office. Cost: KTA Members $179.00 with shuttle from Harrisburg, $139.00 meeting at Worlds End. Non-Members: $199.00 with shuttle from Harrisburg. $159.00 meeting at Worlds End. Register Now!
Keystone Hiking and Outdoor Weekend October 18-20 (Fri-Sun) | Susquehanna Riverlands Explore the Susquehanna Riverlands through a create-your-own-experience-style weekend! Choose from events hosted by community and outdoor-related organizations to highlight the natural recreational assets of the region. We will have guided adventures, educational opportunities, and stewardship activities. Learn More >Registration opens August 1st!
Pennsylvania Hiking Club Symposium November 16th (Sat)| SAVE THE DATE The Keystone Trails Association's Hiking Club Symposium is an event that promises a day of fun, learning, and camaraderie for Pennsylvania Hiking Clubs and partners.
Wilderness Advanced First Aid November 7-10th| Camp Hebron, Halifax, PA This November KTA offers a four-day Wilderness Advanced First Aid class sanctioned by Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA). According to WMA, "Wilderness Advanced First Aid is the perfect entry-level course for outdoor adventurers and outdoor professionals who may need to provide patient care when help is delayed for hours to days. The course focuses on basic lifesaving skills, patient assessment, field care for common injuries and illnesses, environmental illnesses, and proper reporting for rescue assistance." Wilderness Advanced First Aid provides invaluable confidence and medical skills to anyone who spends time in the outdoors or leads group activities in outdoor settings. The course includes expert instruction, course materials, coffee & continental breakfast daily, and lunch daily. Class will run from approximately 8:00 am- 5/5:30 pm. Lodging may be available upon request with Camp Hebron at extra cost. Participants will be expected to set up an account and view course information at a WMA website prior to attending the course (KTA will send details to registrants). Cost: ​$375 - KTA Volunteers $400 - KTA Members and member organizations $425 - General Public/Non-Members "A limited number of partial scholarships may be available. If interested, please contact KTA" Register Here!
Virgin Islands National Park Hiking & Eco Adventure| KTA International Trip Fundraiser January 19-26, 2025 | SAVE THE DATE Experience American paradise with KTA! Traverse the many trails in this U.S. national park spanning two thirds of the island of St. John. Explore stunning beaches, exceptional vistas, historic ruins, diverse terrain, and unique ecosystems. Swim or snorkel through sapphire waters and across the coral reefs fringing this natural wonderland. The trip includes roundtrip flights from Harrisburg, seven night’s lodging, all ground transportation, guided daily hikes, ferry service between St. Thomas and St. John, and a farewell dinner the last night of the journey. Accommodations are treehouse-like cottages at Concordia Eco Resort, founded by a pioneer of sustainable tourism. The cottages have kitchen amenities so meals can be prepared on your own or visit the on-site restaurant. Registration opens August 1. Price: $3,549.00 (double occupancy only)
Spring Hiking Weekend at Raystown Lake! April 25-27, 2025| SAVE THE DATE
“Our National Parks, no matter how grand in scale, are too small and separated from one another to preserve (native) species to the levels needed. Thus, the concept for Homegrown National Park, a bottom-up call-to-action to restore habitat where we live and work, and to a lesser extent where we farm and graze, extending national parks to our yards and communities.” Learn more about Homegrown National Park!
Healthy Lands Week is a statewide initiative to strengthen volunteer activities, engage visitors, and raise awareness of stewardship of cultural and natural resources. This year’s impactful event runs from National Public Lands Day on September 28 through A Walk in Penn’s Woods Day on October 6. Healthy Lands Week also supports Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Pick Up Pennsylvania initiative.
Help identify jumping worms! PA iMapInvasives invites everyone to search for and report their findings of invasive jumping worms (Amynthas-Metaphire spp.) that negatively impact our state’s economic and ecological resources.To participate, individuals are asked to survey in residential settings and natural areas with all findings being submitted to iMapInvasives throughout the month of July.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission announced the expansion of several Chronic Wasting Disease Management Areas (DMAs) due to new detections of the disease. - Learn more from the PA Game Commission
The Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program (WCPP) is a competitive grant program with the goal of reducing Wildlife Vehicle Collisions (WVCs) while improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. For more information visit U.S. Dept of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
7/4: Join Friends of Kings Gap on the lawn in front of the Cameron-Masland Mansion on the first Sunday of each summer month for music and fun! Friends of Kings Gap
7/11: SATC Summer Picnic - The summer picnic will be at Creekview Park NORTH in Hampden Township (4630 Creekview Road, Mechanicsburg). 5:30 PM – Social Time 6:00 PM - Dinner: RSVP to Cindy Mundis
7/13: The AT Museum welcomes Christine Reed on Saturday, July 13th at 1pm as she presents How to Become a Rugged Outdoorswoman: overcoming ideas that are holding you back from your next big adventure. The AT Museum
8/4: Baker Trail UltraChallenge (50-mile ultramarathon on the Baker Trail; the "challenge" is for you or your relay team to win, or at least finish within 14 hours!
7/11: Land Protection Group Meeting Join dozens of your conservation colleagues for an in-person gathering (Reading, PA) of those involved in acquiring and stewarding land and conservation easements on Thursday, July 11, from 9 am to noon, WeConservePa
9/21: The Appalachian Trail Museum announces the A.T. Hall of Fame Induction. The Induction will begin at 1 pm and will be held at the Army Heritage Education Center, located at 950 Soldiers Dr, Carlisle, PA 17013: RSVP HERE
FEATURED KTA STORE ITEM
Loyalsock Trail Guide
Thinking of the Loyalsock Slackpack? The Alpine Club of Williamsport presents a guide to the Loyalsock Trail and side trails. Hand-assembled paperback with 3 water-resistant, color maps. 20th edition (2020); 51 pages; 3.75" x 5.75".
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