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December 2024 Happy Holidays - A Year End Message
The holidays are a time for joyous reflection. Our association is a bourgeoning evergreen in the Keystone wonderlands. You are the ornaments that make us special, the lights upon our needles, the stars for whom we reach.
We deeply appreciate the support, involvement, and enthusiasm of so many people in making 2024 an epic year for KTA. The organization achieved many milestones, including:
Celebrating a successful 40th anniversary year for the Trail Care program
Adopting and implementing the first year of a five-year strategic plan
Beginning master site planning for the Scott Farm, future home of KTA
Distributing 11 mini grants to trail and hiking clubs to help in their endeavors throughout the Commonwealth
Developing a hiking guidebook to the rugged and beautiful PA Wilds region
Purchasing a plug-in hybrid van Through the generous bequest of the George Probst estate (look for KTA on the roads as well as the trails!)
Diversifying funding with grants from DCNR, the RK Mellon Foundation, and other important partners
Continuing growth of the Keystone Trails Endowment fund with new donors and donations
Launching a new hiking award for teenagers
Offering numerous outings, programs, and trainings as well as an international hiking trip
Hosting a well-attended spring hiking weekend in the Poconos and our first-ever Keystone Hiking and Outdoor Weekend, held in the Susquehanna Riverlands And so much more
In 2025, we will further grow and diversify KTA's membership and volunteer base, spearhead new ways to promote PA's hiking trails and local trail clubs, and foster more partnerships for programming, stewardship, and advocacy. Together, we create a thriving community of hikers who relish conservation and the great outdoors.
At year’s end, take a moment to think about the many superb hiking opportunities we have in Pennsylvania. Consider the effort required of countless individuals and organizations to make these experiences possible. The dedication is truly inspiring.
KTA is a passionate constituency with a can-do vibe. Our noble mission is made manifest through your generosity. During the holiday season, please consider a monetary gift to help us illuminate the glories of hiking and hiking trails for many seasons to come. Please make your secure donation at www.kta-hike.org/donate
If you are unable to make a financial contribution, you can assist in other ways. Consider volunteering at a Trail Care event, serving as a hike leader, or being an ambassador at a KTA exhibit. Try getting involved with a local group that connects people to the tranquility and bounty of nature. The spirit of giving can be exercised in honor of this wintry occasion or at any time throughout the year, but whenever it happens, we are filled with gratitude. Thank you for your benevolence.
Happy Holidays,
Wayne E. Gross President, Board of Directors, Keystone Trails Association
Brook Lenker Executive Director, Keystone Trails Association
The last Trail Care of 2024 was held November 2nd on KTA's section of the Appalachian Trail near Lehigh Gap. Twelve volunteers helped clear 1.5 miles of the trail of encroaching vegetation, and we greatly improved a greenbriar-choked section by widening the trail. It was a beautiful, not-too-cold day. Unfortunately there were two low points that day: we discovered household rubbish in the form of a pool table and card game table dumped in the Lehigh Gap East parking lot. The adage of "litter begets litter" is true, as someone posted that the pile has grown and now includes a washing machine and other garbage. KTA will be working with ATC to get this cleaned up. Also that day, we found out that a wildfire had just started on the east side of the Lehigh RIver. Local fire crews were able to contain it in a day or two, with minimal damage and only a couple days of trail closure.
On Sunday, November 24th, we held the 2nd Annual Volunteer Celebration. Those in attendance were treated to pizza and snacks, fellowship, and a slideshow detailing 2024's Trail Care season accomplishments. KTA would like to recognize the following individuals who received awards for volunteering at multiple events: Rita Black, Victoria Buckwash, Martyann Gutierrez, Andrea Histand (3 events); Steve Black, Shira Blady, Paul Brechbiel, Jessica Garsed, Wayne Gross, Ed Lawrence, Brian MacNamara, Dave Mitchell (4); Chris Brady, Polly Chatterton, Joe Hardisky, Liz Lingle, Pat Roberts, David "Cyril" Quatrone (5); Donna Thompson (6), Tom O'Donnell (9); Tony Robbins (14), and Tom Bastian (17). Also, all of the above, as well as Kevin Busko and Valerie Hoffman, received the spiffy 40 for 40 bandana in celebration of the Trail Care Program's 40th Anniversary this year. They contributed 40 hours of volunteer work over the 19 events.
The 2024 season featured some awesome projects such as the reroute on the Chuck Keiper Trail Cross Connector, the inaugural Trail Love event in Michaux State Forest, hundreds of feet of puncheon, bog bridges, and turnpikes installed in chronically wet flat areas, and the rehabilitation of the Beaver Run Bridge on the Quehanna Trail Eastern Cross Connector, as well as miles upon miles of regular maintenance. Future hikers owe a debt of gratitude to KTA's Trail Care volunteers!
The 2025 Trail Care schedule should be finalized and published by the end of this month. We look forward to the next Trail Care season and hope to see many returning volunteers as well as new people who want to give it a try.
KTA Advocacy Updates
On November 21, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved a preliminary permit for the Cuff’s Run pumped storage hydroelectric project in the Susquehanna Riverlands of York County. KTA is an intervenor in opposition to the project as it would destroy an irreplaceable portion of the Mason Dixon Trail and substantially degrade scenic and ecological qualities of an important state-designated designated conservation landscape. The Susquehanna River would face further stressors on a portion of the waterway already impacted by existing hydroelectric dams.
The preliminary permit is only the first of many hurdles that the project must meet and there are still opportunities to stop it. A coalition of groups, including KTA, are carefully planning next steps to address this disappointing decision by FERC. KTA will keep you informed of actions you can take to voice your opposition to the project.
In other news, the Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Foundation filed a petition in Commonwealth Court challenging the constitutionality of ATVs on Pennsylvania’s state forests. KTA submitted an affidavit in support of the filing. Learn more in this blog by David Hess.
KTA Spring Hiking Weekend 2025
Join us April 25-27, 2025 at Lake Raystown Resort and get outdoors. The weekend will showcase regional hikes, Earth Day activities, an outdoor-themed book discussion, bike rides, guest speakers, dog-friendly activities, and more. Event and meal registration goes live in January.
KTA has secured discounted rooms through March 10. Book the room of your choice by contacting the lodge directly at: (814) 658-3500 extension 0. When you call, be sure to say you are booking through the Keystone Trails Association block rate; this will ensure you get a discount. You can explore lodging options here. Please note, our discounted rates expired after March 10; bookings made after that date will be at a higher price.
Meet A PA HIKER
👋 Meet Rachel & Kent, KTA supporters from Berks County!
Q: "What type of hiking do you typically prefer most often?" A: "We spend many weeknights and most weekends day-hiking in and around Berks County. "
Support KTA's mission to provide, protect, preserve, and promote recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Shop our newly designed merchandise here!
KTA Webinars
🌐 "100 Years of the Appalachian Trail" by Jim Foster - Listen Here
🎤 "Fastest Known Time" with FKT Athlete Bob Stewart - Listen Here
🖥️ The North Country Trail Association Presents "The NCT in Pennsylvania" - Tuesday, December 10th at 6pm - Register Here
📺 "Blazing Ahead" KTA Trail Care Watercolor and Blazing webinar Tuesday, January 7th at 6pm - Register Here
🎥 "Safely Hiking with your Dog" co-hosted by HSUS and Dr. Resnick, Veterinarian.Tuesday, February 18th at 6pm- Register Here
KTA WEBINAR SERIES:The North Country Trail Association December 10, 2024 (Tue) 6:00 PM Join KTA for a webinar on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 6:00 pm with special guest Lauren Kennedy-Little, Regional Trail Coordinator - PA & Ohio, NCTA .The North Country Trail Association (NCTA) is the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service in developing, maintaining, protecting, and promoting the North Country National Scenic Trail. The NCTA unites volunteers, affiliated trail groups, and others in support of caring for the trail and telling its story. Registration is free but required! Register Now >
KTA WEBINAR SERIES: "Blazing Ahead!!" January 7, 2025 (Tue) | 6:00 PM This unique session will feature an engaging watercolor painting instruction by PA Wilds artist Julie Mader, paired with valuable insights on trail care blazing by KTA Trail Care Manager Jenn Ulmer. Registration is free, but required. Register Now > Purchase your D.I.Y. watercolor kit by December 30th to receive by webinar. Proceeds benefit KTA Trail Care. Purchase Here >
KTA WEBINAR SERIES:Hiking with Your Dog February 18, 2024 (Tue) 6:00 PM Safely Hiking with your Dog co-hosted by HSUS State Director Kristen Tullo and Dr. Resnick, Veterinarian. Tuesday, February 18th at 6pm. Registration is free but required. Register here!
Virgin Islands National Park Hiking & Eco Adventure| KTA International Trip Fundraiser January 19-26, 2025 | Registration is now closed
"Redd Up Tom's Run," an International Women's Day Trail Care Event March 8 (Sat) | Pittsburgh, PA Join Keystone Trails Association, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, @torytalkstrails & @hikesandhopsblog, Pittsburgh-based outdoor content creators to celebrate International Women's Day. Volunteers will gather in Pittsburgh for morning programming and education followed by spring cleaning after a winter season at WPC's Tom's Run Nature Preserve. Registration opening soon.
Backpacking 101 March 29 (Sat) | Harrisburg, PA Join Keystone Trails Association & Dauphin County Parks and Recreation with a one-day seminar on backpacking basics. This training is geared towards avid day hikers who are interested in learning about backpacking from a group of experienced backpackers. Topics will include differences between day hiking and backpacking, clothing, footwear, gear (packs, sleeping bags, stoves, lights, stuff sacks, poles, tents), food preparation, campsite selection, potential dangers (ticks, waterborne diseases, bears, snakes), Leave No Trace and unique considerations for women with available resources (online and print). A light continental breakfast will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch to consume during the designated lunch break. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities. Registration opening soon.
Spring Hiking Weekend April 25-27, 2025 | Raystown Lake Registration will open in January, Please see the article above to book Spring Hiking Weekend accomodations at Raystown Lake.
Museum Open House features and highlights museums throughout Pennsylvania. In November the Appalachian Trail Museum was featured. Watch Museum Open House here.
Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Economy Grows To $19 Billion In 2023, Supporting Thousands Of Jobs and Creating Economic Opportunity Across The Commonwealth. PA Enviromental Digest
Submit Your Photos for the National Recreational Trails Photo Contest sponsored by American Trails! Deadline December 15th. Enter contest here
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is accepting nominations for their Annual Awards. You can learn more about the awards or find the nomination form at PPFF.
Pennsylvania Bird Atlas Launches Winter Bird Surveys. Winter Atlas surveys launch on December 1, 2024. All birders can participate by recording birds anywhere in the state from December 1 - February 28th. Visit the Pennsylvania Bird Atlas for more information.
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Deputy Secretary John Norbeck joined Old-Growth Forest Network leadership to announce the induction of Elk State Forest's Square Timber Wild Area into the national Old-Growth Forest Network an organization that connects people with nature by creating a national network of protected, mature, and publicly accessible native forests. Old Growth Forest Network
Appalachian Trail 2025 Hikers are reminded to register hikes & trips. Trail updates and information available at ATCamp
Appalachian Trail Conservancy President Sandi Marra shares the progress made in AT recovery following Hurricane Helene. Read more at Garden & Gun.
Voting is open for the Hellie Awards. Vote for your Favorite Individual Guest, Favorite Government Employee Guest, Favorite Organization Guest and Favorite Episode from the 2024 Hemlocks to Hellbenders Podcast Season. You can place your vote at Hemlocks to Hellbenders.
Other PA Club & Org Events
12/11: ELEVATE free online webinar. New data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry saw tremendous growth in 2023. In this webinar, the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation will review the new data and provide context about what it means for the Commonwealth. Register at ELEVATE.
12/14: SATC Holiday Party. Beginning at 5:30pm at the Community Center at Bent Creek Crossing 2100 Bent Creek Blvd. Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. RSVP to Cindy.
12/15: Mountain Club of Maryland Holiday Party. Join your hiking buddies for the MCM holiday party, the presentation of MCM Awards and a history presentation by Bill Saunders, “Mountain Club Stories”. The party is from 2:30 - 5:00 at The Hawthorn Center, 6175 Sunny Spring, Columbia, MD.
1/24: Mountainfilm on Tour is an evening of adventure-packed, culturally rich, and inspiring documentary short films curated from the annual Mountainfilm festival held each May in Telluride, Colorado. Mountainfilm, Gettysburg, PA
2/14-17: SkiDance is a volunteer-led activity sponsored by Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO). After almost 40 years, the organizers have decided to make this our last event, so if you’ve ever thought about joining us or haven’t been in a few years, make it a reunion and come help make it our best! Register here
5/21-24: We are excited circulate the date of the 2025 Pennsylvania Envirothon. Hosted this year in Windber, PA.
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