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January 2024
It's finally here! KTA's Trail Care Program is celebrating 40 years of keeping Pennsylvania hiking trails safe and beautiful for those who wander them. We're excited to honor the past, present, and future of this KTA tradition throughout 2024 with special stories and events.
Maintaining PA's trails protects the wilderness by ensuring a clear, minimal path through the forest that reduces potential disruption or harm to plants and animals.
Hiking trails provide an environmentally respectful way for us to enjoy a front-row view of nature's wonders. Take for example this story from Logan Goddard, a DCNR Service Forester, Delaware District, who recalls a curious encounter with a community of eastern newts along the Thunder Swamp Trail (a PA hiking trail that KTA's Trail Care Program maintained in 2023):
"On its surface, this is a cute story about an accidental discovery leading to seeing something a little unusual. But it is more than that, every outdoorsman has at some point begun paying attention to something new – game trails, bird calls, arrowheads, mushrooms, geology – and almost immediately, everyone has been rewarded with something they wouldn’t have seen had they not been focused on finding out more. This is the nature of our forests, a beautiful complex ecosystem which loves to hide its secrets and tease visitors with the promise of more, if only they’re willing to look for it." – Logan Goddard
Without regular trail maintenance, wonder-full stories like Logan's would not be possible. Thanks to KTA's Trail Care Program, the Thunder Swamp Trail System remains an oasis for wildlife and hikers!
In August 2023, KTA's Trail Care Program focused on clearing heavy blowdowns and brushing/lopping the trail in the Pennel Run and Stillwater Natural Areas, as well as rehabbing a couple of side trails.
It wouldn't be surprising if you have stories of your own just like this one. It's our mission to protect and preserve PA's hiking trails so moments like these can continue for generations to come!
Is that your hope too? If so, we encourage and invite you, as we celebrate 40 years of maintaining PA's hiking trails, to join us for a special trail care event this year! See our Trail Care Season teaser below under events.
The KTA staff is growing! Join our team.
Keystone Trails Association is pleased to announce two new, full-time job openings with our growing organization:
1. A Manager of Events and Programs is sought to coordinate and execute an exciting, diverse array of activities–from hiking and backpacking adventures to skill-building workshops–throughout the year. This position will be based at the KTA office in Mechanicsburg.
2. A Regional Trail Care Coordinator based in northcentral Pennsylvania. This individual will evaluate trail conditions, prioritize improvements, perform trail maintenance, and bolster volunteerism for such activities in the 13-county PA Wilds region.
Interested candidates for these open positions can learn more here.
Cover letters and resumes should be sent to ktahike@kta-hike.org by January 26, 2024.
In other personnel news, as of January 1, Jenn Ulmer, Manager of Trail Care and Training is now full-time, bolstering KTA’s ability to serve the trails of the Commonwealth. Casey Schneck has assumed another new role in the association, becoming our first Manager of Operations and Merchandising to meet expanding administrative demands and enrich our online and Mechanicsburg stores.
Featured Member Benefit
On Point Adventure Foods (Somerset, PA) - Save 15% on all 2024 purchases! When you're on the move, you need fuel that's as lightweight and packable as your gear. On Point Adventure Foods has you covered with a robust range of ultra-lightweight snacks and meals. With no prep needed and fully cooked options ready in just 10 minutes with boiling water, you can refuel quickly and easily wherever your adventure takes you.
Sign up for KTA's 100 Mile Trail Challenge! Every mile hiked and every dollar raised supports hiking trails throughout the state of PA
Featured Store Product
PURPLE LIZARD MAPS are durable, waterproof, and give you the big picture! Beautifully designed and easy to read, these topographic maps feature contour lines, elevation data, shaded relief, and all the key details you need to plan your adventures: backroads and trails, trail use designations, road surfaces, parking access, campsites, public lands, historic sites and more! Shop Now! >
Meet Pennsylvania's Old Growth Forests (Webinar) February 7, 2024, 6PM
Did you know that only a few remnant old-growth forests exist in the U.S.? Why do they matter? Where can you find them in Pennsylvania? To answer these questions and more, we'll be joined by Brian Kane from the Old Growth Forest Network. He will guide you through the environmental impacts of old growth forests, how they can improve our personal health, and suggest hiking trails that feature these ancient families of trees. Register Now >
What is Wilderness First Aid? (Webinar) February 12, 2024, 6PM
What is Wilderness First Aid? How is it different than traditional first aid? How can you better prevent injury while hiking and manage hiking related injuries? Join Keith Williams, VP of Engagement and Education, Lancaster Conservancy for this 1-hour webinar to learn a basic 101-style overview of how to care for some of the most common hiking issues. Register Now >
How to Hike the Appalachian Trail in PA (Webinar Q&A with PA AT Award Earners) February 20, 2024, 6PM
Wish you could talk to someone who's hiked the AT in PA before you hit the trail? This webinar is for you! In this live Q&A, you'll meet some of the most recent folks who have hiked the whole Pennsylvania section of the Appalachian Trail, each receiving the Pennsylvania AT Award from KTA in October 2023! Ask your questions, be inspired, and feel more confident about your hiking experience. Register Now >
Trail Care: Chainsaw Training March 24, 2024 | Rauchtown, PA (Tiadaghton State Forest facility)
Chainsaw Safety Training is a one-day introduction to general chainsaw safety skills. It is targeted to KTA Trail Care Volunteers and hiking club volunteers. Topics covered by the Tiadaghton SF Forester include safety, ergonomics, bucking and limbing techniques, and an overview of typical saw operation and maintenance. The class runs from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. Lunch is provided, and scholarships may be available upon request. Discounts are available for KTA members, volunteers, trail club representatives, and conservation partners. Register Now >
Wilderness First Aid April 6-7, 2024 | Lebanon, PA
Wilderness First Aid is a two-day introduction to general medical concepts and basic life support skills taught by Tara Cross, a qualified and experienced WMA instructor. It is targeted to the outdoor enthusiast on day trips or short adventures. This course results in a certification in Wilderness First Aid and Adult CPR. Register Now >
Spring Hike Weekend April 19-21, 2024 | Stroudsburg, PA - Registration opening soon!
Help us plan and/or host our Spring Hike Weekend! You can volunteer with Event planning, On-site help (registration table, etc), Coordinating hikes, Leading a hike, or Photography/Videography! Sign up to volunteer here.
Trail Love: Michaux State Forest Edition May 31–June 1, 2024 | Registration opening soon!
You won't want to miss this celebratory one-day trail maintenance extravaganza! Volunteers and community partners will tackle multiple trail maintenance projects on several trails in or proximate to the Michaux State Forest. An optional forest camporee on Friday evening and a congratulatory cookout will be provided after projects are completed on Saturday.
Fundraiser: International Trip to Newfoundland, Canada July 8-18, 2024 |Interest form closes January 15, 2023!
Join KTA for another spectacular hiking adventure, this time to the awe-inspiring west coast of Newfoundland, Canada’s most unique province. This year due to limited spots available and the physical demands required for the level of hiking for this trip, KTA will be using a lottery system and application process to manage the registration process for this event to ensure fairness to and safety of attendees. Learn more & submit your name for the lottery >
Look back over the successful season of A.T. management, maintenance, and volunteer accomplishments in the latest edition of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's The Register.
Paint your favorite Pennsylvania Wilds view! PA Wilds-based artist Julie Mader has partnered with the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship to release new art kits called Paint the PA Wilds Watercolor Kits.
Mountainfilm on Tour will play at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg on Friday, January 19th at 7:30pm! Tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased using the link above or $20 at the door. Experience a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from Telluride’s annual Mountainfilm festival. These short films seek to use the power of cinema, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world.
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