National Trails Day 2005 …. Truly a community effort …. Additional reasons to celebrate

On June 4 th RTF hosted a community-wide National Trails Day work party to prepare the Rivanna Trail for summer. More than 150 enthusiastic volunteers, supported by a dozen organizations and two neighborhood associations, fanned out from McIntire Park on donated buses to clip, lop, saw, and rebuild more than twenty miles of the main loop and spur trails that encircle Charlottesville . Gathering again at noon , we celebrated our achievements with anecdotes, lunch, music, and prizes. RTF extends special thanks to Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, the City of Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Department, the Outdoor Adventure Social Club, and Blue Ridge Outdoors for their partnership.

We are excited to announce an incredibly strong and talented slate of new RTF officers and board members. Rick Seaman , incoming President, has done more different things for RTF than space allows: served as treasurer, worked as Trail Adopter, maintained our large mowing equipment, created our web site, performed miracles on countless occasions at the RTF tool shed, represented RTF during regional road planning projects, and offered wise and well-crafted words during many a discussion. John Holden, Vice President, is best described by the enthusiasm and passion he has for hiking trails whether they are in our own backyard or deep in protected wilderness areas. Bob Stroh, Treasurer, with his ability to see the long-range value of our every decision and action, brings added determination to our “we can” attitude. Eben Smith, Secretary and Board Member Extraordinaire, will continue to record with passionate dedication our history with minutes, stories, photographs, and maps. In addition, new board members Tom Osimitz and Matt Rosefsky bring fresh ideas and energy.

Take the Path to a Healthier You was the American Hiking Society’s theme for National Trails Day 2005. RTF, of course, already knows that hiking is one of the best ways to achieve the “regular physical activity” that the medical community recommends for good mental and physical health. Visit RTF’s website or call our voicemail to learn about our highly successful “Walking Club for People over Fifty.” Consider starting a similar group to meet your own needs or interests. Set new hiking goals for yourself, perhaps similar to those of local Boys & Girls Club members who recently completed a challenging 5-mile hike, mastered environmental concepts about the importance of riparian buffers, and cleaned a portion of Meadow Creek. Start training now for our annual autumn 20-mile Round-the-City hike (watch web site for date).

Big thanks go to UVA-Madison House leaders Suzanne Pinkney and Mary Meadows Livingston for motivating dozens of their fellow students to attend Saturday work parties, construct new trails, and help build a new footbridge on the trail section between Barracks and Old Ivy Roads. We applaud the many hours these young people are carving out of their busy university time to serve the community in which they now live.

The Rivanna Trail Evolves

RTF often looks to the Appalachian Trail organization and history as a model. We build our rustic footpaths to AT standards. As development increases and new roads appear on building plans and on the ground, we find ourselves more and more in discussions with landowners and local jurisdictions. Luckily, we are also finding that a growing number of people consider the Rivanna Trail to be an amenity to the community, and they are working with us to protect the Trail, the waterways along which it runs, and the hiking experience. Just like the creators and maintainers of the AT, we occasionally find it necessary to alter the established Rivanna Trail route. Please be on the alert for changes. Consult RTF’s web site for updates and trail conditions. As always, feel free to contact us with questions, comments, or reports of dangerous situations.

Second Saturday Work Parties …. Sweaty, dirty, fun, rewarding, tangible work.

Come to a Second Saturday of the Month RTF Work Party, the best place in town to meet people who love to be outside, think the Rivanna Trail is one of the area’s most valuable resources, and understand that individuals working together can and do make things happen! Everyone is welcome regardless of age or skill level! We rally at 8:45 AM at the Melbourne Road trailhead just downhill from CHS playing fields. We caravan to the work site and work until about noon . We have tools, but bring shears or clippers if you have them. We welcome groups, but it helps if they contact us ahead of time. If you want to go directly to the project or have questions, get in touch with the work party leader.

Charlottesville.....possibly the best trail system in the South!