News from the Valley Trail
Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter of PATC
December 2019 Newsletter
Welcome to our newsletter for December, 2019. Here, we will share news from our chapter of the PATC. We have many exciting activities in which our members are involved as well as updates from trails in our area.
If you have a Facebook page, be sure to look for and like our page, PATC Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter. On there, we include photographs and descriptions from our latest hikes and trail work.
If you have a Facebook page, be sure to look for and like our page, PATC Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter. On there, we include photographs and descriptions from our latest hikes and trail work.
GWNF North River District Trails need Overseers
Just this summer PATC signed a Group Volunteer Agreement with the GW North River District (NRRD). The NRRD includes Ramseys Draft Wilderness and the proposed 90,000-acre Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area as well as Elliott Knob and Crawford Mountain.. The Shenandoah Mountain area is the largest, most unfragmented tract of National Forest land east of the Mississippi River. Several remote trails on Shenandoah Mountain need overseers, especially in and around Ramseys Draft Wilderness. These beautiful, wild, remote trails need hearty Overseers who like to hike and work:
See a complete list of North River District trails that need overseers at:
http://www.ssvc.org/trail-overseers-and-volunteers.html
Just this summer PATC signed a Group Volunteer Agreement with the GW North River District (NRRD). The NRRD includes Ramseys Draft Wilderness and the proposed 90,000-acre Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area as well as Elliott Knob and Crawford Mountain.. The Shenandoah Mountain area is the largest, most unfragmented tract of National Forest land east of the Mississippi River. Several remote trails on Shenandoah Mountain need overseers, especially in and around Ramseys Draft Wilderness. These beautiful, wild, remote trails need hearty Overseers who like to hike and work:
- Dividing Ridge Trail – This 2.3-mile segment of the Wild Oak National Recreation Trail follows the ridge that divides the Shenandoah and James River watersheds. Located near West Augusta, the trailhead is just off FR 96. The first 1.5 miles ascends gently through a healthy oak-hickory-pine forest and then steeply for the last 0.8 mile, ending at a wildlife pond at the Bald Ridge Trail intersection. This trail is easy to access and would be fairly easy to maintain.
- Big Bald Knob Trail – This 1.8-mile segment of the Wild Oak National Recreation Trail connects Dividing Ridge Trail with Springhouse Ridge Trail. At about the midpoint is a scenic overlook from Big Bald Knob, which is 4,120 ft. in elevation. This trail has some beautiful wildflowers including painted trilliums. The trail is accessible from FR. 96 via Dividing Ridge Trail (2.3 mi.) or from FR 95 via Springhouse Ridge Trail (1.6 mi.). It needs some vegetation work; a good trim once a year would help this trail a lot.
- Ramseys Draft Trail from Hiner Spring to Shenandoah Mountain Trail (SMT) – This remote 1.1-mile segment of Ramseys Draft Trail is a segment of a long hike from Mountain House to Confederate Breastworks that is popular with backpackers This trail passes through a beautiful stand of old growth, and it has a spring and camping spot on both ends. Also, the 0.4-mile spur trail to Hardscrabble Knob (4282 ft el.) begins on this trail. It is accessible from FR 95 via SMT (3.4 mi.) or from Springhouse Ridge Trail on FR. 95 (1.6 mi.) at Camp Todd. This trail needs some attention, especially trimming back saplings and other vegetation. It would be ideal for a trail runner or vigorous hiker who would enjoy hiking 3-3.5 miles to access the trail.
See a complete list of North River District trails that need overseers at:
http://www.ssvc.org/trail-overseers-and-volunteers.html
Painted trillium
Lynn and Malcolm Cameron along with Don and Lenae Blume help at Staunton's Earth Day
Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area Proposal
SSVC members were instrumental in scouting boundaries and developing the Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area Proposal, and now we are helping Friends of Shenandoah Mountain build public support for it. The Proposed SMNSA has been endorsed by over 400 businesses and organizations and two local governments: Augusta County and the City of Staunton. We expect more local governments to get on board soon. SSVC members are helping get endorsements,
leading hikes and wildflower walks, manning the Friends exhibit at Staunton Earth Day and Red Wing Roots Music Festival, printing and selling t-shirts, and so much more. Friends Co-Chair Lynn Cameron said, “Thanks, everybody! SSVC is one of our very best “friends”.
We couldn’t have made it this far without SSVC’s help!”
Jean Fraser gets a little help from her friends in SSVC
When long-time SSVC member Jean Fraser moved to the Shenandoah Valley and began to explore trails in the surrounding area, Flat Run Trail near Elkhorn Lake was one of the first trails she tried out. Her memories of Flat Run are so positive that when she recently heard that some trails that are not maintained or used may be closed, she volunteered to become a PATC Overseer. She went to check out her new trail and saw so many huge blowdowns that she felt overwhelmed. Not to worry. SSVC organized a work trip and 9 volunteers sawed, clipped, hacked, and lopped most of the trail back into shape. Afterwards, Jean said “Flat Run Trail … holds some special memories for me. I was sad to learn that it was overgrown and nearly impassable. So, when I agreed to be a trail overseer for PATC, I was pretty overwhelmed. Enter a group of PATC volunteers with cross-cut saws, loppers and years and years of experience. I was amazed at the amount of progress we made in one day. What a great day! Still plenty to do, but this lost and abandoned trail is on its way back.” SSVC stands ready to help Jean again if she needs it. Many thanks to all who step up and give a trail the TLC it needs, like Jean is doing.
When long-time SSVC member Jean Fraser moved to the Shenandoah Valley and began to explore trails in the surrounding area, Flat Run Trail near Elkhorn Lake was one of the first trails she tried out. Her memories of Flat Run are so positive that when she recently heard that some trails that are not maintained or used may be closed, she volunteered to become a PATC Overseer. She went to check out her new trail and saw so many huge blowdowns that she felt overwhelmed. Not to worry. SSVC organized a work trip and 9 volunteers sawed, clipped, hacked, and lopped most of the trail back into shape. Afterwards, Jean said “Flat Run Trail … holds some special memories for me. I was sad to learn that it was overgrown and nearly impassable. So, when I agreed to be a trail overseer for PATC, I was pretty overwhelmed. Enter a group of PATC volunteers with cross-cut saws, loppers and years and years of experience. I was amazed at the amount of progress we made in one day. What a great day! Still plenty to do, but this lost and abandoned trail is on its way back.” SSVC stands ready to help Jean again if she needs it. Many thanks to all who step up and give a trail the TLC it needs, like Jean is doing.
 Jean at the start of her new trail.
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Jean clears vegetation from her trail.
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Chainsaw duo gives valuable support to Overseers
SSVC has two crackerjack chain sawyers who are trained and certified in the GWNF - Christy Bradburn and Brian Koerner. Ever since they were certified by the Forest Service last year, this dynamic duo has been on call to remove large blowdowns that are too big for Overseers to manage. Just recently, Christy and Brian removed 16 blowdowns from Christa Neher’s 5.2-mile loop at Hone Quarry. We can’t thank them enough for their support.
SSVC has two crackerjack chain sawyers who are trained and certified in the GWNF - Christy Bradburn and Brian Koerner. Ever since they were certified by the Forest Service last year, this dynamic duo has been on call to remove large blowdowns that are too big for Overseers to manage. Just recently, Christy and Brian removed 16 blowdowns from Christa Neher’s 5.2-mile loop at Hone Quarry. We can’t thank them enough for their support.
Christy Bradburn removes a large blowdown from Hone Quarry loop.
First Aid on the Trail
By: Jean Stephens
We all hope that we will not need first aid when on a hike, but you should be prepared for any emergency situation. A first aid kit is one of the ten essentials you should always take on a hike. Some things you may use on a regular basis and should replace often. Others are rarely used, but are critical if an emergency arises. Make sure you check the expiration date on any medications or ointments occasionally so they are fresh when you need them. Each person’s kit may vary depending on their personal medical condition, the length and duration of the trip, and the area you are hiking into.
You should organize and waterproof your kit with small resealable bags and plastic bottles. (Some pharmacies will give you pill bottles to use for free.) Label any medications that are not in their original container. You can also include other commonly used items such as lip balm, sunscreen, insect repellant, and duct tape. (A small amount of duct tape wrapped around a pencil will not take up a lot of space in your pack.)
First Aid Kit Contents
By: Jean Stephens
We all hope that we will not need first aid when on a hike, but you should be prepared for any emergency situation. A first aid kit is one of the ten essentials you should always take on a hike. Some things you may use on a regular basis and should replace often. Others are rarely used, but are critical if an emergency arises. Make sure you check the expiration date on any medications or ointments occasionally so they are fresh when you need them. Each person’s kit may vary depending on their personal medical condition, the length and duration of the trip, and the area you are hiking into.
You should organize and waterproof your kit with small resealable bags and plastic bottles. (Some pharmacies will give you pill bottles to use for free.) Label any medications that are not in their original container. You can also include other commonly used items such as lip balm, sunscreen, insect repellant, and duct tape. (A small amount of duct tape wrapped around a pencil will not take up a lot of space in your pack.)
First Aid Kit Contents
- Bandages – assorted sizes for small cuts, blisters, etc.
- Sterile dressing pads – 4”x4” to apply pressure to a wound to stop bleeding or to cover large wounds
- Non-adherent sterile dressing – 2”x2” to cover blisters, burns, or lacerations
- Gauze roll – to hold dressing in place
- Adhesive tape – small roll of 1” to hold dressings in place
- Multi-use tool or knife – should include knife and scissors.
- Forceps or tweezers – for removing splinters, ticks, and debris from wounds
- Scissors – (if you don’t have a multi-use tool) trauma scissors which have a blunt end to protect the patient, used for cutting away clothing from injury, cutting adhesive tape, etc.
- Safety pins – can help remove splinters or fasten arm slings
- Cotton tip swabs – to remove foreign objects from eye or apply antibiotic ointment
- ACE bandage – outer wrap on splints or to support joint injuries
- Antiseptic towelettes – for cleaning small wounds
- Topical antibiotic ointment – Bacitracin or Vaseline best because they have no allergy concerns
- Moleskin – to prevent blisters. Put on “hot spot” as soon as it develops. Duct tape can also be used.
- Pain relievers, i.e. aspirin or ibuprofen – to provide relief for minor aches and pains, reduce fever or reduce inflammation of sprains or other injuries
- Antihistamine – Benadryl is good to reduce reactions to insect bites or stings
- Imodium – for relief of diarrhea or abdominal upset
- After Bite or hydrocortisone cream – for relief of skin irritation from bites or stings
- Latex or nitrile gloves – protects against blood-borne diseases or infection
- CPR MicroShield mask (if you are CPR certified)
- Oral rehydration salts – for treatment of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or loss of fluids from vomiting and diarrhea
- Space bag or blanket – lightweight emergency shelter for treating hypothermia victims
- Paper and pencil – for recording medical information
- Wilderness first aid booklet
- Candy or sugar in some form for diabetic issues
- Bandana or material to make a sling (bandanas with first aid information are also available)
- Splint – lightweight foam-covered aluminum such as a SAM splint
- Irrigation syringe – used to flush and clean wounds
- Suction syringe – used to clear mouth of fluids when giving CPR
- Cleansing pads with lidocaine – for cleaning wounds, contains a topical anesthetic for abrasions, stings, etc.
- Gatorade for dehydration
- Nylon cord, 1/8-inch diameter; 50 feet
- Small water filter or water purification tablets
- Lighter or waterproof matches
- Meclizine or other over the counter medicine for dizzy spells
Member Spotlight: John Kolp
John and his wife, Cyndy, retired to Staunton in August 2018 after 40+ years of living and working in New York City. Their daughter, Hattie, a born-and-raised Manhattanite, lives there still but enjoys visiting her parents in Staunton.
John has been an avid hiker and environmentalist since 1977. He was an active hike leader and participant in several organizations in New York: the Sierra Club, the Adirondack Mountain Club, and the Appalachian Mountain Club. As a volunteer with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, he maintained the Stillman Trail over Whitehorse Mountain in Black Rock Forest, 3,780-acre conservation and research area adjacent to the US Military Academy at West Point.
In New York City, John worked on several initiatives to combat climate change: Cool Roofs and MillionTrees NYC. He was up on many roofs rolling white acrylic coatings which help mitigate the Urban Heat Island Effect by reflecting solar radiation back into space instead of being absorbed by black asphalt roofs and retaining summer heat. We hikers well understand the cooling benefits of tree shade and the "carbon capture and sequestration" power of the forest. Starting in 2007, the NYC Parks Department launched an effort to plant a million new trees throughout the City -- in the parks, along streets and in sidewalks. John worked with many thousands of volunteers to achieve this goal by 2015 -- two years ahead of schedule. He continued with the Parks Department as a Tree Steward and Natural Areas Volunteer, caring for the young trees by removing invasive species, especially garlic mustard and mile-a-minute vine.
Now that they have happily settled in Staunton, Cyndy is active in Shenandoah Green and John is eager to expand his efforts in conservation and the global warming crisis.
Be sure to join John for his first hike as a leader for our chapter: Saturday, December 21 to Blackrock Summit. Celebrate the Winter Solstice by enjoying a short hike on the shortest day of the year.
John and his wife, Cyndy, retired to Staunton in August 2018 after 40+ years of living and working in New York City. Their daughter, Hattie, a born-and-raised Manhattanite, lives there still but enjoys visiting her parents in Staunton.
John has been an avid hiker and environmentalist since 1977. He was an active hike leader and participant in several organizations in New York: the Sierra Club, the Adirondack Mountain Club, and the Appalachian Mountain Club. As a volunteer with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, he maintained the Stillman Trail over Whitehorse Mountain in Black Rock Forest, 3,780-acre conservation and research area adjacent to the US Military Academy at West Point.
In New York City, John worked on several initiatives to combat climate change: Cool Roofs and MillionTrees NYC. He was up on many roofs rolling white acrylic coatings which help mitigate the Urban Heat Island Effect by reflecting solar radiation back into space instead of being absorbed by black asphalt roofs and retaining summer heat. We hikers well understand the cooling benefits of tree shade and the "carbon capture and sequestration" power of the forest. Starting in 2007, the NYC Parks Department launched an effort to plant a million new trees throughout the City -- in the parks, along streets and in sidewalks. John worked with many thousands of volunteers to achieve this goal by 2015 -- two years ahead of schedule. He continued with the Parks Department as a Tree Steward and Natural Areas Volunteer, caring for the young trees by removing invasive species, especially garlic mustard and mile-a-minute vine.
Now that they have happily settled in Staunton, Cyndy is active in Shenandoah Green and John is eager to expand his efforts in conservation and the global warming crisis.
Be sure to join John for his first hike as a leader for our chapter: Saturday, December 21 to Blackrock Summit. Celebrate the Winter Solstice by enjoying a short hike on the shortest day of the year.
Upcoming hikes/worktrip for December
See the complete description on our hike schedule page.
Also, be on the lookout for our weekly email reminders.
Tuesday, December 3. Worktrip AT: Pinefield Gap to Ivy Creek Overlook. Leader: Jeff Bolander, jblndr@hotmail.com
Wednesday, December 4. Work Trip with SAWS in Ramseys Draft Wilderness. Meet at 9:30 at Mountain House Picnic Area. Contact Lynn Cameron if you can come. slynncameron@gmail.com, (540)234-6273. Chili and cornbread afterwards.
Saturday, December 7. Shenandoah River Loop. Approximately 5 miles, Moderate. Hike leader: Pam Heinrich, pamheinrich13@gmail.com, (540) 290-5595.
Wednesday, December 11: Humpback Rock picnic area to Dripping Rock on the AT. Hike leader: Theresia Barger (540) 337-1567
Saturday, December 14: Hawksbill Loop, 4.3 miles moderate. Hike leaders are Sharon Carderelli: justonethingps274@gmail.com, 540-810-9648 and Pam Heinrich: pamheinrich13@gmail.com, 540-290-5595.
Saturday, December 21. Blackrock Summit. 1.2 mile round trip (may be extended beyond summit if group is interested). Hike leader is John Kolp (JLKolp@yahoo.com, 540-887-1235 or 917-288-2622).
Please call or email ahead of a hike to let the leaders know you are coming and to find out about any changes in hike location.
Saw-whet Owl
By: Mike Smith
Members of the Rockingham bird club traveled to Highland Retreat, west of Broadway on November 15, 2019. Charles Ziegenfus and Clair Mellinger have been banding saw-whet owls there for almost 20 years. Saw-whet owls are one of the smallest species of owls and are similar size to an American Robin. Charles and Clair have been studying the migration of these intriguing little owls as they travel through Virginia in the winter. The group has recaptured some owls that they discovered traveled as far away as Ontario.
A taped owl call is used to lure the owls in and a net measuring 60 meters long is used to trap them. That evening, only one owl was trapped due to the added light of a nearly full moon, enhancing the owls’ ability to detect the net. Clair and his helper Chris weighed and measured the owl, as well as determined its sex. They used a black light to help calculate the age. Under the light, newer wings appeared red and the wing pattern helps to indicate the bird’s age.
For more information about the Northern Saw-whet Owl, visit:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl/id.
For more information about the Saw-whet Owls banding project, go to highlandretreatowls.wordpress.com.
By: Mike Smith
Members of the Rockingham bird club traveled to Highland Retreat, west of Broadway on November 15, 2019. Charles Ziegenfus and Clair Mellinger have been banding saw-whet owls there for almost 20 years. Saw-whet owls are one of the smallest species of owls and are similar size to an American Robin. Charles and Clair have been studying the migration of these intriguing little owls as they travel through Virginia in the winter. The group has recaptured some owls that they discovered traveled as far away as Ontario.
A taped owl call is used to lure the owls in and a net measuring 60 meters long is used to trap them. That evening, only one owl was trapped due to the added light of a nearly full moon, enhancing the owls’ ability to detect the net. Clair and his helper Chris weighed and measured the owl, as well as determined its sex. They used a black light to help calculate the age. Under the light, newer wings appeared red and the wing pattern helps to indicate the bird’s age.
For more information about the Northern Saw-whet Owl, visit:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl/id.
For more information about the Saw-whet Owls banding project, go to highlandretreatowls.wordpress.com.
