Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter of PATC
  • Home
  • Hike Schedule
  • Newsletter
  • Hike Leaders
  • Trail Maintainers
    • North River District
  • Favorite Tools
  • Conservation
  • Walkabout Routes
  • Challenges

May Newsletter

5/15/2023

0 Comments

 
Welcome to our May newsletter. We hope everyone has been out enjoying the spring weather and especially the wildflowers. It’s a busy time for trail maintainers with grass growing and invasives trying to take over.

NRRD 90 Challenge
While you are out enjoying your hikes and trail maintenance, make sure to take some time to hike in the GWNF’s North River Ranger District and earn some miles/hours towards your patch. Jeff Monroe of the Charlottesville Chapter earned his patch in February. (Jeff, I apologize for not putting this into an earlier
newsletter.) Heather and Brian Denny earned their patch in March. Congratulations to Jeff, Heather, and Brian! To learn about the requirements for the NRRD 90 patch, check out the link here: http://www.ssvc.org/north-river-district-challenge.html

Thank You!
Thank you to Jana George, a new member from Highland County, who has taken over putting togetherthe hike schedule for us each month. She is doing a fantastic job! Remember that we are always open to suggestions for hikes.
Email Jean (jtstephens12@yahoo.com) or
Pam (pamheinrich13@gmail.com) with
your suggested hike and we will try to find a hike leader to lead.

​New Hike Leaders
Congratulations to Gary Flynn for completing his hike leader training requirements. Several of you may have hiked with Gary over the last two months as he was completing his mentored hike requirements. He is now fully certified and ready to lead on his own.

James Arnold is also working on his hike leader requirements and should be finished soon.

Thank you to Gary and James for taking the time to become hike leaders.

Help Wanted
Web Design: We are looking for someone with IT skills who can help us update our website. If anyone
out there has web design knowledge, please contact Jean or Pam at ssvcpatc@gmail.com.

Hike Leader Assistance:
Hey hikers! We're putting a call out for someone with hike leader training to represent the PATC in partnership with the local James Madison University (JMU) chapter of Kesem to volunteer to lead a group of camp participants on a hike at or close to Camp Blue Ridge.  Kesem is a nonprofit organization that supports children facing a parent's cancer. Every summer Kesem hosts children (ages 6-18) at overnight camps across the country. The JMU chapter of Kesem hosts their camp at Camp Blue Ridge in Montebello, Virginia from July 30th to August 4th.

If you are available that week to help lead a hike at Camp Blue Ridge, please get in touch with us at ssvcpatc@gmail.com.

Trail Magic Day
We have had to cancel our Trail Magic Day in conjunction with the Harrisonburg AT Community because of lack of volunteer assistance. It is uncertain if we will reschedule at this time.
Get to Know PATC
Are you curious about what PATC is all about? Did you know that PATC members are able to attend monthly PATC Council meetings? PATC Council meets virtually the second Tuesday of every month, except July and November. If you would like to sit  in on a meeting to see what goes on and learn a little more about PATC happenings, contact Jean Stephens  at
jtstephens12@yahoo.com. Jean can share the link to the meeting when it is available.
​Hike Leader Training
There will be an in-person Hike Leader Training on June 24, location to be announced. If you are interested in becoming a hike leader, registration will be available on the PATC website (patc.net) soon. Hike leaders must take either the online or in-person training, take a basic first aid course and lead two mentored hikes. We would love to have you join us as a hike leader!
0 Comments

March News

3/8/2023

0 Comments

 
Thanks from SNP
To those who helped clear the roads in Shenandoah National Park in late December and January, click this link to go to the Thank-you letter from Patrick Kenney, Superintendent of
SNP: https://www.patc.net/docs/PATC/News/Thank%20You%20Letter%20-%20Pat%20Kenney.pdf

Soup & Salad Hike
In past years, SSVC held a spaghetti dinner hike which was often cancelled because of winter weather. This year we would like to try a different take with a Soup & Salad Hike in April. We
will hike in the morning on the AT in the vicinity of the Schairer Trail Center. After the hike, we will travel to Schairer to enjoy soup and salad, and whatever other good food you would like to
bring. If you don’t want to hike, join us for the meal. It is a fairly easy 0.4 mile hike to the trail center from Skyline Drive off Eaton Hollow Overlook. Hold Sunday, April 23 at 2:00 p.m. for this
event. More details will be available in the April hike schedule.

April Trail Maintenance Class
Gary Flynn has begun his trail maintenance classes once again. He is hoping to hold monthly classes on the George Washington National Forest trails. His March workshop has filled up but
watch the calendar at www.meetup.com/PATCVolunteerEvents/ for details of workshops in April and the future.

Help Wanted:
We are looking for someone who would like to help with scheduling hikes on a monthly basis. This would entail contacting hike leaders near the end of the month and putting
their dates and hike write-ups in order for us to post as the hike schedule. There is not a lot of time involved, usually a few hours at the end of each month. Contact Jean Stephens or Pam Heinrich at SSVCPATC@gmail.com if interested.

Yard Cleanup at Schairer Trail Center
In December PATC crews took down quite a few dead ash trees around Schairer Trail Center just outside of SNP in Eaton Hollow (north end of SNP South District). The crews cut the trees into logs that are still laying around the yard outside the cabin. On March 29-30 Rob Lamar with PATC is organizing a group to clean up the logs by splitting them and stacking them for use by those who rent the cabin. Anyone who wishes to help is welcome. Start time on Saturday, March 29 is 10:00 a.m. and Sunday, March 30 is 9:00 a.m. Any help would be appreciated. If you can help, contact Rob Lamar at
Natural_Resource@patc.net for information or to let him know you can help.
Picture
Spotted Lanternfly Alert
Spotted Lanternfly is moving into the area. Please be on the look out for it as you hike or work on trails or even in your own yard. For information, PATC has posted information on the advisory here on their website. At the bottom of the page, you can click on Virginia to see what to do if you find the Spotted Lanternfly in our area.At the bottom of the page, you can click on Virginia to see what to do if you find the Spotted Lanternfly in our area.
June Mile-A-Minute Removal
Mile-A-Minute vine has been found growing off Wild Oak Trail on Hankey Mountain in the GWNF. A workday is being set up for volunteers to come and help pull the vines. Save Saturday, June 3 for this workday. More information and how to sign up will be out soon.

0 Comments

December News

12/3/2022

0 Comments

 
Annual Meeting Recap
We had a good turnout for our 2022 Annual Meeting in Bridgewater. Lots of good food and updates on our chapter and our trails were part of the night. Pamela Gray gave a fantastic talk on bears and her volunteer work as a “Wildlife Tech” in Shenandoah National Park. Some other highlights of the meeting were:
  • In 2022 we led 72 hikes, 5 work trips, 1 bike ride and attended/presented at 7 outreach events.
  • The challenge for completing 90 miles or 90 hours (or combination of both) is underway. Patches have already been earned by Lavern Beachy, John Burkhardt, Lynn and Malcolm Cameron, Jim Fye, Barbara Martin and Jean Stephens.
  • Lynn Cameron gave an update on the North River Ranger District and the Shenandoah National Scenic Area proposal.
  • Jeff Bolander gave an update on the status of the Chapter's AT trail section (Ivy Creek Overlook to Pinefield Gap) and plans to assign tasks to all who sign up to help on the trail ahead of the workday in the future so everyone feels they have a job and knows what they will be doing.
  • Dave Bowen gave an update on trail maintenance in the southern district of Shenandoah National Park and some goals of the new administration in PATC for the upcoming year.
  • The Chapter voted to take over maintenance on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail from Confederate Breastworks to Jerry's Run Trail.
  • To everyone who maintains a trail or leads a hike we thank you! In addition, awards were given this year to:           
    • Hawksbill Award – Jeff Bolander
    • Service Awards – Pam Heinrich, Jim Todd, Russell Fitzgerald, Heather Denny, and John Kolp
 
We hope to see all of you back for next year's meeting, as well as joining in on our hiking and trail maintaining opportunities throughout the year.
 
Work Weekend at Schairer Trail Center in SNP
PATC's Cadillac Crew will be holding a work weekend at the Schairer Trail Center in SNP south of Swift Run Gap on December 10 and 11. The crew will be removing 21 hazardous trees around the cabin and will need help removing the debris from the area. There will also be opportunities for assisting with the removal of Oriental Bittersweet from many of the trees around the meadow in front of the cabin and on the trail leading to it. If you are interested in helping on either of the days, please contact Jean Stephens at jtstephens12@yahoo.com and she will give you further information as it becomes available.
North River Ranger District 90 Challenge
Congratulations to Barbara Martin and Lynn and Malcolm Cameron who received their patches for completing the 90 miles and/or hours of hiking or trail maintenance in the North River Ranger District last month. Check out the requirements at: http://www.ssvc.org/north-river-district-challenge.html
If you have completed your 90 miles or hours, contact Jean Stephens at jtstephens12@yahoo.com to get your patch.
Save the Date!
The 2023 Wilderness First Aid class will be held the weekend of February 4 and 5. Hikers and trail maintainers are encouraged to take this course. PATC will reimburse for the cost once the class has been completed successfully. Hike leaders are reminded that they should have current First Aid certification, either the Basic Red Cross First Aid or the Wilderness First Aid.

Trail Maintenance Classes
A big THANK YOU to Gary Flynn who has been leading trail maintenance classes on Trimble Mountain in the North River Ranger District over the past year. Gary plans to continue the classes this year and may hold a special class focusing on water bars in the near future. Please watch our Facebook page for more information on future class dates. We will also try to include class dates in our monthly schedule. If you have thought about becoming a trail maintainer, or just thought about helping out, this class would be a great place to find out what you need to know to get started.

Have a suggestion?
Have a hike you would like to try. Email us the suggestion at
ssvcpatc@gmail.com. We will try to find a hike leader willing to lead the hike you would like to do. If there is an event or get-together you think the club would enjoy, email us with the suggestion and we will try to put it together. We appreciate getting your input on what hikes and events you would like the club to participate in.
Happy Holidays to all!
0 Comments

November 2022 News

11/1/2022

0 Comments

 
Join us for SSVC's 2022 Annual Meeting on Friday, November 18, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at Arey Assembly Hall in Bridgewater. This is a potluck dinner, so bring one of your favorite dishes to share with the group. We will have water available to drink. To be more sustainable, please bring your own plate, silverware, and drinking cup or bottle.  After the annual meeting we will have a presentation by Pamela Gray. Pam has volunteered with the Shenandoah National Park, Natural & Cultural Resource’s “SNP Bear Tech” Team (Biological Science Technicians – Wildlife) for the last three seasons. The purpose of this program includes assessing nuisance black bear and white-tailed deer behavior in developed areas and keeping people and animals safe. Other duties may include assisting with wildlife monitoring, forest pest management, wildlife relocation and peregrine falcon restoration work. Every season, the Bear/Wildlife Mitigation Team works to separate people from wildlife. Pam will talk about how the team works towards their goal to reduce the likelihood that they will become conditioned to human food or garbage and to re-establish the natural fear of humans in wildlife, which ultimately minimizes human-wildlife conflicts. 

PATC Annual Meeting
Tuesday, November 15: at 7:00-9:00 PM, PATC 2022 Virtual Annual Meeting.  You can "attend" this year's PATC Annual Meeting through Zoom. Our guest speaker is Ranger Angela Crenshaw, who will give a talk entitled "Harriet Tubman: The Ultimate Outdoorswoman."  To read Ranger Crenshaw's bio, please visit www.patc.net/AnnualMeeting2022
 
​Zoom Info to join the meeting: 
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84068675769

Notice from Shenandoah National Park:  Shenandoah National Park Superintendent Pat Kenney announced that the Park now has a new option for visitors to track campground site availability, Skyline Drive status and other important safety alerts via text. The new visitor alert system allows the public to opt in to two separate information channels to receive updates.  Subscribers to the new SHENALERTS will get emergency notifications and significant event texts. These alerts will include hazardous situations, road closures on Skyline Drive, wildland fires, and other significant incidents that may affect visitors’ time in Shenandoah National Park. To subscribe, text SHENALERTS to 888777.  A separate information channel has been established that allows subscribers to track campground availability by texting SHENCAMP to 888777. On weekends, subscribers will receive an early afternoon text about the number of available campsites at each campground. An additional text will be sent when each campground fills.  “We hope this new system will provide valuable information to the public for planning their visits to Shenandoah,” said Park Superintendent Pat Kenney.  North River Ranger District's 90 Mile/Hour Challenge

We have gotten off and running with the NRRD's 90 Mile/Hour Challenge. So far we have four who have notified Jean that they have completed the Challenge. John Burkhardt, Jean Stephens, Jim Fye, and Lavern Beachy. There are more of you out there! Contact Jean to get your patch when you have completed the challenge. Click here for more about this challenge:
http://www.ssvc.org/north-river-district-challenge.html
​Presentation to the Bridgewater Retirement Community
On Thursday, October 20, Pam and Jean gave a presentation to the Bridgewater Retirement Community on their adventures on the Appalachian Trail, as well as what PATC does. They also gave suggestions on local hikes that the residents might enjoy.
Picture
New Change in the Hunting Law:
As of July 1, 2022 Virginia law now allows hunting on Sunday on public and private land, including National Forest System lands.

I’m planning to use a trail in the national forest during hunting seasons, what should I do?
  • Wear bright clothing. Make yourself more visible. Choose colors that stand out, like red, orange or pink, and avoid blacks, browns, earth-toned greens and animal-colored clothing. Orange vests and hats are advisable.
  • Keep your dog visible, too. Have your dog wear an orange vest and stay close to you.
  • Make noise. Whistle, sing or carry on a conversation as you walk to alert hunters to your presence. Sound carries well across mountain basins, and hunters should be listening for any sounds of animal movement. Stay on designated trails.  Hunters expect people to be on National Forest trails, and may assume the noise they hear from someone bushwhacking through the woods is an animal and not a human.
  • Be courteous. Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don’t make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife. Avoid confrontations.
  • Make yourself known. If you do hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know that you are in the vicinity.
  • Know when hunting seasons are. Continue to hike, but learn about where and when hunting is taking place.
Court Square Theater Play: December 1st-4th
“Can't Feel At Home”, an original play by Dr. John Glick will be presented at Court Square Theater from Thursday, December 1 through Sunday, December 4th.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of Shenandoah National Park and the families that lived there. Be sure to get your tickets soon. They are going fast.

Showtimes are:
Thurs (12/1) 7:30
Fri (12/2) 7:30
Sat (12/3) 3:00 & 7:30
Sun (12/4) 3:00

Tickets cost is $20.00 Advanced and $25.00 At Door

Tickets available at: https://courtsquaretheater.org/
Picture
0 Comments

October News

10/2/2022

0 Comments

 
​PATC Election
All PATC members should have recently received an email from PATC giving you a link to cast your ballot for this year's election of officers. The link in your email can only be used by you and your identity is not visible to the election committee. When you click on the link to vote, you can find information on each candidate under their name on the ballot or you may go to PATC.net to view the candidate biographies. You must submit your vote by October 31, so don't delay!

Wilderness First Aid Certification
For hike leaders or trail maintainers who need the initial certification or recertification of Wilderness First Aid, mark your calendars for February 3-4, 2023 for the Bridgewater class. More information will be available as we get closer to the date.

SSVC Annual Meeting
Plans are being made to hold the SSVC Annual Meeting on November 18 in Bridgewater. We will have a potluck dinner and give the annual report. Pamela Gray, an SSVC member, will give a presentation on her experiences as a volunteer in Shenandoah National Park with the Bear Tech crew. We encourage all members, both hikers and trail maintainers, to join us for a fun evening.

0 Comments

September Newsletter

9/1/2022

0 Comments

 
​PATC Annual Meeting
PATC has announced that their Annual Meeting will be virtual again this year. With the uncertainty of everyone's lives with COVID-19 still being around, they have decided not to expend the money to have an in-person meeting. Registration details will be coming out later in September.
Mask Requirements: Shenandoah National Park
Please be aware that as of August 22, Shenandoah National Park has once again implemented a mask requirement when inside buildings in the park.
​Women's Hike, Lunch & Learn:
Women Outdoors will be held on Saturday October 15, 2022 at Natural Chimney located in Mt. Solon, VA. This event is free and open to all women.  The event is tentatively planned from 10:00-5:00. Since this is a free event, there will be no lunch served (everyone will be asked to bring a packed lunch), however there will be light morning and afternoon snacks. Below is a draft schedule time frame. A hike is planned to explore Natural Chimney.
10:00-10:30 Introductions & Icebreaker   
10:30-11:30  Topic 1
11:30-12:30  Topic 2
12:30-1:30 Lunch 
1:30-2:30    Topic 3
2:30-3:30     Topic 4
3:30-4:45 Hike 
4:45-5:00 Closing

Suggested topics:
Hiking 101 (Fall/winter)
Backpacking 101
Leave no trace 
Safety
Native plant (or invasive plant)
Forest Bathing

This event is being organized by Kristine Villatoro, Supervisor of Outreach.  If you would like to help out with this event in any way, email Kristine (OutreachSup@patc.net).
0 Comments

August News

8/1/2022

0 Comments

 
SSVC Family Day at Natural Chimneys
We are holding SSVC's Family Day at Natural Chimneys Park (94 Natural Chimneys Lane, Mt. Solon, VA 22843) on Sunday, August 14  in Shelter 2 starting at 2:00 p.m. We will be grilling hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. We will have drinking water available, please bring a refillable water bottle to use for water. The pool will be open for a $4 per person fee. All PATC members, both hikers and trail maintainers, and their families are welcome. You might also wish to bring a chair if you prefer not to sit at a picnic table all day. If you have a lawn game you wish to share, please bring it. We are working on arranging some hikes, both short and long, that day. If you would like to lead a hike, either in the park or nearby, please coordinate with Jean Stephens (jtstephens12@yahoo.com) or
​Pam Heinrich (pamheinrich13@gmail.com).
Picture
2022 Valley Treasure Award
SSVC would like to congratulate Lynn Cameron on receiving the 2022 Valley Treasure Award from the Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley. The purpose of the Valley Treasure Award is to recognize members of the community who have been quietly working to save the land, resources, and way of life in the Shenandoah Valley. The Alliance recognized Lynn's work to save one of the most rugged and beautiful areas in the United States, but also the most accessible - Shenandoah Mountain. Her work and determination to have Shenandoah Mountain named as a National Scenic Area has spanned many years and has brought together members of several diverse industries, such as the timber industry, mountain bikers, hunters and others, to a common goal. Her perseverance to prove the existence of a threatened species of salamanders caused Dominion Power to move the route of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline off of Shenandoah Mountain. We know there are many years of work ahead of you, Lynn, but thank you for the work you have done so far. Congratulations on receiving the 2022 Valley Treasure Award.
​
Click the following link to view the award program:
2022 Valley Treasure Award Program
NRRD 90 Challenge
Congratulations to John Burkhardt and Jean Stephens for completing their 90 hiking miles and/or maintenance hours in the North River Ranger District. We know there are more of you out there that we haven't heard from.  Please let Jean Stephens know if you have completed the requirements. We should have the patch completed in time to give out to the 2022 recipients at our 2022 Annual Meeting in November (date to be announced later). If you are looking for more information, please click on the link below.

http://www.ssvc.org/north-river-district-challenge.html
​Tuscarora (TT60) Challenge
A reminder that the PATC is also sponsoring a challenge for the Tuscarora Trail.  For more information, click this link:
http://www.patc.net/PATC/TT60Challenge.aspx
Saint Mary’s River Trail will be intermittently closed in August and September during trail improvement projects
The USDA Forest Service, in partnership with Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS), will be working to stabilize and restore sections of the Saint Mary’s River trail (Forest Trail #500) in Saint Mary’s Wilderness in Augusta County. The 1.3-mile trail section from the trailhead at the parking lot to the intersection with the Saint Mary’s Gorge trail Forest Trail (#500B) will be intermittently closed for public and worker safety during the trail work in August and September. 
The tentative dates of closure are:
  • August 3-4
  • August 8-12
  • August 24-31
  • September 7-14
  • September 21-28
Visitors may still access fishing opportunities at the Saint Mary’s River trailhead up to the point of trail work, less than one-half mile from the parking lot. Visitors to Saint Mary’s Wilderness will be able to access the area from Mine Bank Creek trailhead on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cellar Mountain trailhead on the Coal Road (Forest Service Road #42), and from Bald Mountain Road (Jeep Trail – Forest Service Road #162). Visitors can continue to access Saint Mary’s Falls via the Mine Bank Creek trail, a 9-mile round-trip hike. Visitors should be prepared for a more strenuous hike when following this route. 

Trail work will focus on repairing damage caused by remnant hurricane storms. Trail repair work will include moving large rocks by cable hoist to stabilize undermined trail sections to protect against future highwater events. Project work is expected to continue into calendar year 2023 and additional closure dates may be announced. 

“I appreciate everyone’s patience during these temporary closures as we work to address much needed repairs in this special place,” said District Ranger Lauren Stull. “We are fortunate to be able to work with our partner, SAWS, to improve visitor experiences on the trail and protect the trail along the St. Mary’s River.”

For more information on these closures please contact the Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger Districts at (540) 291-2188 or visit our website: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=77719
Update on Shenandoah Rail Trail
State Funding & Securing the Corridor for Future Public Benefit 
The Virginia state budget included over $90 million set aside for trails.  The trail funding also includes the establishment of a new trails office to support multi-use trail systems throughout Virginia. The new trail funding will provide the opportunity to help acquire the 48.5-mile unused rail corridor and secure it for future public benefit. Negotiations with Norfolk Southern, the current owner of the corridor, are currently underway. 

Next Up - Outreach and Input! 
The Partnership’s Communications Committee is getting ready to engage communities up and down the corridor, and we are looking for some community members to help with community meetings or/to represent the Shenandoah Rail Trail at community events. Training, talking points and materials will be provided.

For more information on Shenandoah Rail Trails, you can email them at: info@shenandoahrailtrail.org

Visit their website at:
https://shenandoahalliance.org/project/shenandoah-rail-trail-partnership/​
Program/Presentation at Walkabout Outfitters
August 3rd at 6:30pm, Russ Eanes will be doing a presentation on The Way of St. Francis (The Italian Camino) at Walkabout-Harrisonburg. Please spread the word, should be a fun presentation.

​Walkabout Outfitter is located at:
90 North Main St Suite 102
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Picture
0 Comments

New Hike Leader

6/1/2022

0 Comments

 
Special shout out to Angela Lawrence for completing her hike leader training. Angela plans to specialize in leading shorter hikes on the weekends. She also maintains Cliff Trail in Hone Quarry, part of our North River District. Angela has two hikes planned for June included one to help out on her trail. Be sure to check out the schedule and join her.
Picture
0 Comments

May 2022 Newsletter

5/1/2022

0 Comments

 
News from the Valley Trails
Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter of PATC ​
Welcome to our newsletter for May 2022.  
​​If you have a Facebook page, be sure to look for and like our page, PATC Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter.  On there, we will try to post updates as we have them.  If you don't already receive them, you can also subscribe to our email blast by using the link on our home page:  SSVC PATC
​
May News
New Law beginning July 1, 2022 -
Hunting on Sundays in VA
Get your blaze orange out and dusted off!  Be aware and stay safe!  New VA state law begins on July 1.
 
  • Legislation (VA SB8) in the 2022 session of the Virginia General Assembly proposed changes to Virginia laws related to hunting on Sundays on public lands.  It passed both the State Senate (January 24, 2022) and House of Delegates (March 7, 2022) and was signed into law by Governor Youngkin on April 5, 2022. This law becomes effective July 1, 2022.
  • The bill amends and reenact § 29.1-521 of the Code of Virginia and permits hunting on Sunday on public or private land, so long as it takes place more than 200 yards from a place of worship.​
  • Copy of law:  https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=221&typ=bil&val=sb8
Wildflower Weekend: Shenandoah National Park
Spring wildflowers and nature art will be celebrated during Shenandoah National Park's 35th annual Wildflower Weekend, May 14-15, 2022. Guided hikes and programs will focus on the diversity and importance of not only hundreds of species of flowering plants that are protected by the park, but other seasonal changes as well. 
 
Special features this year include a botanical art workshop led by watercolor artist Betty Gatewood, as well as a wildflower photography workshop led by Ann and Rob Simpson. No art experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. There will also be a presentation by Shenandoah’s current Artist-in Residence, Jillian Sico.  
 
For more information about spring in Shenandoah and the complete Wildflower Weekend schedule of programs, visit our website at 
https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/spring.htm.
Ten New PATC Crosscut Sawyers Certified in April
For the second year in a row, PATC’s North River District organized crosscut saw and axe training and certification to increase capacity for Wilderness trail maintenance in the GWNF. The Forest Service requires volunteers to be certified in order to use a crosscut saw to remove blowdowns. This year, 10 additional sawyers were certified and another 3 were re-certified, bringing our total to 21 PATC B Level Crosscut Sawyers who are qualified to remove blowdowns in the National Forest.  The certification workshop was supported by Community Foundation for the Central Blue Ridge and the GWNF North River Ranger District.
 
Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) instructor, Scotty Bowman, and PATC C Level Sawyer Paul Dickens, came from North Carolina to Hone Quarry to provide formal training and evaluate skills and knowledge before issuing certification cards.  Prior to the certification workshop on April 9-10, participants completed an online University of Montana Crosscut Saw course and attended two evenings of Zoom instruction by SAWS.  Paul Dickens, with help from several North River B Level Sawyers, provided two days of pre-training to give everyone hands-on experience.  All the training emphasized safety, evaluation of each unique situation, and development of a safe and efficient cut plan.  As you can see, getting certified is not an easy process, but all participants met the challenge and were issued cards.
 
Congratulations to all the new certs:  Jan Orndorff, Pete DeSmit, Jeff Landis, Jen Fowler, Todd Fowler, Brian Nixon, John Burkhardt, Ron Stoltzfus, Matt Murray, and Craig Sease, and to the recerts:  Stephanie Danahy, John Stacy, and Paul Boisen.
 
North River District is now well-equipped with qualified sawyers to remove blowdowns in Ramseys Draft Wilderness and in the 28,000 acres of new Wilderness that will be added in the North River District when the Shenandoah Mountain Act of 2022 is passed by Congress and signed into law.  That may take a while, but we are ready! 
 
Lynn and Malcolm Cameron
PATC North River District Managers
PATC Officer Nominations 
2022 is a PATC election year. The deadline for members to file to be a candidate is August 1. Eligible members are those who are in good standing, maintain a current PATC membership,  and are willing to commit the time necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the office.

The following positions are open for nominations, each with a 2-year term:

• President
• Vice President for Operations
• Vice President for Volunteerism
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Supervisor of Facilities
• Supervisor of Trails 
• Supervisor of Lands 
• Supervisor of Membership 
• Supervisor of Outreach 
• Supervisor of Marketing 
• Supervisor of Communications

For more information on submitting your application for these positions can be found here: 
http://www.patc.net/PATC/2022_Officer_Nominations.aspx
North River District Featured Hike: Hone Quarry Falls
It's approximately a 5 mile round trip to view Hone Quarry Falls.  Drive through the Hone Quarry Recreation area to the parking at Hone Quarry Reservoir/Lake.  The hike follows FR 62 for 1.5 miles. You will pass a marsh pond and then walk through forest and follow alongside the creek. The road is lined with wildflowers in the spring.   At that time of the year, also be sure to look out for salamander eggs and tadpoles along the way. 

After hiking along the fire road, turn right on Slate Springs Trail (428A) and hike 0.25 miles.  Bear right at Falls sign and continue 0.4 mile to the falls on the right.  The 25ft Hone Quarry Falls are the largest set of waterfalls in the Shenandoah Mountain. Beyond the main falls is another set of falls with a stone sitting area. Be sure to take time to sit on a log and enjoy the beauty of the falls before you head back.  There are several nice view points along the stream. The hike to Hone Quarry Falls is a fairly easy with about 600' elevation change.  

For more information: see the links below.
  • ​https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/hone-quarry-hikes.html
  • https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/HoneQuarryFalls/​
Picture
Tuscarora Featured Hike: Overall Run Falls
Located in the northern district of Shenandoah National Park, this hike begins at the Hogback Overlook near mile 21 on the Skyline Drive. Begin by hiking on the AT south to the start of the Tuscarora Trail. This is the southern terminus for the trail as it begins its 250-mile route ending in Pennsylvania.  Hike on the Tuscarora Trail down to view Overall Run Falls.  At 93-feet tall, Overall Run is the tallest falls in the park. You can return using the same route or create a loop using Mathews Arm Trail/Road and Traces Trail. 

It's a 6.1 mile, moderately strenuous hike with approximately 1,400-foot elevation change to reach the viewpoint for Overall Run Falls. Be sure to have a snack and  enjoy the beauty of the falls before making the return climb to the parking area.  

Be aware: there is no trail to view the bottom of the falls.  Unless rain is plentiful, Overall Run Falls may have minimal to no water flow.

More information on this hike can be found using this link: https://www.nps.gov/.../upload/MathewsArm_RoadTrail.pdf
0 Comments

April 2022 Newsletter

4/1/2022

0 Comments

 
News from the Valley Trails
Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter of PATC ​
Welcome to our newsletter for April 2022.  
​​If you have a Facebook page, be sure to look for and like our page, PATC Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter.  On there, we will try to post updates as we have them.  If you don't already receive them, you can also subscribe to our email blast by using the link on our home page:  SSVC PATC
April News
The Harrisonburg Appalachian Trail Community committee is in the process of reconvening after two years of shutdown for COVID. They are looking for interested persons in the Harrisonburg area to join the committee to help with activities such as trail magic, shuttles for AT thru-hikers, fundraisers, public outreach and other things to help make Harrisonburg a welcoming community for AT thru-hikers. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Harrisonburg ATC President Eddie Bumbaugh, 540.908.0094, or bumbaugh3@gmail.com.
AT Trail Maintainers Needed:
Would you like to help take care of part of the Appalachian Trail?  There's a couple great sections in the Southern District of Shenandoah National Park.  
The available sections are: 
  • Smith Roach Gap to Powell Gap - 1.6 miles
  • Horsehead Mountain Overlook to Riprap Trail Parking Area - 1.2 miles
  • Summit of Calf Mountain to Beagle Gap - 1.5 miles
If interested or if you want to know more, contact Dave Bowen (Southern District AT manager) at dbowenflyr@yahoo.com.​
Shout Out: Heather Denny
Special shout out to Heather Denny for completing her hike leader training by co-leading two hikes: Reeds Gap to Hanging Rock along the AT and Overall Run/Beecher Ridge Loop in the North District of Shenandoah National Park.

Heather and her husband, Brian live in Harrisonburg and are very active members of our chapter.  They have joined us for work trips and hikes of all types.  Heather also enjoys backpacking.  Over the summer, Heather and Brian took a trip to New Hampshire and Maine, which included a hike to summit Mt. Katahdin.

We are so glad that Heather decided to become one of our hike leaders.  Be sure to look for her planned adventures in our hike schedule page.
Picture
Tuscarora: Suggested Hike 
As the Tuscarora Trail leaves Shenandoah National Park and crosses Rt. 340, it follows Rt 628 and Rt 613 until it enters the George Washington National Forest. 

You will begin your hike on the Tuscarora Trail as it climbs steadily to the ridges of Massanutten Mountain. This part of the trail dates back to the Revolutionary War as it follows the route of a historic road.  Originally known as Morgan's Road, it was built as a potential route to retreat in case the Continental Army had been defeated at the battle of Yorktown. George Washington had Daniel Morgan construct the road over the eastern ridge into the valley. 

After 1.7 miles, the Tuscarora Trail intersects with the Massanutten Trail.  Turn right at this intersection. During its route in this area, the Tuscarora shares the trail with the Massanutten. In another, 0.9 miles, you will reach Little Crease Shelter.  Little Crease Shelter is the southern most shelter on the Tuscarora Trail.  This is a great spot for snack or lunch.  It could serve as your turn-around if you wish to do an out/back hike for the day.

The Tuscarora Trail continues to head north from Little Crease Shelter and in 0.1 miles, it intersects with Veach Gap Trail.  Look for future Tuscarora hikes for a description of the trail beyond this area.

To reach the trailhead, travel on Rt 340 north from Luray for approximately 14 miles, turn left on Rt 628 (Rocky Hollow Rd), take Rt 628 to its intersection with Rt 613 (Indian Hollow Rd), and turn left to stay on Rt 613 to parking for the trailhead. 
Braley Pond: Featured Hike in our North River District
If you are looking for a hike in the North River Ranger District to work off some of the 90 miles of the NRRD 90 Challenge, Braley Pond is a great place to start. There are several short, easy hikes near the pond and a longer hike up the Bald Ridge Trail. The trail that circles Braley Pond is about 3/4 of a mile and is fairly level and an easy hike. Braley Branch Trail is a 1 mile loop that starts at the parking area, goes through the camping area and loops back to the entrance road to the pond. There is an elevation gain of a little over 200 ft., but overall the trail is easy. If you follow the Forest Service Road on the far side of the pond, you will come to Johnson Draft Trail. This is a level trail, but has several stream crossings. The total loop back to Braley Pond parking is about 3 miles. 

For a longer, moderate trail, follow the Forest Service road past the Johnson Draft Trail to the Bald Ridge Trail on the right. This trail has a moderate elevation gain all the way up, but is not steep. There is an overlook at the top. The good news is that it is all downhill going back to the parking lot. This in and out trail is about 7 miles. There are a couple trails at the top that give options for longer shuttle hikes which you can find on the National Geographic Staunton - Shenandoah Mountain map if interested.
Senator Kaine Introduces Bill to designate Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area and Takes a Hike
By: Lynn Cameron,
SSVC Conservation Chair and Co-Chair of Friends of Shenandoah Mountain

March 23 is a day for SSVC to remember!   Senator Tim Kaine introduced The Shenandoah Mountain Act of 2022 (S. 3911), to establish the Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area in the State of Virginia. The bill was cosponsored by Senator Mark Warner.  Now this monumental bill has to work its way through the legislative process to become law.  We don’t know how long this will take.

A few days later, on March 26, Senator Kaine went on a hike on Shenandoah Mountain Trail to promote protection of the area.  I had the honor of hiking with him from the Breastworks to Jerrys Run and back. The weather was cold and windy with snow squalls, but that didn’t deter him from wanting to hike almost 5 miles. Senator Kaine was already familiar with the area, dating back to his honeymoon, when he and Anne hiked in Ramseys Draft.  I gave him a copy of the PATC Shenandoah Mountain Trails guidebook in case he wants to explore the area.

I want to thank all those in SSVC who helped with this campaign over a span of two decades.  You really made a difference.

Here are links to some of the media coverage of the bill introduction and Senator Kaine’s hike.

The bill:  https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-117s3911is

The map:  https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/uploads/1/7/4/4/17446555/smnsamapwebpage.pdf 

Senator Kaine’s press release:  https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/news/kaine-warner-introduce-legislation-to-form-national-scenic-area-in-rockingham-augusta-and-highland-counties

FOSM’s press release:  https://www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/news/bill-to-establish-shenandoah-mountain-national-scenic-area-introduced-in-the-us-senate

News Virginian article by Nancy Sorrells:  https://newsvirginian.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/sen-tim-kaine-hikes-near-staunton-in-support-of-proposed-shenandoah-mountain-bill/

​WMRA:  https://www.wmra.org/2022-03-30/virginia-senators-push-for-new-national-scenic-area-on-shenandoah-mountain
Picture
Flip Flop Festival: Harpers Ferry, April 23-24
Most people who dream of hiking the entire 2,194 miles of the Appalachian Trail think of the hike as a "NoBo" (northbound) path leading from Georgia to Maine. It can be, but that's not the only way to complete a thru hike. Others approach the Trail as a "SoBo" hike from Maine to Georgia.

And, then, there's a third approach to a thru-hike: the Flip-Flop. Hike half the Trail in one direction, and hike the second section in the other direction. Having hikers tackle the Trail from different starting points, at different times, is good for hikers—and for the Trail itself.

The Flip Flop Festival, held in Harper's Ferry and Bolivar, WV, encourages this approach, as it sees off a group of "Flip-Floppers" and celebrates the A.T. in general.

On April 23rd, a series of free workshops will be held that appeal to thru-hikers and hikers of all distances. Want to stay healthy on the Trail? Keep your feet happy? Treat the Trail with respect? Workshops held at the Harpers Ferry Center Outdoor Plaza have all this and more covered. Then, stay in town for talks and tunes at the Barns of Harper's Ferry.

Sunday, April 24, features the traditional Flip-Flop send-off pancake breakfast and a family hike.

For more information on the Flip Flop Festival, click this link:
Flip Flop Festival
Picture
Earth Day Staunton, April 23
For over 40 years, Earth Day has been celebrated around the world to foster enthusiasm for conservation and remind us that we are all responsible for our Planet's health.

Earth Day Staunton began in 2007 with a group of exhibits about wildlife, nature, and environment, while also focusing on the Lewis Creek Watershed issues. In 2011, we expanded our celebrations to an Earth Week. 

This year Earth Day Staunton will feature displays, informational demonstrations, and interactive learning opportunities from many local environmental organizations. The Wildlife Center of Virginia will present  educational programs featuring live, native wildlife. Other activities include a live bee hive, nature crafts, various games, nature touchables, sapling giveaways, and face painting.  More than 30 organizations plan to participate, including PATC. 

Earth Day Staunton is sure to be a fun and educational experience for everyone in the family. Make sure to check out their Facebook page and website for more information.
Picture
Riverfest Waynesboro, April 30
By the mid-90’s, many residents saw the South River as not much more than a polluted, flood-prone nuisance; a proposal to modify the river was under consideration. While the proposal was meant to alleviate flooding concerns, the plan had serious ecological consequences.

Riverfest was founded in 1997 to educate the community about the recreational, educational, and esthetic value of the South River. Throughout the years, the downtown event has grown to be one of the largest festivals in Waynesboro as more programs, activities, exhibits are added — all of which challenge people of all ages to protect the environment and our own South River.

The South River has seen many exciting changes and developments since that first year: the City of Waynesboro built a greenway along the river, Trout Unlimited and the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries have established a destination trout fishery (with signs of natural reproduction occurring), and DuPont is actively remediating legacy contamination along the river.

The residents of Waynesboro and the surrounding area have fully embraced the importance and value of this wonderful natural resource. 

Riverfest is a FREE annual event that takes place river-side at Constitution Park South. 2022  is the Year of the Monarch Butterfly at Riverfest!  Programs and activities start at 10am and continue throughout the day.

For more information of the Riverfest event, click this link:
https://riverfestwaynesboro.org/
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    May 2023
    March 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022

Proudly powered by Weebly