Fall Season Maintenance:
As our line trimming season comes to a close, the last trim is very important to cut the tender plants in the trail corridor before they "Harden Off" over the winter. It will make next year's initial line trim around May 15 to June 1st so much easier. If you experience the trimmer line wrapping around plants or the line getting broken off, it's most likely due to missing the end of season trim. I have noticed less and less woody plants sprouting in the trail corridor on Marit's and my section due to regular trimming.
As the trimming season ends, the next six months we can focus on Trail Tread Preservation. Oh Joy. Waterbars!
Cheers on your leadership and commitment to the outdoor community's trail network.
Gratefully,
Mark Perschel
As our line trimming season comes to a close, the last trim is very important to cut the tender plants in the trail corridor before they "Harden Off" over the winter. It will make next year's initial line trim around May 15 to June 1st so much easier. If you experience the trimmer line wrapping around plants or the line getting broken off, it's most likely due to missing the end of season trim. I have noticed less and less woody plants sprouting in the trail corridor on Marit's and my section due to regular trimming.
As the trimming season ends, the next six months we can focus on Trail Tread Preservation. Oh Joy. Waterbars!
Cheers on your leadership and commitment to the outdoor community's trail network.
Gratefully,
Mark Perschel
New Maintainer:
We welcome a new maintainer, Paul Kitchings, who started his volunteer role in late August as maintainer of the AT section from Jarman Gap to Calf Mountain Summit.
Having moved to the Charlottesville area from the Fort Worth/Dallas area a few years ago, Paul was looking for ways to get involved in the outdoors. He started his search by looking at the national forest and national park’s website for volunteer opportunities. There, he discovered PATC.
Paul’s first outing was to help with mowing near the Loft Mountain area as he joined Bev Carver and Kate Hoffmeyer to help with the AT section from Frazier Discovery Trail to Ivy Creek Hut. Bev stated that Paul “weedeated like a champ.” A short time after that, Paul attends a hike and picnic hosted by the South Shenandoah Valley Chapter at Sherando Lake. While there, he met other trail maintainers and expressed his interest in helping out on the trail.
There’s been no slowing down for Paul after that. He has attended a Hoodlum trail maintenance workshop and helped lead the UVA Forestry Club. Paul says his favorite part of being a PATC member is the feeling of comradery with like minded people that just like being outside.
We welcome a new maintainer, Paul Kitchings, who started his volunteer role in late August as maintainer of the AT section from Jarman Gap to Calf Mountain Summit.
Having moved to the Charlottesville area from the Fort Worth/Dallas area a few years ago, Paul was looking for ways to get involved in the outdoors. He started his search by looking at the national forest and national park’s website for volunteer opportunities. There, he discovered PATC.
Paul’s first outing was to help with mowing near the Loft Mountain area as he joined Bev Carver and Kate Hoffmeyer to help with the AT section from Frazier Discovery Trail to Ivy Creek Hut. Bev stated that Paul “weedeated like a champ.” A short time after that, Paul attends a hike and picnic hosted by the South Shenandoah Valley Chapter at Sherando Lake. While there, he met other trail maintainers and expressed his interest in helping out on the trail.
There’s been no slowing down for Paul after that. He has attended a Hoodlum trail maintenance workshop and helped lead the UVA Forestry Club. Paul says his favorite part of being a PATC member is the feeling of comradery with like minded people that just like being outside.
Flying McLeods: A Perfect Day on the AT
The forecasts threatened yet another 4th Saturday shower, but Mother Nature finally gave the SNP South District Flying McLeods a break. Instead of dodging raindrops, the crews were
treated to a beautiful day on the Appalachian Trail, between Beagle and McCormick Gap, and they made the most of it.
The McLeods split into three crews, each with a mission.
Ruth Stornetta led Jonathan Cannon and Albert Connette into some particularly overgrown sections of trail, where they battled a multitude of invasive species, and cleared several blowdowns left behind by recent storms. If you know this stretch of trail, you know this was no small undertaking. The area was once the site of the Royal Orchard, where Pippin apples were grown for Queen Victoria, before the orchard was eventually allowed to return to its wild state. Today, the wild growth may be picturesque, but it certainly keeps trail maintainers busy!
Meanwhile, Michael Durland, Kim Durland, and Joel Brown took on a different challenge-more than 26 waterbars on both sides of Bear Den Mountain. The crew didn't simply clear the
structures, they took the opportunity to improve and fine tune many of them, helping ensure that future rainstorms will have a clear path off the trail rather than down it.
And then there were the Dream Weavers.
Flying McLeod crew leader Kevin Cwalina, together with Jon Yoder and Darren Stelle, spent the day turning Kevin's long held dream into reality: adding steps to a steep, badly eroded
hillside on the McCormick Gap side of the trail. By day's end, the Dream Team had installed five steps, plus one combination superstructure featuring two additional steps and a waterbar.
Dream realized. Hillside tamed. Trail improved!
After a productive day of trail work, all three crews gathered at McCormick Gap for a well earned potluck picnic. Plates were filled, stories were swapped, and the day's accomplishments
were celebrated.
A beautiful day, three hard working crews, and several improvements that will benefit AT hikers for years to come. Not a bad 4th Saturday at all!
If you would like to get on the mailing list for future Flying McLeods worktrips, email Kevin at [email protected]
The forecasts threatened yet another 4th Saturday shower, but Mother Nature finally gave the SNP South District Flying McLeods a break. Instead of dodging raindrops, the crews were
treated to a beautiful day on the Appalachian Trail, between Beagle and McCormick Gap, and they made the most of it.
The McLeods split into three crews, each with a mission.
Ruth Stornetta led Jonathan Cannon and Albert Connette into some particularly overgrown sections of trail, where they battled a multitude of invasive species, and cleared several blowdowns left behind by recent storms. If you know this stretch of trail, you know this was no small undertaking. The area was once the site of the Royal Orchard, where Pippin apples were grown for Queen Victoria, before the orchard was eventually allowed to return to its wild state. Today, the wild growth may be picturesque, but it certainly keeps trail maintainers busy!
Meanwhile, Michael Durland, Kim Durland, and Joel Brown took on a different challenge-more than 26 waterbars on both sides of Bear Den Mountain. The crew didn't simply clear the
structures, they took the opportunity to improve and fine tune many of them, helping ensure that future rainstorms will have a clear path off the trail rather than down it.
And then there were the Dream Weavers.
Flying McLeod crew leader Kevin Cwalina, together with Jon Yoder and Darren Stelle, spent the day turning Kevin's long held dream into reality: adding steps to a steep, badly eroded
hillside on the McCormick Gap side of the trail. By day's end, the Dream Team had installed five steps, plus one combination superstructure featuring two additional steps and a waterbar.
Dream realized. Hillside tamed. Trail improved!
After a productive day of trail work, all three crews gathered at McCormick Gap for a well earned potluck picnic. Plates were filled, stories were swapped, and the day's accomplishments
were celebrated.
A beautiful day, three hard working crews, and several improvements that will benefit AT hikers for years to come. Not a bad 4th Saturday at all!
If you would like to get on the mailing list for future Flying McLeods worktrips, email Kevin at [email protected]
South District Shenanigans
On Saturday, September 26, we held events to celebrate all things South District. We had hikes, trail work and a picnic to honor the best area in Shenandoah National Park.
On Saturday, September 26, we held events to celebrate all things South District. We had hikes, trail work and a picnic to honor the best area in Shenandoah National Park.
**Hikes from Dundo Picnic Area
We offered two hikes that left from the Dundo Picnic Area.
One went north on the AT to the intersection of Browns Gap trail. Hikers used this trail to reach Doyle's River Trail and Doyle's River Falls. Rich led this hike and said that the falls were just a trickle but it was still a great hike.
The second hike went south on the AT to visit Blackrock summit. Ramzi led this hike and was joined by three other hikers. Everyone enjoyed the views at Blackrock on this beautiful clear sky day.
Rich was given a SNP wine glass for helping and Ramzi received a PATC hat.
We offered two hikes that left from the Dundo Picnic Area.
One went north on the AT to the intersection of Browns Gap trail. Hikers used this trail to reach Doyle's River Trail and Doyle's River Falls. Rich led this hike and said that the falls were just a trickle but it was still a great hike.
The second hike went south on the AT to visit Blackrock summit. Ramzi led this hike and was joined by three other hikers. Everyone enjoyed the views at Blackrock on this beautiful clear sky day.
Rich was given a SNP wine glass for helping and Ramzi received a PATC hat.
**Trail Work with the UVA Forestry Club
Led by William Brooks, 30 students from the the UVA Forestry Club helped on the AT section from Jarman Gap to Calf Mountain Summit. They painted blazes, clipped vegetation and helped with rehabilitating some water bars and and side hilling projects. The students were led by Paul Kitching (section maintainer), Laura Longley, Pam Heinrich, and Jim Fye.
William was also presented by PATC Appreciation Award for his volunteer work with the club.
Led by William Brooks, 30 students from the the UVA Forestry Club helped on the AT section from Jarman Gap to Calf Mountain Summit. They painted blazes, clipped vegetation and helped with rehabilitating some water bars and and side hilling projects. The students were led by Paul Kitching (section maintainer), Laura Longley, Pam Heinrich, and Jim Fye.
William was also presented by PATC Appreciation Award for his volunteer work with the club.
**Flying McLeods Work Project
Led by Kevin Cwalina, seven members from the Flying McLeods crew worked on the AT section from Blackrock Gap to Trayfoot Mountain Trail. They improved waterbar features on the southern end of the trail. Many thanks to all the maintainers: Bev, Roger, Albert, Joel, Ruth, and Kevin. Kevin received a SNP wine glass and certificate for his role as Crew Leader.
Led by Kevin Cwalina, seven members from the Flying McLeods crew worked on the AT section from Blackrock Gap to Trayfoot Mountain Trail. They improved waterbar features on the southern end of the trail. Many thanks to all the maintainers: Bev, Roger, Albert, Joel, Ruth, and Kevin. Kevin received a SNP wine glass and certificate for his role as Crew Leader.
**Picnic at Dundo
We wrapped up our South District Shenanigans with a picnic at Dundo. Special shout out to Dave and Patti for bringing chili. Our maintainers were presented with recognition items. PATC and SNP swag were available for all guest. Fun was had by all.
We wrapped up our South District Shenanigans with a picnic at Dundo. Special shout out to Dave and Patti for bringing chili. Our maintainers were presented with recognition items. PATC and SNP swag were available for all guest. Fun was had by all.
Awards Winners Among Us: Chapter Hawksbill Awards
Congratulations to Anthony (Tony) Alimenti, Charlottesville‘s chapter recipient. Tony is active with leading hikes, assisting with trail maintenance, leading Map and Compass classes and assisting in clearing trees as a swamper. He is also a volunteer with Charlottesville Tree Stewards. I personally volunteer with Tony line trimming sections of the AT assisting fellow maintainers maintaining their trail sections. While hauling PPE to remote trail sections blocked by downed trees Tony will always lead the way with a positive story and cheerful attitude. Thank you Tony for making time to make the trail community safer with their navigation skills and clear paths.
---Submitted by Mark Perschel
Congratulations to Pam Heinrich, South Shenandoah Valley's chapter recipient. Pam is active with leading hikes, volunteering as a trail maintainer and assisting in managing the South District AT. She has previously served as a chapter officer: helping with advertising through email blast and website publications, attending outreach events, and encouraging others to become involved.
---Submitted by Jean Stephens
Congratulations to Anthony (Tony) Alimenti, Charlottesville‘s chapter recipient. Tony is active with leading hikes, assisting with trail maintenance, leading Map and Compass classes and assisting in clearing trees as a swamper. He is also a volunteer with Charlottesville Tree Stewards. I personally volunteer with Tony line trimming sections of the AT assisting fellow maintainers maintaining their trail sections. While hauling PPE to remote trail sections blocked by downed trees Tony will always lead the way with a positive story and cheerful attitude. Thank you Tony for making time to make the trail community safer with their navigation skills and clear paths.
---Submitted by Mark Perschel
Congratulations to Pam Heinrich, South Shenandoah Valley's chapter recipient. Pam is active with leading hikes, volunteering as a trail maintainer and assisting in managing the South District AT. She has previously served as a chapter officer: helping with advertising through email blast and website publications, attending outreach events, and encouraging others to become involved.
---Submitted by Jean Stephens
South District Trail Maintainers enjoyed the dinner provided by SNP Trust for volunteers.
RSS Feed