Volunteers make Trails for All go, and we often mean that literally. Take Chris Eichman for example. He retired to the valley a few years ago, after a career split between forestry and civil service with the U.S. government. One thing he has never lost is a passion for the out-of-doors, and with retirement he has space and time to pursue doing what he loves best: hiking, backpacking, fishing, skiing. From the beginning he has been a part of Trails For All, leading trail maintenance crews, getting training from the Forest Service, and attending Trails board meetings and clinics. Recently, he completed training for certification in using a cross-cut saw! He loves the out-of-doors and has a heart for solitude and wonder, elevation and distance.
Collaboration with other user groups was another important theme that Chris heard. The more communication and cooperation between various user groups, the more community will develop and everyone benefits. There was a special emphasis at this workshop on the connection between hikers and horsemen/horsewomen. Most trails groups are challenged by the need to raise funds. Grant-writing received a fair amount of attention. Creating membership was also suggested, with a modest annual fee and a number of benefits that might be associated with membership. And corporate sponsorship is becoming a reality in many parts of the country, with a company or institution sponsoring a trails group in return for displaying that organization’s logo on its website, shirts, or publications. Perhaps most important of all, the care and celebration of volunteers was given a high value at this workshop. Those who taught on this theme insisted that thanking people for what they have done is vital. Having distinctive shirts, vests, and/or patches lend official authorization and help create a sense of team loyalty, especially in the realm of trails maintenance. Photos posted from events on Facebook and our website are always helpful in making what we do real to those outside the organization. And there is no way to overestimate the goodness of social events to celebrate work completed, to experience the bonds that are formed when we work together, and to share the sense of accomplishment. If you’re reading this and you aren’t plugged into the life and work of Trails For All, you’re missing out on time with some amazing people, like Chris Eichman. Come join us this summer. We have a lot of work to do, and we do it better together! Post contributed by Paul Parsons, TfA President
1 Comment
RIKA ARIYANTI
11/4/2024 10:40:25 pm
¡Es maravilloso ver cómo Chris Eichman está ayudando a Trails for All a extender su colaboración! El trabajo en equipo es esencial para crear un impacto duradero en nuestras comunidades y promover la accesibilidad en los espacios naturales. Estoy emocionado por los resultados que esta colaboración puede traer. Además, para aquellos interesados en mejorar su contenido en línea, les recomiendo visitar <a href="https://jakarta.telkomuniversity.ac.id/tips-membuat-konten-yang-seo-friendly-untuk-website/">Telkom University Jakarta</a> para obtener consejos sobre SEO amigable.
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