National Trails Day 2006
Monday, June 12, 2006
Ready for trail work to celebrate National Trails Day 2006
are GMHA members (left to right) Betz Haartz, De Johnson, Fred Weremey,
Kathy Hall, Deb Donahue (GMHA Trails Coordinator), and Ray Johnson.
Also volunteering were Linda Glock, Jackie Carr, and Lynne Miller.
by Lynne A. Miller
Eight hardy Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) members turned out for trail work on Sunday, June 4, National Trails Day. Originally slated on the GMHA calendar for the previous day, the nagging rains of this spring necessitated a rescheduling. Breaking into two groups, the trail crews attacked some of the neediest trails with chain saw, loppers, hand saws, and clippers. Making double use of the day, markers for the upcoming 25 mile competitive ride/drive were put up. The trail volunteers worked steadily for several hours but it would be necessary to call in a professional tree company to remove the larger blow-downs and dangerous hanging limbs.
All participants received a "thank you" bag containing a T-shirt from the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource, a packet of Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses, a schedule of APHA all-breed rides, info on the 18th National Trails Symposium, a "Horses on Shared Trails" brochure, info on the USPC Horsemaster Program for Adults, and a bookmark from the American Endurance Ride Conference. Volunteers were treated to a variety of snacks to keep up their energy and water.
The early winter storms plus the persistent heavy rains have wreaked havoc on parts of the trail system resulting in the drawing down of the Trail Fund. Anyone wishing to give the Trail Fund a boost can send their donation to the GMHA, PO Box 8, So. Woodstock, VT 05071.
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