FROM THE FIELD

Volunteer Highlight:

By Haley Gamertsfelder (she/ her) CDTC Field Coordinator

Carol Martin recalls growing up in San Diego, California with the Pacific Crest Trail right in her backyard allowing for a multitude of hiking, camping, and backpacking opportunities.

This instilled a love of long-distance trails for her and her family. When her daughter thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail (AT) years later, Carol was the support person mailing resupply packages along the way. She even got the opportunity to meet her daughter at the top of Mt. Washington and they enjoyed a short portion of the AT together.

When Carol’s husband, Richard, was transferred to Virginia, they both became involved in the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club (TATC). Maintaining sections through city, county, state, and federal agencies, including the Saint Mary Wilderness in western Virginia.

Carol and Richard now call the Burro mountains west of Silver City, New Mexico home. This is where they have gotten involved with the CDT Coalition since they just so happen to live three miles from the CDT! While attending a CDT ribbon cutting near Silver City, Richard wore a TATC Trail Crew hat. Teresa Martinez (CDTC Executive Director) who is originally from Virginia asked Richard where he had gotten that hat and it turned out they knew several of the same AT maintainers and so the CDT connection was made.

“It’s a beautiful thing and has blossomed over the years.” says Carol. Almost 25 years ago they adopted 28 miles of the CDT north of Jacks Peak in the Burros. In addition they helped Silver City become the first Gateway Community, which will be celebrating its 10th year of designation, this year! Carols says “awareness of the CDT and the benefits it brings to Grant County has inspired more people and businesses to support hikers coming through.”

Since then Carol has been keeping busy maintaining her 3-mile adopted section, promoting the Gateway and Adopter programs, teaching classes on CDT history and sustainable trail maintenance, leading hikes, hosting CDTC Staff & hikers and, as always, being involved in her community. “Giving back is a very satisfying lifestyle.” says Carol, and we agree.

Carol is a wonderful example of our amazing volunteers, and the community the CDT has helped build. Carol hopes for many more years of CDTC stewardship on her adopted section but says “when I age out… there are 2 great neighbors ready to take over the section.” We are so grateful for Carol and all of our amazing volunteers. To come out and build trail and community with us (and Carol!), you can sign up for one of our open projects here