Spring Summer 2013 Trailblazer

Spring/Summer 2013

Newsletter of The Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Spring on the Trail!

Upcoming Events, Outings and More! PA G E 4 Take On The New TRAIL CHALLENGE PA G E 5 New Trail Projects PA G E 6

VIEW FROM THE RIM

Tahoe Rim Trail Association

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s I was listening to inspirational poetry recently, one line jumped out at me. It was in reference to how often we allow ourselves to be caught up in the day to day craziness of life and forget the importance of taking the time to get out in nature to reconnect with what is really important.

Trail Blazer is the official publication of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to maintain and enhance the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and inspire stewardship and promote access to the beauty of the Lake Tahoe Region.

Staff

Sometimes the truth depends on a walk around the lake.

by Mary Bennington Executive Director

- Wallace Stevens

Executive Director

Mary Bennington

Director of Operations

Morgan Fessler

Director of Trail Use

Our trail provides the opportunity to do just that, although perhaps a bit longer “walk” than the author was thinking if you do the entire trail! I hope each of you reading this will take the time to get out in nature wherever you are and enjoy!

We are kicking off a new challenge for members this year – to get out and explore our “trail like no other” with the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge. We’ll be highlighting six wonderful day hikes in various locations around the lake to encourage participants to explore the unique ecosystems, breathtaking vistas, cool alpine lakes and the healthy benefits of getting out on the trail. Thank you to our corporate sponsors Spin Games, REI and NV Energy for supporting this new program. Read more about this on page five and join in on the fun this summer.

This year’s trail building season will kick off with National Trails Day on June 1st at Van Sickle Bi-State Park. This summer we’ll be finishing up our Daggett project and completing critical maintenance around the trail. I hope you’ll join us for some of our workdays – another great way to enjoy the trail, keep it safe for other users, and reap the benefits of getting outside.

In an effort to put more of our precious resources into the trail, one big change this year will be transitioning to an online Trail Blazer. For those of you without email/ internet, please give us a call at 775-298-0012 and let us know that you would like to continue receiving a printed version.

As always, thank you for all of your contributions to sustain the Tahoe Rim Trail! It is because of all of you - our members, volunteers, donors, and corporate supporters that we are able to accomplish our mission. To see a complete list of all our supporters, check out our 2012 Annual Report – coming soon to our Website Press Room.

I look forward to seeing you on the trail in 2013! Happy Trails!

Mary Benngingtion Executive Director Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Tom Rodriguez

Director of Membership & Outreach

Shannon Skarritt

Office Administrator

Laurie Buffington

AmeriCorps Outdoor Education Program Coordinator

Haley Walker

AmeriCorps Trail Operations Coordinator

Lindsey Schultz

AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator

Kelly Phillips

Board Of Directors President John Singlaub Vice President Stuart Campbell Treasurer John McCall Secretary Craig Schriber Board Development

Craig Schriber

Sustainable Funding

Jeanne Fisher-Thompson Marketing Christina Stoever-Young Trail Operations Bob Anderson Trail Use Kristine Mitchell Board Members

Teresa Crimmens, David DeVoe, Kirk Hardie, Jennifer Hogler, Petra Keller, Roger Rosenberger, Karen Ross Contact Us

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The Tahoe Rim Trail Association works in partnertship with the USDA Forest Service and Nevada State Parks

R T M ENT OF AGRIC U L T

TRAIL BLAZER | Spring/Summer 2013 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association

948 Incline Way Incline Village, NV 89451 775-298-0012 (phone) www.tahoerimtrail.org info@tahoerimtrail.com

Tom’s Happy Trails

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ven though the winter snow melts, CA Department we are gearing of Water up for trainings, Resources tells us that programs and more. we’ve only received 60 This spring, you percent of the normal can look forward amount of snow this to the Spring winter, the TRTA has Speaker Series in managed to pull off a partnership with fun season of snowshoe Cabela’s and REI

by Tom Rodriguez hikes around the basin. of Reno, as well as Director Of Led by volunteers Ambassador and Trail Use and our other stellar Guide Trainings. partners, these snowshoe tours And as the summer approaches, gave nearly 200 participants the be on the lookout for our chance to explore the TRT in schedule of free public hikes, winter, learn about avalanche wildflower walks and full moon safety, study winter animal strolls. It feels like as soon as survival strategies, and snowshoe one trail season ends, the next stargaze. Thanks for a great is already upon us. Here’s to the season on stunning winter trails! coming spring and summer, and But the fun’s not over yet; to another set of incredible TRTA as our (mildly underwhelming) hikes and programs.

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hanks to those of you who have helped us stay true to our commitment to the environment by opting for e-communications from the TRTA. This program has worked extremely well and therefore we have decided to expand it to our Trailblazer Newsletter. This copy of the Trailblazer will be our last printed version before we transition to a web based version to go green! For the next edition of the Trailblazer you will receive an email with a link to access the Trailblazer. If you do not have access to the web or would simply like to continue receiving the printed version please call us at 775-298-0012 and let us know. Whatever format you receive your Trailblazer in, we hope you enjoy and thank you for your support!

Welcome Kelly Phillips!

Our newest AmeriCorps Member digs in.

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pparently we have good karma here at the Tahoe Rim Trail Association because we were lucky enough to have Kelly Phillips join our team on March 11th.

Kelly is our newest AmeriCorps member, and will be serving as the TRTA’s Volunteer Coordinator until the end of August.

She’ll be working with our guides to organize the public hiking program, assisting our trail work parties, coordinating volunteers for the Backcountry Trail Work Camp, attending outreach events, and helping on a slew of other projects to recruit and support TRTA volunteers.

Trailside Inn Partners Looking for a place to stay this summer before you hike the Tahoe Rim Trail? Check out our Trailside Inn Partners who support the TRTA. Do you own a lodge, inn or hotel in Lake Tahoe? If so, visit tahoerimtrail.org to see how you can become a Trailside Inn Partner and start connecting to our many users!

Coming to us from the hills of Western Massachusettes, Kelly is ready to take on the mountains with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association!

Cedar House Sport Hotel Truckee, CA

Fjeldheim - Tahoe Mountain Home Stateline, NV

www.cedarhousesporthotel.com

www.tahoemountainhome.com

Get Out!

Your Guide to Getting Out By Getting In With The TRTA This Spring and Summer.

National Trails Day What better way to celebrate trails than to help build one!

Join us June 1, 2013 for National Trails Day on the south shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe. National Trails Day is an annual event spearheaded by the American Hiking Society to celebrate America’s more than 200,000 miles of trails. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association will be celebrating National Trails Day by kicking off our 2013 trail season building new trail within the Van Sickle Bi State Park. Come out and show your love for trails!

This event will run from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Preregistration is required. Visit our website www. tahoerimtrail.org for more information and to register. See you June 1st!

Spring Trainings 2013 Join our Team!

Each spring the Tahoe Rim Trail Association organizes a series of trainings for our trails community. This year we are very excited to offer Guide, Crew Leader, and Ambassador workshops. We have opportunities for folks interested in joining our illustrious ranks as guides and crew leaders as well as trainings for our seasoned vets to hone skills and practice in the field.

Training events include New Crew Leader Training May 18-19 and Guide Training June 22-23 in Incline Village, NV. For more information about these and our other training opportunities, please visit our website today.

We Want You!: Many hands make light work and there are many opportunities for you to help the TRTA build and maintain trails this year.

Backcountry Camps A great, unique way to experience The Trail, while giving back.

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is excited to announce the dates for our 2013 Backcountry Camps. This year the TRTA will host two backcountry camps: a three day camp August 2-4 and a two day camp August 17-18. Backcountry Camps are a Tahoe Rim Trail tradition and a great opportunity to give back to the trails you love, spend a few nights out under the stars, Livin’ it up in Backcountry Camps: We keep our Backcountry Camp volunteers well fed! and enjoy the company of a fantastic group of fellow trail enthusiasts. Both camps will be held near the Mt. Rose Summit Trailhead and are appropriate for car camping - packing gear into the backcountry not required!

The success of these fun camps requires all hands on deck! We are currently looking for trail work volunteers to build and maintain the trail under the direction of our talented crew leaders as well as kitchen volunteers to keep everyone feed (read: happy)! No experience is necessary. Volunteers provide their own personal camping gear and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association will provide meals, group camping equipment, tools, and safety equipment. Registration for these camps is now FREE thanks to generous grant support from the NV Energy Foundation, so register today! For more information or to register visit our website.

Backcountry Skill Courses Ready to take your backcountry skills to the next level?

Day hikes can be fun, but backpacking and camping are downright invigorating! Join TRTA Volunteer Instructors as they share years of trail experience with you in our Backcountry Skill Courses. Whether you join Backpacking 10 or Women’s Backpacking 101, you will be impressed with the level of instruction and information you receive.

During these educational and experiential overnight programs, you will learn to plan and prepare for backpacking adventures, cook in the backcountry, dress appropriately for conditions, and mitigate risk and environmental impact along the trail.

Summer Hikes Guided hikes for all ability levels Didn’t make it out this winter for a public snowshoe hike? Or maybe you’re more interested in exploring Tahoe when it’s warm and sunny? Either way, our summer public hikes are the perfect way to get some exercise, make new friends and see our local wildflowers bloom. Whether you’re interested in a long, challenging trek across a mountainside or prefer a leisurely stroll through a flowering meadow, these hikes are sure to leave you with lasting memories of our trail like no other.

Youth Backcountry Camps

Youth Backcountry Camps grow a love for the outdoors, while teaching essential backcountry skills through mentorship with our experienced instructors.

Adventure, fun and skill-building for teens Our Youth Backcountry Camps are backpacking adventures that take teens into Youth Backcountry Camp Dates the majestic Lake Tahoe backcountry to learn backpacking, backcountry field skills, wilderness first aid (WFA), camp cooking, wilderness navigation and YBCC-WFA (5-day, 14 – 17 year olds) – July 14-18 outdoor leadership skills. You’ll be guided by experienced and trained instructors YBCC (6-day, 14 – 17 year olds) – July 21-26 from the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science YBCC (3-day, 12 – 15 year olds) – July 28-30 and the American Red Cross. Join us for a unique summer experience connecting with peers and learning from Tahoe’s beautiful backcountry.

For more information, contact Hayley Walker at 775-298-0238 or programs@tahoerimtrail.org

Trail Challenge You are invited to participate in our Inaugural Trail Challenge! Kick off this summer with a fun, new TRTA outdoor adventure .

Is hiking portions of the Tahoe Rim Trail on your bucket list? Do you love a new adventure? Are you grateful for incredible vistas? When you answer “yes” to any or all of these questions, we invite you to step up to your next adventure: the Trail Challenge!

What is the Trail Challenge?

The Trail Challenge is a brand new program for TRTA members, and an outrageously fun way to complete portions of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail while supporting the TRTA. We have selected six premier destination day-hikes for your enjoyment. Your challenge is to complete all six by the end of 2013. You can do this on horseback, foot, mountain bike, snowshoes, or skis. The adventure can be experienced on your own, with friends, family members, or colleagues – you choose!

HOW IT WORKS:

We select six incredibly scenic points on the Tahoe Rim Trail for the inaugural Trail Challenge. Picture waterfalls, alpine lakes, geologic sites, and striking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountain ranges.

You hike, bike, snowshoe, ski, or ride horseback to each of the specific destinations in 2013!

Track your achievements and share photos on the Trail Challenge website (only accessible to Trail Challenge participants) and social media pages Enjoy special treats, a Trail Challenge T-shirt, and invitations to select guided hikes for TRTA Members only.

The Trail Challenge officially kicks off on National Trails Day, June 1 (participants do not need to be present).

Register at www.tahoerimtrail.org beginning this May. Fee: $20 for current TRTA members, $55 for new and renewing members.

Once you register for the Trail Challenge, the adventure begins!

You will receive an inaugural Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge T-shirt and access to everything Trail Challenge. Registration includes special admission to the Trail Challenge members-only website where you can track your hikes, share images of your experience on the trail, access GPS waypoints to the 2013 Trail Challenge destinations, and connect with friends and make new friends.

So, how does it work?

Beginning on May 15, register for the Trail Challenge on the TRTA website, www.tahoerimtrail.org. Current TRTA members are automatically eligible and pay the discounted $20 per person Trail Challenge registration fee.

Not a TRTA member?

Join for the first time or renew your TRTA membership when you register for the Trail Challenge! New and renewing members will pay the full program price of $55 and receive all of the benefits of the Trail Challenge plus a one year individual TRTA membership. Use the inaugural Trail Challenge to motivate your social group or whole business to get fit and have fun outdoors this summer.

Spread the word, tell your friends and hit the trail!

The Trail Challenge is a wonderful family-friendly and healthy way to create lasting memories while having fun hiking, biking, or horseback riding on the Tahoe Rim Trail!

Up for the challenge? We know you are!

Visit www.tahoerimtrail.org this May to register. We would like to honor our top sponsors for the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge: Spin Games, NV Energy, and REI! TRAIL BLAZER | Spring/Summer 2013 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association

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The Dirt On Trail Operations

Book of Official TRTA Records

Spring cleaning and some exciting new trails ahead

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Longest period of time to complete 165 miles Peggy Cecchettini 60 years! From 1947 – 2007 #637 Chris Libby 37 years – 1974 – 2011 #1174 Most times hiked the entire trail Ellen Goldsmith – 8 times and she’s guided the TRTA Thru Hike 5 times plus one more this August!

First disabled incomplete paraplegic to complete the trail with forearm crutches 7500 Arnow, 2010 #1166 Jon 75 00

First Executive Director to finish the trail twice Mary Bennington – Certificate #1350 Helped guide the Thru Hike in 2011, 2012 and will guide again in August 2013.

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First Person to complete the trail on two replaced knees: Rick Gallien #1347

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For the full Book of Official TRTA Records, please visit tahoerimtrail.org 0

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Watermelon Power! The TRTA is fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers.

First blind person to complete the trail Trevor “ZeroZero” Thomas, 2011 #1243

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Now’s your chance to get your name in the history books of the TRTA 2014! Please send in new entries and ideas for entries to:

Tahoe Rim Trail Association

948 Incline Way

Incline Village, NV 89451 Or email: info@tahoerimtrail.org 7000

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pring has sprung Saturdays in June and on Trail Operations July. and things are When our crews finish gearing up quickly for up the Daggett North another fantastic trail East Loop they’ll receive season. Volunteers are a great big pat on the being recruited, tools are back for an excellent being sharpened, groups job well done! That pat are signing up, and will actually be a bit of a trainings are scheduled! nudge northward where

by Morgan Fessler Our trail building season we will start up work in Director Of kicks off on June 1st and the Mt. Rose Trailhead Operations it will be a race against area. Work will vary Mother Nature’s clock to meet our but will include rehabilitation on the goals before the snow flies again! waterfall trail, installation of trail As a warm up we’ll start with signs and finish work on the Rim to our annual trail log out, in which our Reno project, and major maintenance crew of dedicated sawyers remove work on the TRT between Rose Knob over a hundred downed trees that and Relay Peak. Work parties will have fallen into the trail this past take place on various Thursdays and fall and winter. Volunteers will haul Saturdays starting in August. chainsaws and cross cuts to remote In addition (did I mention big corners of the trail to ensure that the goals!) we will also be completing entire 165+ mile loop is free and maintenance work on sections of trail clear of major obstacles. at Big Meadows West, Barker Pass With downed trees removed South, Echo Lakes North, Desolation from the trail, we’ll set our sights on Wilderness, and Brockway Summit finishing the Daggett Reroute Project. East.

This multiyear project has included We realize we have lofty building a connector trail between the ambitions but many hands make Tahoe Rim Trail and Van Sickle Bi for light(er) work and we have the State Park and rerouting four miles of greatest hands helping us. For more the TRT off a road and onto forested information about where you can single track trail. It will be completed catch us on the trail please visit our this summer with the construction webpage! Lindsey and I are excited of a mere two miles of trail on the to dig in and catch up with all of our Daggett North East Loop, which will amazing volunteers. Come out and circle behind the North Kingsbury share a laugh, play in the dirt, and Neighborhood. Work crews will be build a legacy this summer! trail building there on Tuesdays and

Current Crew Leaders Bob Anderson Jim Backhus Phil Brisack Teresa Crimmens Larry Davis Bill Doherty Michael Durand 6500 Gerry Eick Jackie Ferek Clay Grubb Bill Hager Jerry Heitzler Michael Hunter Kevin Joell

Chuck Kelly Joe Maher John McCall John McKenna Patrick Pevey 70 00 Dave Schnake Dorea Shoemaker Gina Silvernale Ed Smith Dave Stevenson Mike Stone Chris Strohm Bill Weik

Leave Your Legacy

Miles and Vistas

Join the Rim Trail Legacy Circle Today!

Join our Adopt-a-Vista or Adopt-a-Mile program!

Have you considered including the Tahoe Rim Trail Association in your will or trust? By doing so, you help leave a legacy and insure the Tahoe Rim Trail is here for future generations to come!

By leaving a charitable bequest to the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, you help protect and preserve the trail. You can make a bequest to the TRTA by naming us in your will or trust or by designating us as a beneficiary on bank or brokerage accounts, 401(k), individual retirement accounts, or life insurance policies.

If you choose to include the TRTA in your will, please use the following suggested wording: I give, devise and bequeath to the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation (EIN 88-0362053) for the Tahoe Rim Trail Endowment, its successors forever the sum of ($) or (%) percent of my estate (or a specific piece of property); or all the rest , residue and remainder of my estate.

If you have a personal preference of where you would like your funds to go to besides the Endowment Fund please specify.

For more information about ways to make a gift through your will or estate plan contact Mary Bennington, Executive Director by phone at (775) 298-0233 or by email: maryb@tahoerimtrail.org

Are you looking for a unique way to honor a loved one, create a family or business tribute, or give a special birthday or anniversary gift? Joining our Adopt-a-Vista or Adopt-a-Mile program is a great way to support the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. This tax deductible donation of $5,000 helps fund our annual operations, including trail enhancement & maintenance, guided hikes, youth backcountry camps and programs, and trail education and outreach.

As an Adopt-a-Vista/Mile donor, your name will be listed on our website and on donor panels at the nearest trailhead kiosks. You will receive a photo plaque that includes a photo from your vista or mile and a map showing its GPS coordinates.

For more information, please contact Mary Bennington at 775-298-0233 or maryb@tahoerimtrail.org , or stop by the TRTA office at 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV 89451.

New Business Member!

Nature’s Bakery Is Energy for Life’s Great Journeys We would like to highlight our new business & corporate member Nature’s Bakery, a local, all-natural snack foods company that supports health conscious living and active lifestyles.

Founded in 2010 by father and son Dave and Sam Marson, its mission is to bake delicious all-natural snack foods that are affordable and convenient for everyone. Nature’s Bakery offers an assortment of wholesome fig bars that come in stone ground whole wheat and vanilla flavors. Using clean, simple, natural ingredients, Nature’s Bakery snacks are great for health conscious on-the-go lifestyles.

Nature’s Bakery is proud to become a member of the TRTA and also a sponsor of the TRTA Ambassador Program & National Trails Day. With Lake Tahoe practically in their backyard, the owners of Nature’s Bakery feel compelled to support a local organization that encourages outdoor activity and promotes environmental stewardship.

To learn more about our new business partner visit them at www. naturesbakery.com and at Facebook.com/naturesbakery.

TRAIL BLAZER | Spring/Summer 2013 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association

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Trail Blazer

The Official Publication of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association

We would like to thank our 2012 Business & Corporate Members who’ve invested in the future of the Tahoe Rim Trail!