trail community
I grew up in rural Whitehall, Montana, and my family had cows growing up. We just did chores. I got into track and field when I was in high school, but we didn't really do much as a family outdoors. We were outside a lot, but it was chore-wise. So, when I was doing wildland firefighting in Minneapolis, I just loved being outdoors. I loved what it did for me because my teenage years weren't great in school. I got teased a lot and I didn't have a lot of friends. With the wildland firefighting, we have this community of people and it showed me that being outside is where I wanted to be. I thought that it was so great because everyone treated me like family. I wasn't teased, people were interested in what I did, and I loved that. That's what sparked it, the wildland fire community. It was such an awesome feeling inside, a feeling like I belonged somewhere finally.
Carol Kennedy is a retired elementary and special education teacher living in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is devoted to helping differently abled people enjoy the outdoors.
I’m the founder of a global hiking movement called 52 Hike Challenge. As you can imagine I am committed to hiking often and weekly.
Access to natural areas and green spaces has been linked to numerous health impacts including; improved air quality, reduced heat effects, improved mental and physical health, and increased biodiversity.
In 2018, I found myself working 70-80 hours per week in a finance career I worked years to achieve, paying for a lovely apartment I rarely got to enjoy. I was working away, day after day, in a chair under fluorescent lights with no windows. In a word, I was successful. In another word, I was miserable.
We talked with Phil and Hailey to learn more about sustainable trail building and how it was incorporated in this new trail build. Not only is it built thoughtfully, but, Skidmarks trails also showcases all types of terrain including flowy rollers, optional rock features, and berms.
Thru-hiker, author, and Oboz Ambassador Derick Lugo recently caught up with Bryan, Owner and Co-Founder of Roads Rivers Trails (RRT), a retail shop in Milford, Ohio and one of the shops selected as an Oboz Store Solemate this year.
How lucky are we to get to roam and explore this beautiful planet?! To have the capabilities, freedom, time, and means to travel, wander, discover and appreciate new areas. If Covid-19 has taught me anything, it is gratitude: gratitude for family, friends, community, time, adventures, travel, work, nature, and for these wild, scenic, and captivating landscapes we get to explore.
If you love hiking rugged trails or spending time on your mountain bike, then getting involved with trail organizations and learning about trail stewardship can be a fulfilling way to give back. Trail stewardship ensures that our trails remain accessible, sustainable, and well-maintained for all outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're new to the concept or ready to dive in, here’s a few tips to help get involved and make a difference.