N A T U R A L B R I D G E A P P A L A C H I A N T R A I L C L U B THE HIKER

Notice of Future Meetings Meetings are open to all members. NBATC welcomes and encourages your attendance at Board and Outing Planning Meetings.

Hiker Happy Hour Wednesday, April 4, 5:00 PM Blue Mtn. Barrel House 495 Cooperative Way Arrington, VA 22922 (434) 263-4002

NBATC Annual Maintainers Meeting Thursday, April 12, time TBD Charley’s Restaurant 707 Graves Mill Road, Lynchburg

Hiker Happy Hour Wednesday, May 2, 5:00 PM Loose Shoe Brewery 198 Ambriar Plz Amherst, VA 24521 (434) 946-2337

NBATC Board Meeting Thursday, May 10, 7:00 PM Rm 306, Miller Center 301 Grove Street, Lynchburg

National Trails Day Project Saturday, June 2, Details to follow.

Adopt-a-Highway Saturday, June 2, 9:00 AM Cowles Meredith (434) 841-8333

Hiker Happy Hour Mike Rieley presented Suzanne Dixon, the new ATC President and CEO, with an NBATC Hiking Stick at the Wednesday, June 6, 5:00 PM February Awards Dinner. When she assumed her position in December she said, “The is My Dog Duke’s Diner an American treasure, and I’m privileged to lead this team as we celebrate the recreational, economic and 1007 Commerce Street cultural significance of the Trail. I’m excited to be an ambassador and collaborator with communities up and Lynchburg, Virginia 24504 down the A.T. as we move forward in protecting the Trail and its surrounding landscapes. By working directly (434) 849-8868 with the public, we will strengthen our ability for families to enjoy this precious resource for generations to come.” Suzanne promised to return to Lynchburg in the near future to do some hiking on our section!

Photo by Jessica Harber Konnarock Week 1 May 26-30

Konnarock Week 2 June 6-10 President’s Message by Mike Rieley Change is hard. Especially when things are going well. We are justifiably proud of this newsletter Konnarock Week 3 June 14-18 that you most probably are holding in your hand right now. For six years Tom Morgan has done an exceptional job as Editor of “The Virginia Hiker.” After a brilliant career, he is stepping down with this issue. Tom and Gretchen are planning to spend more time enjoying travel and, while they will remain active with the club, they will need more flexibility with their time. We congratulate them, thank them for jobs well done and wish them every happiness.

( Continued on page seven) Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club Newsletter April, May, June, 2018 1 Hiking Schedule - April, May, June 2018 Hikes are graded acording to difficulty. Consult the hike leader for a more specific appraisal. E = Easy hike, 2-5 miles. Expect good trails, often old roads. EM = Easy to Moderate, 3-6 miles. Expect steeper trails and more hills. M = Moderate, 5-8 miles. Trails may be difficult walking in places. MS = Moderate to Strenuous. Expect longer hikes with more climbing, perhaps bushwacking. S = Strenuous. Expect long hikes and hill climbing with large elevation gains, bushwacking. HD = Hiking Distance DD = Driving Distance MRT = Miles Round Trip PCIAFD = Please Call In Advance For Directions You may drive your own car if you wish. However, carpooling is suggested to save gasoline and because parking at trailheads is often limited. The hike leader is responsible for arranging transportation. The amount to help defray car expenses is noted on the schedule and should be given to your driver. If you are unable to contact the hike leader and the weather is suitable for hiking, it is suggested you go to the meeting place as planned. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY There are certain risks that are inherent in any hike or other club activity. These include, but are not limited to, weather conditions, trail conditions, ticks, wildlife, plant and insect allergens, etc. Each NBATC member, guest, or non-member agrees to accept responsibility for his or her own safety. Adults who are accompanied by minors agree to accept responsibility for those minors. Hike leaders are responsible for hike organization, reasonable instruction and guidance, and proper docu- mentation. Hike participants are responsible for following this reasonable guidance and instruction. By signing this form, each hike participant is affirming that he/ she has read and understands these responsibilities. From the Outing Planning Committee If you are planning to go on a hike, please call the hike leader at least the evening before the hike. That’s not only a courtesy to the hike leader, but also an aid to planning transportation to the trailhead. It’s the spring quarter – there will be ticks, but also many birds, wildflowers, and flowing streams. It’s one of our best hiking seasons, with freshened scenery and comfortable days. April 2018 April 2018 (Cont’d) Sat Apr 07 Hike #6044(E) Sun Apr 15 Hike #6047(EM) Matt’s Creek “Virginia Bluebells” (HD:4) Slower Pace Hike: Sweet Briar College (HD:6) Leader:Jessica Harber, 434-363-5067 Leader:Angelo Mercado, 434-941-9843 9:00 AM @ Boonsboro Shopping Center (DD:40 MRT, $3) 9:00 AM @ Madison Heights Lowe’s (DD:30 MRT, $3)

We will start across the Foot Bridge on the A.T. On the other side Sweet Briar College is set on 3,250 acres in the Blue Ridge of the river, we’ll immediately detour off the trail to (what will Mountain foothills. We will start at the parking lot close to the hopefully be) two large beds of Virginia Bluebells, if our timing is cafeteria and follow the road to the horse stables and riding center. lucky. We will then continue to the Matt’s Creek shelter and return We will visit Monument Hill to view the family cemetery. Other by the same route. sites include: the foundation of the old observatory; two lakes; open fields; woods; wetlands; and the slave cemetery. We will end Sun Apr 08 Hike #6045(MS) at the campus cafeteria. Optional: Lunch at Cafeteria ($8) North Mountain to Longdale Furnace (HD:9) Leader:David Agnor, 614-323-5310 Sat Apr 21 Hike #6048(EM) 8:00 AM @ Boonsboro Shopping Center (DD:135 MRT, $5) Blackwater Creek Hike (HD:6) Leader:Jordan Welborn, 434-209-4935 Hikers will enjoy great views of the Shenandoah Valley and House 1:00 PM @ Percival’s Island Parking Lot (Local) Mountain as we follow the ridge line during the first 3 to 4 miles. We’ll be trending down during the remainder of our hike as we We’ll walk on the blacktop to the Amherst side and back. descend almost 2000 feet. There will be a short 4-mile run-around on this one-way hike. The Boonsboro carpool will meet hike leader Sun Apr 22 Hike #6049(E) at the Lexington Tractor Supply parking lot (800 N. Lee Hwy.) Lynchburg’s Historic Cemeteries & Garden (HD:3 / 4) Leader:Becky Mahlburg, 816-261-6372 Lexington directions: from Rt. 60 go north onto Rt. 11 Bypass...look 1:00 PM @Presbyterian Cemetery, 2020 Grace Street (Local) for Tractor Supply on the right after crossing the Maury River. We’ll start at Presbyterian Cemetery, including its Confederate Sat Apr 14 Hike #6046(M) Terrapin Mountain – Lower Trail (HD:7) burial site and architecture from various European cultures. Next, Leader:Marilyn Hartman, 434-384-7075 we’ll drive to Old City Cemetery, est. in 1806 and the oldest 8:30 AM @ Boonsboro Shopping Center (DD:40 MRT, $3) Virginia cemetery still in use. Judy Harvey, local historian with the Lynchburg Visitor’s Center, will join us on the cemetery tour. This hike is on an old woods road that generally follows a contour If you have more time, we are adding an optional post-tour at the line near the base of Terrapin Mountain. There are several nice views beautiful Ann Spencer Garden in the Pierce St. Historic District. along the way. We’ll turn around at Reed’s Creek, a beautiful trout stream, and return by the same route. Sat Apr 28 Hike #6050(EM) Foot Bridge Lollipop to Sheppes Pond (HD:5) Leader:Coby Pieterman, 540-586-8464 8:00 AM @ Boonsboro Shopping Center (DD:40 MRT, $3)

We’ll take the A.T. along scenic Rocky Row Run, then cross Hercules Road and continue to Johns Hollow Shelter. From there, we follow a blue blaze trail to Sheppes Pond and back to Hercules Road where we will follow the A.T. back to the Foot Bridge. Boonsboro S.C. carpoolers will meet the hike leader at the Foot Bridge around 8:30.

Photo by Jessica Harber 2 Hiking Schedule - April, May, June 2018 April 2018 (Cont’d) May 2018 (Cont’d) Sun Apr 29 Hike #6051(MS) Sun May 13 Hike #6055(E) Slower Pace Hike: Torry Ridge-Sherando-White Rock Gap- Slower-Pace Hike: Lady’s Slippers on Cove Mountain (HD:4) Slacks Trails Loop (HD:9) Leader:Nancy Anthony, 434-283-5431 Leader:Norman & Jinx Sykora, 434-946-7084 1:00 PM @ Forest Square Shopping Center (DD:70 MRT, $4) 8:00 AM @ Madison Heights Lowe’s (DD:100 MRT, $5)

This spring wildflower hike is an NBATC Mother’s Day tradition. This slower pace hike forms a loop from 4 different trails, Slacks, In past years, we have found dozens of lady’s slippers along the Torry Ridge, Blue Loop, and White Rock Gap Trails, completing Cove Mountain section of the A.T. Jessica Harber, an excellent the loop back on the Slacks Trail, with a section going through nature photographer, is co-leading and will provide instruction Sherando Recreation Area. The hike begins and ends at MP 20 on on nature photography for those who would like it. Bring your the Blue Ridge Parkway. camera (point-and-shoot cameras are fine) and plan to count and,

if you choose, photograph the lovely early wildflowers. In past May 2018 years we have both heard and spotted scarlet tanagers. Plan to stop at a vernal pool. Sat May 05 Hike #6052(EM) Slower-Pace Hike: Trillium and Birding Hike - Thunder Ridge Sat May 19 Hike #6056(M) to Petites Gap on the A.T. (HD:4) Rocky Row Trail (out and back) (HD:6) Leader:Nancy Anthony, 434-283-5431 Leader:Carol Caswell, 434-907-5629 9:00 AM @ Boonsboro Shopping Center (DD:50 MRT, $3) 9:00 AM @ Boonsboro Shopping Center (DD:40 MRT, $3)

This will be an easy-paced walk on the A.T. from the Parkway We will hike up the Rocky Row Trail from US 501 to its junction at Thunder Ridge Overlook to Petites Gap. Along the way we’ll with the A.T. and then continue a little farther to Fullers Rocks. look for spring wildflowers, including trillium, and listen for bird We will take time for a snack and enjoy the great views which calls. Come out and enjoy the spring wildflowers and our feathered overlook: the , Tobacco Row, and east toward friends. Anyone wishing to join and go faster is welcome to come Lynchburg. We’ll return using the same trail to 501. along and provide his or her own transportation. Sun May 20 Hike #6057(S) Sun May 06 Hike #6053(E) The Priest from Spy Rock Road to Rt. 56 on the A.T. (HD:10) Claytor Nature Center Trails (HD:4) Leader:Herb Vreeland, 434-385-1826 Leader: Polly and Bob Flint, 434-841-7633; 8:00 AM @ Madison Heights Lowe’s (DD:80 MRT, $4) 1:30 PM @ Forest Square Shopping Center or 2:00 PM at entrance at 1844 Woods Road (DD:30 MRT, $3) We’ll start by walking up Spy Rock Road and take time to visit Spy Rock. We will continue north on the A.T., climbing over The 470-acre Claytor Nature Study Center encompasses freshwater Main Top Mountain and pass Crabtree Farm Road. From here streams, woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, rare plants, wildlife, we will climb to the top of The Priest and enjoy the valley views and a portion of the Big Otter River. The 18th century farm and from a large rock outcropping. The hike finishes with a long plantation house were given to Lynchburg College by A. Boyd steep downhill to the trailhead on Route 56. Note: 88 Miler Patch Claytor III as an education and research center for environmental Qualification Hike...This A.T. hike includes a 9 mile section of study and to preserve the land for future generations. We’ll hike the NBATC’s A.T. maintenance responsibility. nature trails that wind their way through the preserve. Please Note: No dogs allowed on this hike. Sat May 26 Hike #6058(M) Slower Pace Hike: Appomattox Surrender Grounds Trail Sat May 12 Hike #6054(S) (HD:8) Punchbowl Crossing to the Foot Bridge on the A.T. (HD:11) Leader:T. C. Harvey, 434-352-8763 Leader:Mike McCormack, 434-384-1944 9:00 AM @ Fairview Square Shopping Center - form carpool, 8:00 AM @ Boonsboro Shopping Center - Meet Hike Leader at meet hike leader at Kroger in Appomattox (DD:50 MRT, $3) the James River Foot Bridge at 8:30 (DD:50 MRT, $3) Walk in this gently rolling woods and learn more about this Enjoy a hike along a section of the A.T. with several nice important historical site. viewpoints along the way, including from the top of Bluff Mountain. Plan on lunch at Fullers Rocks and then a long downhill and leisurely stroll along beautiful Rocky Row Run on the way to the finish. Note: This A.T. hike includes an 11 mile section of NBATC’s maintenance responsibility for those members working on their 88 Miler patch.

3 Hiking Schedule - April, May, June 2018 May 2018 (Cont’d) June 2018 (Cont’d) Sun May 27 Hike #6059(S) Sun Jun 10 Hike #6063(E) Whetstone Ridge Trail (HD:12) James River State Park (HD:3 / 4) Leader:John Vosburgh, 540-348-6380 Leader:Nora Cox, 434-845-0048; Jim Cox, 434-845-0048 8:00 AM @ Madison Heights Lowe’s - Meet hike leader at 1:30 PM @ Madison Heights Lowe’s (DD:50 MRT, $3) Buena Vista Visitor’s Center at 9 AM (DD:90 MRT, $4) We will take an ecological exploration of the James River State Park The hike will begin at Milepost 29 on the Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails. Come out to our local state park and enjoy a wonderful at Whetstone Ridge Visitor Center. The trail runs along the spine summer hike. of the ridge for approximately 8 miles and offers great views, including Three Ridges,The Priest and Adams Peak. There are Sat Jun 16 Hike #6064(MS) many short climbs and drops along the ridge. The last few miles Apple Orchard Falls and Cornelius Creek Trails Loop (HD:8) descend 1250 feet before exiting on VA 603. There will be a 35 Leader:Mike McCormack, 434-384-1944 8:00 AM @ Boonsboro Shopping Center - form carpool and meet minute shuttle from VA 603 to the Parkway. NOTE: Buena Vista leader at Sunset Field on the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor’s Center is on Rt. 60. Address: 595 E. 29th St. (DD:60 MRT, $4)

June 2018 We will hike down the Apple Orchard Falls Trail past beautiful Apple Orchard Falls all the way down to North Creek. There we will take Sat Jun 02 Hike #6060(E) the Cornelius Creek Trail back up the mountain, then take the A.T. Adopt-a-Highway (HD:3) back to Sunset Field. Leader:Cowles Meredith, 434-841-8333 9:00 AM @ Boonsboro Shopping Center (DD:40 MRT, $3) Sat Jun 16 Hike #6065(M) Backpacking weekend on A.T. (June 16 & 17) (HD:7) NBATC cleans up litter along a section of US 501 and VA 130 near Leader:Becky Mahlburg, 816-261-6372 the A.T. crossing at the Foot Bridge. Please come out and help keep 10:00 AM Contact the leader a week in advance for details and planning. (DD:65 MRT, $4) our area free of litter and earn some maintenance hours too! Please call, text, or email to let the hike leader know you plan to attend. Are you ready to dust off your backpacking gear...or try it for the first Sun Jun 03 Hike #6061(MS) time? Join us for a beginners’ 1-night backpacking trip “on the A.T.” Combo Hike: Flat Top and Falling Water Cascades Loop On Saturday we will hike 3 miles from Harveys Knob Overlook to (HD:5 / 7) the Bobblets Gap Shelter to spend the night. On Sunday, we will hike Leader:Mahendra Punatar, 434-221-0792 another 3.5 miles to Bearwallow Gap and our cars. Contact the hike 9:00 AM @ Forest Square Shopping Center (DD:50 MRT, $3) leader at least one week in advance for questions, packing list and more details. The first 5-mile hike will start at the Blue Ridge Parkway access to Flat Top, up and back. We will add the additional 2-mile Falling Water Cascades loop for hikers wanting to hike the full 7 miles. We will stop for snacks on the Flat Top overlook and again on the rocks near the cascading waters. Please contact the hike leader to let him know if you are hiking one or both hikes and that you plan to attend.

Sat Jun 09 Hike #6062(MS) Wednesday Work Hikes - We have work hikes al- Thunder Ridge Overlook to Floyd Field on the A.T. (HD:7) most every Wednesday. If you are interested in a work outing Leader:Laurel Foot, 434-384-0013; Gary Nero, 434-384-0013 during the week, please contact Eric Anderson in Moneta at 8:00 AM @ Boonsboro Shopping Center (DD:60 MRT, $4) 540-721-1994 ([email protected]) or Trudy Phil- lips in Lynchburg at 434-384-4870 (trudyephillips@gmail. The hike will begin at Thunder Ridge Overlook, climb to the com). top of (4225’), and descend to Sunset Thursday Hikes - For easy-to-moderate hikes, contact Field. From there, we will have a couple of ups and downs before Dot Craig at 540-586-0519 ([email protected]). For mod- finishing at Cornelius Creek/Floyd Field. We should have great erate-to-strenuous hikes, contact Bev Henderson at 540-583- views from Thunder Ridge and Apple Orchard Mountain. Note...88 5289 ([email protected]). Miler Patch Qualification Hike: This A.T. hike includes a 6 1/2 Friday Hikes - If Friday is a more convenient day to go mile section of NBATC’s maintenance responsibility. hiking, call Mary Jane Davis at 434-841-7630, Herb Vreeland at 434-219-9849 or Laura Jones at 434-221-1797. Hike with the “Day Flowers.” Saturday Work Hikes - We have work hikes almost every Saturday. If you are interested, call Jason Hammer at 434-401-4204 for the meeting place.

4 June 2018 (Cont’d) Earn a 100, 500 or 1000 Mile Hiking Patch

Patches will be awarded at the 2019 February Awards Dinner Meeting to Sat Jun 23 Hike #6066(VS) members who hike 100, 500 or 1000 miles this year. Members can earn each Xtreme Adventure Hike: Andy Layne Trail, Tinker Cliffs, patch only once and only one patch per qualification period. Scorched Earth Gap and Hay Rock (HD:14) Leader:Wilma Vargas, 908-268-5036 Qualification period: October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018. 7:30 AM @ Waterlick Plaza - Meet Hike Leader: 8:30 AM Qualifying hiking miles: all NBATC scheduled Thursday, Friday, weekend Daleville Commuter Parking Lot on US 220 (DD:130 MRT, $5) and maintenance hikes.

Questions? Contact Jessica Harber ([email protected]) We will start our hike going up the Andy Layne Trail heading to Tinker Cliffs. Then we will hike north on the A.T. past Scorched Earth Gap and continue to Hay Rock, while enjoying the views of Carvins Cove Reservoir. Our hike will end at the trailhead in Daleville on US 220. This will be a key exchange if enough hikers 2017 100-Mile Hiking Patch Earners sign up. Please call the hike leader to reserve your place on this very difficult 14-mile hike to allow her to plan for the cars needed 100-199 Miles at the two trailheads. Gary Nero, Sarah Dunstan, Janet Kiernan, Ann Richards, Sun Jun 24 Hike #6067(EM) Eric Anderson, Jeff Monroe, Marilyn Hartman, Susan J. Jennings, Slower-Pace Hike: Meet Up Hike: Peaks View Park Trails Margaret Overstreet, Delbridge, Jessica Harber, (HD:3 / 5) Larry Scott, Shannon Brennan, David Benavitch, T. C. Harvey, Leader:Larry Scott, 434-525-7126; Herb Vreeland, 434-385-1826 Lisa Ray, Andy Woody, Becky Mahlburg, Dorothy Freerksen, 1:30 PM @ Peaks View Park, Ardmore Drive (Local) Patty Mason-Goggin, Christy Boone, Carol Caswell, George Richards, Candy Lawhorne, Gloria Cooper, Mike Rieley Slower-Paced Hike: NBATC invites members and non-members Teresa Godsey, Janet Neal, Jill Hardesty, Laura Neale, to meet up and hike some of the many trails in Peaks View Park. Lee Spradlin, Angelo Mercado, Sally Santmyer, Sallie Eades, We’ll meet in the Ardmore Drive parking area and collectively Marilou Wegert, Francis Carter, Steve Lichiello and Laura Jones decide which trails to hike. Hikers can opt out at three miles or continue hiking. Minors must be accompanied by a parent, legal 200-299 Miles guardian, or other responsible adult. Dogs must be kept on leash at all times, and owners must come prepared to clean up after their Mary Jane Davis, Anita Smith, Norman Sykora, pets. Liz Alcock, Coby Pieterman, Jeffrey Kornblum, Frank Huddle, John Phillips and Trudy Phillips. Sat Jun 30 Hike #6068(S) Hunting Creek, A.T. and Glenwood Horse Trail (HD:9) 300+ Miles Leader:T. Upshur, 434-610-8808 9:00 AM @ Boonsboro Shopping Center (DD:50 MRT, $3) Doug DeJarnette, Karen Huddle, Patricia Held, Nancy Anthony, This circular hike, with a short drive around, will take us through Scott Noe, Beverly Voigt, Edward D. Wayland and Bev Henderson. the (hopefully) blooming rhododendron tunnel on Hunting Creek Trail. Then we will hike the A.T. to Petities Gap and take the Glenwood Horse Trail down (then up) to FR 45.

NBATC HIKE MEETING PLACES Konnarock Week 1 May 26-30 1 • Madison Heights Lowe’s - On US 29 in Madison Heights. Sunday, May 27 Meet on the library side of the parking lot, in front of Pot luck picnic at Watson’s Pond off the Blue Ridge Parkway. A beautiful spot to commune with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and have a great meal. Goodwill, but nearest to the highway. • Boonsboro Shopping Center - On Boonsboro Road. Meet Konnarock Week 2 June 6-10 on the Starbucks side of the shopping center.

Saturday, June 9 • Buena Vista Food Lion – On US 60 west of downtown Pot luck picnic at Watson’s Pond off the Blue Ridge Parkway. A beautiful spot Buena Vista. Meet on the side of the parking lot adjacent to to commune with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and have a great meal. US 60. • Fairview Square Shopping Center - Off Campbell Avenue Konnarock Week 3 June 14-18 just before the US 460 exit (turn at Burger King).

Sunday, June 17 • Forest Square Shopping Center - On Rt 221 in Forest. Pot luck picnic at Watson’s Pond off the Blue Ridge Parkway. A beautiful spot Meet near BB&T Bank. to commune with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and have a great meal. • Waterlick Plaza - On Timberlake Road (Rt 460 Business). Meet near Wells Fargo Bank. 5 Go on a Hiking Spree!

Have you earned your hiking stick by participating in the Club’s annual Hiking Spree program? If you have not, do it this year by hiking on ten Club hikes by December 31st. It is a lot of fun, healthy and a great way to enjoy nature and the A.T. and other area trails. For more information, contact Alex Newmark ([email protected]).

Stick (first year 10 hikes) - Christy Boone, Beth Hart, Jeff Monroe, Donna Davis and Bev Maslow.

Name plate (20 hikes) - Christy Boone, Mehendra Punatar and Jessica Harber.

Ten year - Patricia Held and Anne Wilkins.

Twenty year - Marshall Anthony and Jim Stettner.

Thirty nine members received annual tags for going on 10 or more club hikes this year.

2017 Casner Winner Each year, the Evelyn Casner Memorial Award is given to the person who has hiked the most miles on official club hikes. This award was first presented in 1966 to Mary Guenther (Butterworth) who hiked a total of 106. This year Herb Vreeland earned the Casner Award by hiking 928 miles...yes, that’s correct...928 miles! Above photo by Jessica Harber Lifetime Volunteer Awards

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the NPS Appalachian Trail Park Office provide a Volunteer Recognition Program to identify and reward long-term volunteers from its maintaining clubs.

This year, NBATC submitted 18 members for recognition and presented their awards at the February Awards Meeting. Mark Maloney, Angelo Mercado , Jessica Harber, Roger Henderson, Sharon Dodson, Charlie Smith, Logan Moran and Becky Mahlburg received Appalachian Trail Volunteer pins for 100+ hours of cumulative volunteer service. Herb Vreeland and Steve Lichiello received the A.T. Volunteer patch for 250+ hours of service. Steve Lichiello, T Upshur, Steve Tanner, Ken Hawkins, and Lee Spradlin received the A.T. Volunteer Hat for 500+ hours of service. Dunk Carter, Carol Caswell, David Horton, and Scott Noe received the A.T. Volunteer vest for 1,000+ hours of service.

2017 Lanum Award NBATC New Member Report Steve Lichiello accepts the Lanum Award from Trail Supervisor

Jason Hammer. The Lanum Award is in honor of former NBATC Period From: 12/6/17 To: 3/5/18 Supervisor of Trails Henry Lanum. The award is presented to the by Steve Tanner club member who logs the most maintenance hours during the NBATC is pleased to welcome nine new members listed below. year. The award can only be earned once by a club member. Jennifer Neighbors, Lynchburg Liz Moriarty & Family, Lynchburg Randall & Haley Purcell, Lynchburg William Blackman, Lynchburg Hard hats off and a big congratulations to Steve on this outstand- Patricia & Marcus Connor, Altavista Bruce & Gail Curtin, Amherst ing achievement! Above photo by Jessica Harber 6 Scott Noe and Carol Casswell show off their A.T. Volunteer vests earned for 1,000+ hours of service! 88 Miler Award Winners Photo by Jessica Harber The 88 Miler Patch is earned by hiking all 90 plus miles of the A.T. that our club maintains. The patch is steeped in tradition. Patch #1 was awarded 28 years ago, when our club was responsible for 88 President’s Message Cont’d from page one miles of the Appalachian Trail.

In the photo above, Jessica Harber and Clare Weaver received their Change is necessary. We live in a new and ever-changing world. patches at the February Awards Dinner from Herb Vreeland. Other Many of our sister ATC clubs have incorporated uses of modern members receiving the award this year were Doris Moorman, John technology including digital distribution of newsletters. So, while Owen and Nancy Owen. we are about the business of ensuring the continued excellence of Photo by Viki Gossen our newsletter as Tom Morgan (Claudia Mann before him; Jim Cox before her…) so ably did, we will endeavor to modernize our use of technology. You may be aware of the ad hoc Technology Committee and the work they are doing. For the past two years, the NBATC Board has used state-of-the-art technology to publish meeting NBATC Volunteers agendas, post reports and attachments, and edit and record minutes. The transition from our past practices was not without difficulty, but The following members received t-shirts at our February Awards the process is working well. Dinner Meeting in recognition of having volunteered at least 25 hours of service during the past year. The first focus will be on how to distribute the newsletter more efficiently. Our Newsletter Distribution Committee, chaired by 25-49 Hours: Nora Cox, Debbie Maurer, Leonard Johnson, David Helms, has performed beautifully behind the scenes so you Roger Henderson, Marshall Anthony, Bob Flint, Bruce Summers, may not be aware of what it involves. Here is that Committee’s Dot Craig, Steve Tanner, Larry Scott, Robb Koether, Jinx Sykora and Description from our website: Organize and execute mailing of Jordan Welborn. quarterly newsletters to members. Receive computer files from the Membership Committee, upload to Post Office and receive the label 50-99 Hours: Cowles Meredith, Emily Helms, T Upshur, file that is generated. Print labels onto label forms and apply to each Sharon Dodson, George McLaughlin, Angelo Mercado, newsletter. Deliver the newsletters to the Bulk Mail section of the Jessica Harber, Dale Beccue, David Horton, Gretchen Morgan, Post Office on Odd Fellows Road. Make copies of Hike Forms, Andy Woody, Tom Brown, Mark Maloney, Mike McCormack, receive computer files from the Membership Committee and print Claudette Benavitch, Bill Bishop, Sam Ripley, Sharon Ripley, address onto the Hike Forms. Apply tabs and postage and mail to Susan Dixon and Bob Kyle. hike leaders via first class mail. Duties also include purchasing of label forms and ensuring that the Bulk Mail account is properly 100-199 Hours: Tom Morgan, Francy Rubin, Becky Mahlburg, funded. Linda McLaughlin, Logan Moran, Laura Neale, Ken Hawkins, Charlie Smith, Jason Hammer, Laurel Foot, Viki Gossen, Many thanks to David and all the hard working members who make Dave Benavitch and David Helms. these extremely labor intensive tasks look so easy. 200-299 Hours: Tom Robbins, Herb Vreeland, Gary Nero, Change is exciting. The Technology Committee’s “No hiker left Eric Anderson, Lee Spradlin, George Richards and Carol Caswell. behind” policy will ensure that those without computer access will still receive full access to Club publications and services. Coming Over 300 Hours: Steve Lichiello (331), Nancy Anthony (419), changes will improve communications, speak the language of our Dunk Carter (443), Bev Henderson (443), Scott Noe (454), newer, younger members, free time of dedicated volunteers and John Phillips (637), Norman Sykora (643), Mike Rieley (741), move us forward. Stay tuned… Trudy Phillips (910) and Doug DeJarnette (1196). 7 Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club P.O. Box 3012 Lynchburg, VA 24503 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE Address Service Requested PAID LYNCHBURG, VA PERMIT NO. 348

Claudette Benavitch, Gretchen Morgan, Tom Morgan, Larry Scott and Bob Ellinwood received the Silver Service Award at the February Awards Dinner for 25 years of volunteer service to the Appalachian Trail. Others members receiving the award this year include Chuck Dideon, Garry Friend, David Horton, Patsy Iossi, Pete Iossi and Andy Woody. Photo by Jessica Harber NBATC Board of Directors Committee Chairs

President Mike Rieley 316-4130 Adopt-A-Highway Laurel Foot 384-0013 Member Communications [email protected] Vice President Doug DeJarnette 942-0695 Archives Sharon Ripley 237-4015 Supervisor of Trails Jason Hammer 401-4204 [email protected] Secretary Becky Mahlburg 816-261-6372 Asst. Supervisor of Trails Norman Sykora 946-7084 Treasurer David Helms 237-2180 [email protected] Directors Nancy Anthony 283-5431 Awards (88 Miler) Jessica Harber 363-5067 Carol Caswell 907-5629 [email protected] Bob Flint 384-5251 Ecology Nora Cox 845-0048 [email protected] Laurel Foot 384-0013 Grants Manager Bob Flint 384-5251 Viki Gossen 239-0403 [email protected] Bev Henderson 540-583-5289 Guidebook Nancy Anthony 283-5431 Angelo Mercado 941-9843 [email protected] Mike McCormack 384-1944 Guidebook Sales Bev Henderson 540-583-5289 [email protected] Logan Moran 919-624-8278 Hiking Spree Alex Newmark 385-5616 Norman Sykora 946-7084 [email protected] Immediate Past President Bill Bishop 665-0453 Hiker Miles John Phillips 941-6046 Nominating Committee Outings/Website [email protected] Membership Steve Tanner 544-1451 [email protected] Newsletter Mailing David Helms 237-2180 [email protected] Outings Herb Vreeland 385-1826 [email protected] Parks and Recreation Viki Gossen 239-0403 [email protected] Public Relations Jordan Welborn 209-4935 [email protected] NBATC is a Class A member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, an affiliate member of the American Hiking Society, and maintainer of 90 miles of the Social Carol Caswell 907-5629 A.T. from the to Black Horse Gap. [email protected] Work Hours/Section Emily Helms 237-2180 Website: www.nbatc.org Leader Coordinator [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbatc.hiker E-mail contacts: [email protected]