Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail

TAKE JOY IN THE OPEN TRAIL 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Dear Members and MST Enthusiasts:

Little did we know in 2019 what 2020 would bring. A pandemic erupted. By March events were cancelled, and the Governor had issued an order that required people to socially distance. At that time of fear and uncertainty, people looked to nature for solace, and the MST was there to help.

The MST is there because of the steady commitment of thousands of people over many years – people who give, volunteer and advocate. And 2019 was no exception. It was an extraordinary year of progress – and joy – on the MST.

The MST extends 1,175 miles across from Clingmans Dome in the Smokies to Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer Banks. It now includes more than 720 miles of footpath, and about 455 miles of connector roads linking trail segments. Each year, Friends of the MST and its partners press toward the goal of a continuous linear park of natural wonders spanning North Carolina.

In 2019, Friends of MST members came together to learn about and celebrate the trail in March and again in September, and our trail crews worked hard and fast to reopen trail damaged by the fierce hurricanes of 2018.

Miles of new trail opened – extending the longest continuous off-road section to 361 miles and adding the first trail in parts of the state where none had been built before. Thanks to a generous grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, Friends was able to hire a landscape architect to focus full-time on building new trail in the Coastal Plain.

Thousands of people took joy in the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in 2019. Delighting in a short jaunt or undertaking a months’ long trek across North Carolina. Walking alone or with family and friends. Running into neighbors. Working as part of a trail crew that becomes like a family over time. Building a legacy for North Carolina.

We hope you will enjoy this report on our accomplishments in 2019 and support our continued work for the MST.

If you have not yet become a member of the Friends, we encourage you to join our ever growing ranks of enthusiastic volunteers and supporters. Visit our website or call our office to learn more about how you can help.

Happy Trails,

Bill Scott Millie Chalk Board President 2019 Board President 2020 Off-Road MST Extends 361 Miles from Carter Falls Purchased for the Trail Clingmans Dome Through Stone Do you remember voting on the Connect NC bond Mountain State Park referendum in Spring 2016? Thanks if you voted yes, Two new sections of trail were completed in late 2019 to because that bond made it possible for State Parks to create a continuous 11.3-mile off-road route for the MST purchase 43 acres that include a spectacular but largely through Stone Mountain State Park (Segment 6). The unknown waterfall in Wilkes County for the future route trail now stretches through the park from the Blue Ridge of the trail in Segment 6. Thanks also to Dan Park who Parkway at Devils Garden Overlook to the John P. Frank sold the precious property and donated an easement on Parkway on the east side. The new route takes hikers over an additional 11 acres and to the leaders of EVTA who Wolf Rock and Cedar Rock with views of Stone Mountain worked with him, State Parks, and Wilkes County to pull and the Hutchinson Homestead. the whole deal together.

Thanks to North Carolina State Parks as well as our The Falls are located between Elkin and Stone Mountain partner Elkin Valley Trails Association (EVTA) for planning State Park. With permission from State Parks, EVTA and constructing the new trail, some of which required volunteers have already built a small parking lot and skilled blasting. EVTA has also continued its work with a loop trail so people can visit the Falls now. They are private landowners to construct trail from Stone Mountain raising money for a “bridge of dreams” over the creek State Park to downtown Elkin, and hikers heading east that will become the route of the MST. Thanks to their from the park can follow another 2.7 miles of trail and hard, creative work, we are getting close to a continuous lightly-travelled gravel roads before the current route off-road trail from Clingmans Dome to downtown Elkin. shifts onto a paved road section.

Construction of these trail sections means that the MST An MST “Foothold” in Guilford County is now almost completely off road for 361 miles – through Since the MST was first envisioned, no trail had been the entire mountain region from Great Smoky Mountains built between and Greensboro’s National Park and into the western edge of the Piedmont. watershed lakes – a gap of 43 miles in MST Segment 8. Long distance MST hikers slogged the roads through

Cover: Members hike the new bridge (now a part of the MST) at sunset during the Gathering of Friends in Surf City. Photo by Kevin McCauley. Above: The view of Stone Mountain from Cedar Rock on the MST. Photo by Joe Mickey.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 3 Left: Members enjoyed many outdoor excursions during the Gathering of Friends in Surf City including a hike on the MST in Stones Creek Game Land and a guided nature tour of Holly Shelter Game Land by Andy Wood of Coastal Plain Conservation Group. Right: Dwayne Patterson, director of State Parks, speaks to members at the Gathering of Friends. Photos by Bill Boyarsky.

this area, and local residents have had few nearby trails Generous Donations Spur Trail Design to enjoy. Now thanks to the energy of MST Trail Town and Volunteer Work in the Coastal Plain Oak Ridge and the foresight of Guilford County, a 1.5-mile section of the MST opened through the county’s With a grant of $100,000 in November 2018, the Duke Cascades Preserve in May 2019. Energy Foundation helped Friends of MST focus full-time on developing plans for seven new trail sections in the This trail is gorgeous in its own right, as it meanders past Coastal Plain (Segments 12 to 15) that will total more cascading streams, towering hardwood trees and native than 67 miles when complete. Ben Jones, MST Coastal shrubs and wildflowers. But it also established that first Crescent Project Manager, used his skills as a landscape foothold in an area that always seems to inspire local architect to develop detailed trail designs, engage residents to build another section and yet another. And community leaders and land managing agencies, and that is just what is happening in Oak Ridge, where local organize workdays for volunteers to build new trail and volunteers got right to work after the Cascades trail improve MST signage. opened to start constructing another 1.5 miles along the headwaters of the that they hope to open in Friends launched a fundraising campaign to match Duke’s late 2020 or early 2021. grant and keep our work in this part of the state moving ahead full steam. By the end of 2019, Dominion Energy Foundation, REI, White Lake Marine, First Citizens Bank A Walk Through History and Patagonia had already made generous gifts totaling in Johnston County $85,000 to support this vital work. Friends of MST volunteers stepped in to help NC Historic Sites and Friends of build a new Friends Gather in Surf City 2.3-mile trail through fields and forests where the last More than 270 Friends came together in Surf City in major battle of the Civil War took place in March 1865 March 2019 for the first ever “Gathering of Friends” in (Segment 12). Interpretive signs help hikers along the the eastern part of the state. Friends had invited trail beautiful and solemn trail learn more about how the communities from all over North Carolina to submit battle unfolded on the land. This is the first section of MST proposals for the 2019 Gathering, and Surf City and to cross the 2000+ acre state historic site, and Friends of Pender County won us over with their creative ideas, MST is working with staff there on trail maintenance and accommodations and overall hospitality. Plus we were plans for additional trail. eager to help members learn more about this special part of the MST.

4 FRIENDS OF THE MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL Hurricane Florence then hit Surf City and all of eastern A 42nd Birthday Party for the MST North Carolina with a vengeance in September 2018. Celebrating the MST’s anniversary But with grace and resilience, the community started to has become a tradition, and more rebuild and soon told us that they wanted to welcome us than 700 people joined in the anyway – just six months after the storm. They saw the 42nd birthday celebrations during MST Gathering as a hopeful event to work toward and the weekend of September 6 celebrate when it arrived. to 9. The focus of 2019 was on The timing of the Gathering gave Friends a special trail towns, and 27 of them organized guided hikes for opportunity to be purposeful partners in their rebuilding. the occasion. Plus seven hikers undertook a challenge of As part of the event, MST members volunteered to rebuild hiking 42 miles in two days and jointly raising more than houses with Habitat for Humanity and restore trails and $2,500 for the trail. the visitor center at Moores Creek National Battlefield. Thanks to Great Outdoor Provision Co. for its birthday When the Gathering weekend arrived, the weather was gift of $15,000 to support the event and for donating fun perfect – sunny and warm – so Friends could enjoy all gear to outfit all the hike leaders with shirts, socks, water the scheduled “excursions,” including trail hikes, beach bottles, patches, and packs. walks, paddling on the sound, exploring trail communities and just spending time together. Central events of the Other Trail Improvements weekend included a reception and tour at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, MST volunteer leaders throughout the mountains dinner at the Surf City Community Center and the Annual submitted proposals to the and State Membership Meeting followed by a group hike over the Parks for trail reroutes for short sections still on the road new Surf City Bridge – now a part of the MST – at sunset. in Segments 1, 2 and 5 and new campsites in Segments

Volunteers help build a new section of the MST in Turnbull Educational State Forest. Photo by Ben Jones.

“Beginning in 2012, I started volunteering to help build something permanent. After making friends over the years, I participate today in part to regularly see those friends.”

MST VOLUNTEER (anonymous response to opinion survey) 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 5 2 and 3. The BRP will undertake an environmental In Segment 6, the Elkin Valley Trail Association built 3/4 assessment to evaluate the feasibility of the projects. of a mile of trail along Rt. 268 east of Elkin. When opened, this section will eliminate part of the worst road walk in The NC High Peaks Trail Association, one of our volunteer this segment. task forces in MST Segment 4, has led a multi-year project to rehabilitate the MST from Black Mountain Campground In Segment 8, between Summerfield and Greensboro, a to the Mt. Mitchell summit, a distance of about six miles long-anticipated pedestrian tunnel under Battleground with 3,684 feet of elevation gain. This iconic and very Avenue (US 220) opened. The tunnel allows the MST popular trail was built unsustainably years ago, and it had to remain on the Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway for an badly eroded. High Peaks contracted with the American additional 0.5 mile and eliminates a dangerous highway Conservation Experience (ACE) to rebuild the trail one crossing and road walk. section at a time. The contracts with ACE were funded with grants from the federal Recreational Trails Program, The Upper Haw Task Force undertook several large administered by NC State Parks. reconstruction projects to repair bridges, boardwalks, and steps along the Greensboro watershed lakes (Segment 8) Thanks to a $5,000 grant from REI stores in Charlotte, we and along the Haw River in Glencoe (Segment 9). Projects were able to restore 4.4 miles of the MST in the Pisgah like this have been happening more frequently because National Forest (Segment 4) that follow old, eroded road of hurricanes, heavy rainfall, and upstream development beds near Old House Gap, west of Woodlawn and near expanding flood zones. Betsy’s Ridge. The funds were used to hire a professional trail builder to re-contour the trail and create water In Saxapahaw (Segment 9), the Upper Haw River Task diversions with a small backhoe. Twenty-two volunteers Force worked with Alamance County to build new trail off from the Central Blue Ridge Task Force then did the finish Petty Road, on the west side of the Haw River. This trail work of smoothing out 35 water diversions by hand. REI’s will eventually become part of the MST route as Alamance Charlotte Market Coordinator Joy Shuck joined the task County secures more land and easements to extend the force on a beautiful winter’s day. trail north.

This is just one example of the generous support REI In Segment 9, the Town of Hillsborough extended the gives to the trail. In 2019, REI stores in Raleigh and MST west 1/3 mile from Gold Park to Eno Mountain Road Durham also supported the trail with a $20,000 grant and then NCDOT constructed a sidewalk 500 ft along for trail guides, signs and tools, plus all the REI stores Eno Mountain Rd to a tract of land just acquired by State in North Carolina made a special $20,000 grant to help Parks. Friends of MST volunteers will work to complete build and restore trails in the Coastal Plain impacted by a trail across that land to connect into the Occoneechee Hurricanes Florence and Michael. Mountain State Natural Area.

“I want to see the trail completed and maintained for the enjoyment of all North Carolinians.”

MST DONOR (anonymous response to opinion survey)

6 FRIENDS OF THE MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL “I love being in the woods and like ‘giving back,’ especially if it encourages others to spend time in the woods by having a nice trail to hike”

MST VOLUNTEER (anonymous response to opinion survey)

Volunteers replace a boardwalk on the MST in Glencoe along the Haw River. Photo by Bob Ellis.

The Eno River Task Force (Segment 10), in a Herculean Our partner Carteret County Wildlife Club that built and show of strength, rebuilt a bridge over Nancy Rhodes maintains the Neusiok Trail portion of the MST in the Creek that had been destroyed in Hurricane Florence. (Segment 16) worked closely with Floodwaters were strong enough to bend the 35-foot the US Forest Service to begin reopening the trail that steel I-beams that form the base of the bridge. Not was badly damaged by Hurricane Florence in September wanting to waste good building materials, the task force 2018. By the end of 2019, the trail had reopened from found a way to straighten them after determining that NC 306 to Oyster Point, but Pine Cliff Recreation Area it could be done with little impact on the final strength and the section of trail north of NC 306 was so badly of the beams. The bridge is now back in place but two damaged that the Forest Service had begun planning feet higher and with handrails for added safety. This for how to rebuild it in a more sustainable way farther reconstruction as well as two earlier bridge projects in away from the shore where it will be less vulnerable to Segment 10 were funded with a Durham County Open hurricanes and major storms. Space matching grant. On the Outer Banks (Segment 18), the Marc Basnight The Falls Lake Task Force (Segment 10) has also been bridge over the Oregon Inlet opened on February 25, stabilizing bridges with foundations that are being shifting the MST route off the old Bonner Bridge. The new undercut by heavier storm surges in recent years. They bridge is about 0.7 mile longer than the old, but the bike/ completed two major projects and multiple smaller ones pedestrian lane is considerably wider. in 2019.

In Segment 13, Coastal Crescent Project Manager Ben Other News Jones organized a series of workdays to build a new UNC Press invited Friends to write a guide book to 40 section of trail at Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest great day hikes on the MST. Trail Resource Manager Jim and also to install sign bollards and improve blazing in the Grode wrote and compiled the book with suggestions Bladen Lakes State Forest and Jones and from many trail leaders. The book is scheduled for release state parks. in March 2020.

Because of a major project to restore longleaf pine For Valentine’s Day 2019, Raleigh pottery artist Courtney habitat at Stones Creek Game Land near Sneads Ferry Pernell made a gift of trail magic for hikers along the Falls (Segment 15), several miles of trail built by MST volunteers Lake section. Volunteers hung 100 of her small pottery had to be abandoned. A more direct trail route through stars and three small pottery hearts along the trail for the property was retained so that hikers can observe the hikers to discover and take home. People who found the transformation and increased biodiversity of the property, stars and hearts were encouraged to post a photo to and thru-hikers can continue to use this trail as respite on Facebook or Instagram, and anyone who found a heart statewide treks. could claim a special prize of one of Court’s mugs or an MST trail guide.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 7 “My thru hike of the MST completers includes: Lexi “Slick” Harris, Aaron “Rock Hop” Harris, Lisa “Conundrum” Speas, Joshua Glasson, MST when I was just out Donna “Stambler” Dean, Charles “Bald” Milligan, Henry “Moxie” Westmoreland, Josh “Mountain Goat” Ervin, of college was one of Kenny “Marcos” Clapp, Susan “Kansas” Levy and Chuck the most formative and “Guinness” Aldridge. rewarding experiences Friends of MST Grows and Changes of my life.” Friends added two staff members, welcomed a summer intern, and said farewell with many thanks to its long-time DONOR & MST COMPLETER volunteer bookkeeper. Ben Jones, who had volunteered (anonymous response to opinion survey) and interned while working on his master’s of landscape architecture degree from NC State University, began work full-time as Coastal Crescent Project Manager.

Liz Dean, a retired CPA, who had kept the books as an able and delightful volunteer since 2008, stepped down from that role in March 2019. We then welcomed Carrie Vernia as part-time Office Assistant from March to September. Carrie, a former ESL high school teacher and plant pathology researcher, first came to Friends as a volunteer, helping with membership records, thank you notes and renewal mailings.

The Raleigh office was busy in the summer of 2019 when we hosted Sarah Richardson, a University of Maryland student, as an intern. Sarah, a student at the University of Maryland, helped organize the 42nd Birthday Hike and MST Completers accept their awards at the Gathering of Friends. wrote a number of wonderful blogs about trail angels, trail Photo by Bill Boyarsky. volunteers and trail communities as well.

Eager to see awareness of the MST grow, the Friends Five new members joined the Board of Directors in of MST Board of Directors decided to hire a marketing 2019: Dr. Bill Blackley of Elkin, Lynne Bresler of Chapel consultant to help develop a plan to inspire people to Hill, Heather Cotton of Marion/Black Mountain, Carl hike the trail and get involved in building, protecting and DeAndrade of White Lake, and Mark Rostan of Valdese. promoting it; to elevate awareness of the central role of We give great thanks for the service of four members Friends of MST; and to expand our reach to communities who stepped off the Board after completing their terms: of color, to women, and to younger trail enthusiasts. EBS Tiffiny Consoli of Raleigh, J.K. Coward of Sylva, Howard Strategies began working on the plan with staff, board, Lee of Chapel Hill, and B Townes of Boomer. and volunteers in September 2019 with a projected completion date of February 2020. A particularly helpful pro bono contribution was made by member and professional pollster Martin DeWitt of Piedmont Insight who conducted an online survey of members, volunteers and people who are on the email list. Look in this annual report for some of the comments we received from donors and volunteers who completed the survey.

Eleven Hikers Complete the MST While most people use the trail for day hikes or weekend backpacking trips, eleven intrepid people who took on the challenge of following the trail across North Carolina Outgoing Board President Steve Metcalf turns the “Golden Pulaski” completed the entire journey in 2019. The 2019 class of over to his successor Bill Scott at the Gathering of Friends. Photo by Bill Boyarsky.

8 FRIENDS OF THE MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019

ASSETS 12/31/2019 12/31/2018 Cash & Cash Equivalents $440,165 $382,317 EXPENDITURES BY PROGRAM AREA Grants Receivable 22,435 81,187 Total Expenditures $373,686 Promises to Give 3,100 9,121 Other Receivables 7,275 4,991 Merchandise Inventory 7,620 6,272

Prepaid Expenses & Deposits 6,650 5,308 Management & Fundraising Net Fixed Assets 5,043 9,602 23% Deposits & Long-term Pledges 1,951 951 Beneficial Interest (Endowment)* 76,124 63,389 Help People Enjoy TOTAL ASSETS 570,363 563,138 Improve the Trail Route the Trail 10% 47% LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS

Accounts Payable $740 $1,025 Build and Deferred Revenue 1,461 33,146 Maintain the Trail 20% Net Assets Without donor restrictions Available for operations 200,376 174,929 Invested in fixed assets 5,043 9,602 Board designated 25,073 27,960 Endowment Fund* 62,614 49,879 With donor restrictions Purpose restricted 261,546 253,087 Endowment Fund* 13,510 13,510 SOURCES OF INCOME TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $570,363 $563,138 Total Income = $412,881 * The endowment is held at the NC Community Foundation.

Program Income Merchandise/ 5% In Kind Gifts & Interest 12% License Plate & Earth Share Value of Volunteer Labor 5% Individuals 42% In 2019, MST volunteers worked 33,879 HOURS Government Grants to support the trail. At the State Parks 5% assigned rate of $24.69 per hour, these Foundations volunteers DONATED TIME WORTH AN 5% ADDITIONAL $836,473 to the MST. Corporations 26%

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 9 2019 FRIENDS OF MST MEMBERS $40,000+ (# of years a member) Mast General Store (9) REI (19) Mark Morris, Raleigh (3) Eric Motzno, Raleigh (12) Thru-Hike Society ($10,000+) New Morning Ltd., Asheville (4) (# of years a member) Rich and Marilyn Preyer, Hillsborough (9) Harold Erickson, Durham (4) Bill and Darby Scott, Clinton (7) First Citizens Bank (6) Starbucks, Raleigh (10) Great Outdoor Provision Co. (19) William Stern Foundation, Greensboro (1) White Lake Marine, Elizabethtown (2) Jason Taylor, State Road (4) Carmen and James Trueheart, Asheville (2) Section-Hike Society Ronnie Weed, Chapel Hill (5) ($5,000 to $9,999) Shawn and Charlotte Williams, Bryn Mawr, PA (13) Danielle Bernstein, Asheville (13) Paul Witty, Dillsboro (1) EarthShare of NC, Durham (8) Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton, Raleigh (11) Garrett Family Ever Forward Foundation, North Wilkesboro (1) Greg and Germaine Yahn, Greensboro (9) Gipson Family Foundation, Raleigh (4) Patagonia (9) Day-Hike Society ($500 to $999) Scott Zimmerman, Pittsboro (6) Blue Ridge Hiking Club, Boone (9) Mary Ellen and John Boelhower, Greensboro (6) Weekend Backpack Society Clay and Leigh Bordley, Durham (8) ($2,500 to $4,999) Joel S. Bulkley, Chapel Hill (4) The Bresler Foundation, Rockville, MD (6) Nancy L. Cormany, Raleigh (16) Linville Gorge. Photo by Will Rothschild. Bull City Running Co., Durham (11) Robert Dillard and Cecily Lohmar, Oriental (2) Carl and Dianne DeAndrade, Elizabethtown (5) Robert Fruehwirth, Hillsborough (1) Kate Dixon and Dan Wilkinson, Raleigh (13) General Dynamics (1) Board of Duke Energy (4) Nancy Glenz, Greensboro (5) Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, Cherokee (1) Chris Grams, Emerald Isle (3) Directors Farm to Feet Socks, Mount Airy (4) John and Anita Howell, Chapel Hill (12) JANUARY 1, 2019 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 Foliage Concepts, Asheville (10) IBM (11) NC Division of Parks and Recreation, Raleigh (18) Insect Shield, Greensboro (1) Bill Scott, President, Clinton Table Rock Ultras/Tanawha Adventures, Morganton (6) James D. Johnson, Raleigh (12) Millie Chalk, Vice President, Morehead City Williams, Tulsa, OK (1) Robert and Laura Johnson, Statesville (12) Chris Lynch, Chapel Hill (7) Marcia Bromberg, Treasurer, Asheville 1000-Mile Society ($1,000 to $2,499 or Johnny and Carleen Massey, Garner (14) Chris Grams, Secretary, Emerald Isle $500 if volunteered 75 hours or more) Francis J. McClernon, Durham (5) Steve Metcalf, Immediate Past President, Heather Alley, Fletcher (1) Richard Nifong, Pinnacle (3) Weaverville DeWana Anderson, Carrboro (9) Brian Noga, Raleigh (1) Anonymous (3) Mary Norris and Pat Oglesby, Chapel Hill (10) Bill Blackley, Elkin Anti Gravity Gear, Wilmington (9) Jeff Poupart, Raleigh (3) Lynne Bresler, Chapel Hill Bernard and Holly Arghiere, Asheville (11) Lunsford Richardson Preyer Charitable Lead Unitrust, Roger Bardsley and Elaine Brune, Greensboro (5) Greensboro (8) Heather Cotton, Marion/Black Mountain Jerry and Sandy Barker, Raleigh (12) Don Reynolds (1) Carl deAndrade, White Lake Beverly Bell and Lucy Piner, Hillsborough (9) Mark and Lesley Rostan, Valdese (3) Carolyn Sakowski and Alton Franklin, Winston-Salem (12) Les Love, Weaverville Bill and Sandie Blackley, Elkin (9) Lynne Bresler and Mike Vaught, Chapel Hill (10) Janice Swab, Raleigh (8) Johnny Massey, Garner Jeff, Amy and Lalan Brewer, Raleigh (20) B and Martha Townes, IV, Boomer (13) Carolyn Mejia, Wilmington John and Ann Campbell, Raleigh (5) Triangle Math and Science Academy, Cary (1) John Wilson, Chapel Hill (5) Tammy Proctor, Hampstead Richard Cavallaro, Raleigh (4) Tiffiny Consoli, Raleigh (5) Abi Winegarden, Pittsboro (2) Valdese Mark Rostan, Crawford Crenshaw and Laurie Dunn, Raleigh (12) Smedes and Rosemary York, Raleigh (11) Greg Yahn, Greensboro Sarah Dearing Davis, Asheville (1) Fred Dietrich and Jenny Tenor, Durham (10) Local Governments G & B Energy, Elkin (3) Alamance County Visitors Bureau (6) Staff Good Wood Pizza and Bakery, Lincolnton (4) Town of Bethania (10) Dan W. Hill, III, Durham (4) Surry County Parks Department (7) Executive Director Kate Dixon, Larry Humbert, Belmont (3) Betsy Brown, Outreach Manager Patti Keith, Sanford (9) Other Corporations and Organizations Jim Grode, Trail Resource Manager The Landmark Project, Greenville, SC (2) 8 Dot Graphics, Raleigh (3) John and Margaret Lanman, Blowing Rock (12) AmazonSmile Foundation (6) Ben Jones, Coastal Crescent Project Manager The Lookout Foundation, Greensboro (9) Analog Devices (1) Carrie Vernia, Office Assistant Leslie R. and Catherine Love, Weaverville (11) Autumn Cobeland Painting, Raleigh (2) Warner Lucas, Chapel Hill (8) Boy Scout Troop 101, Greensboro (4) Mike Malaska, La Crescenta, CA (9) City Barbeque, Raleigh (2)

10 FRIENDS OF THE MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL Dan River Basin Association, Eden (4) 13-Year Members David B. Craft, Greensboro Sonya S. McKay, Cary Ennis and Dru James, Greenville, SC Extreme Terrain-Clean Trail Initiative, Paul Black, Huntsville, AL Mike Dayton, Raleigh David Mouw, Asheville Stanley C. Koziol, Emery, SD Paoli, PA (1) Piet B. Bodenhorst, Asheville Bob and Liz Dean, Raleigh Pat and Vicki O’Mara, Berlin, MD Jane L. Laping, Asheville Mass Mutual (1) Richard Bostic, Raleigh James F. Delark, Charlotte Laura and Edward Owens, Raleigh Bonnie McCaig and Clayton Rugh, Miller’s Camping, Laurel Springs (4) Durham David DeHart, Raleigh David and Lucy Fountain, Raleigh Coin Page, Durham Our State Magazine, Greensboro (1) Sharon McCarthy, Charlotte Thomas Dillon and Grace Mauney, George Gergues, Durham Courtney Pernell, Raleigh Patagonia Action Works (1) Winston-Salem Archie P. Gupton, Raleigh Cheryl A. Peterson, Cary Michael J. McKinney, Cary Topsail Chamber of Commerce, Surf Gordon Ferguson and Bobbi Owen, Pamela Hoffman, Boone Allen and Connie Poole, Manteo Linda Moore, Winston-Salem City (1) Chapel Hill Larry and Elizabeth Horrell, McGrady Roberta L. Powers, Asheville Margaret J. Newbold, Vilas K. Martin Waters, IV Memorial Fund, W. Phil Kanoy, Thomasville Edward Parker, Raleigh Charlotte (2) Richard C. Huelsman, Raleigh Wade Rawlins and Judith Tillman, Raleigh David and Susan Lennox, Brevard Jim Plant, Asheboro Wildlands Engineering, Charlotte (1) Ray and Beth McKee-Huger, Greensboro David Rogers, Raleigh Alice S. Monk, Mocksville Don Procopio, Raleigh Williamson Family Fund (1) Leah Karpen, Weaverville Jeffrey Smith, Raleigh David B. Rittlinger, Wake Forest Wendy Lapish and John Beck, Apex James N. Smoak, Wilkesboro Mark and Margaret Rose, Boone David Royster, Lexington, KY Sarah Rubin and Jim Blose, Asheville In-Kind Gifts Lloyd MacAskill, Leland Becky and Rocko Smucker, Asheville Boyce R. Staton, Erwin, TN Tom Sanders and Mary Lasher, Asheville City BBQ, Cary (3) Agnes F. Marshall, Raleigh Kim and Trent Storino, Raleigh James B. Suiter, Carrboro Eric F. Schaefer, Reidsville Enterprise Rent A Car, Raleigh (7) John and Sandy McCulloch, Cary Gordon W. Tennett, Waynesville Matthew Terribile, Raleigh Charles L. Scott, Glade Valley The Fresh Market, Raleigh (10) Palmer and JP McIntyre, Greensboro Robert Trawick, Cary Thomas and Janis Wade, Durham Kohl’s, Raleigh (10) Kenneth Mitchell, Durham Randy Neuhaus, Durham Metro Diner, Raleigh (3) 12-Year Members New York Bagel & Deli, Raleigh (2) Jerry Oster and Trisha Lester, Chapel Hill Sindy Barker, Chapel Hill PICNIC, Durham (1) Bernadette Pelissier, Hillsborough Donald B. Bergey, Winston-Salem “I want to see the Sweetheart Treats, Raleigh (2) Stephen Pomeroy, Durham Bill Borden, Raleigh Target, Wake Forest (2) Frank G. Potter, Charlotte trail completed and Jeffrey N. Branin, Wake Forest Keith and Sandra Roberts, Kernersville Charles L. Braswell, Jr., Garner 19-Year Members William Ross and Susan Gravely, Chapel James L.S. Cobb, Raleigh Hill maintained for the Lillian A. Benton, Bunn Lenwood Collins, Greensboro Rich Shaw and Holly Reid, Hillsborough Mike and Ruth Simpson, Greensboro enjoyment of all Carolyn Crump, Carrboro Susan and Bill Simpson, Beaufort Dwayne Stutzman and Sara Davis, William Flournoy, Raleigh Mike and Vicki Smith, Garner Crestview, FL North Carolinians.” Robert Glenn, Jr. and Constance Terry L. and Barbara A. Smith, Granite Donald and Jean Walton, Mills River Winstead, Durham Falls MST DONOR Karl Gottschalk, Durham Don Stephenson, Clayton (anonymous response to opinion survey) 18-Year Member Wilbur and Jane Gurganus, Jacksonville Brenda Summers, Raleigh Carol Banaitis, Fleetwood Mary Hagan, Hawkins, TX Bud and Hayden Taylor, Sanford Richard L. Hibbits, Raleigh Tommy L. Thomas, N. Wilkesboro 17-Year Members Helen A. Holbrook, Havelock Gene Thompson, Henderson William W. Truslow, MD, Greensboro Mac Sealey, Raleigh Lewis and Barbara Boyles, Durham Bill Holman and Stephanie Bass, Lew Upchurch, Wake Forest William Vann, Jr., Chapel Hill Jack Shirey, Asheville J. Michael Davis, Charlotte Pittsboro Kristin Walker, Raleigh Tammie Vass, Reidsville David Sloan, Goldsboro Joe, Laura & Michael Mavretic, Raleigh Peter and Sandra Jacobi, Durham Shelton and Delores Wilder, Boone Doug Veazey, Morganton Brant Sprunger, Oxford David Thoenen, Raleigh J. Scott Kanich, Chapel Hill Carter Worthy, Raleigh Donnie and Becky Williams, Jonas Ridge Doug Starkey, Boone Philip and Emily Keel, Robersonville Kent and Nancy Wilson, Kingsport, TN Paula J. Stober and Willard Bucklen, John S. Manuel, Durham 16-Year Members 10-Year Members Clark and Johanna Wright, New Bern Greensboro JoEllen Mason and Tammy Mason, Robert and Sarah Dixon, Fuquay-Varina David Aaronson, Asheville Melodye Sutherland, Raleigh Durham Dewey and Martha Fox, Morganton Jim and Barbara Avery, Wake Forest 9-Year Members Jim and Sue Taylor, Deep Gap Steven Mierisch, Clemmons Tom and Marian Jerdee, Black Mountain Bob Beach, Charlotte Lisa Patty Abbey, Brevard Ginger Travis, Hillsborough Charles F. Moeller, Morganton Stephen Meehan, Raleigh David and Molly Bland, Cary E. Barry Bassett, Chapel Hill Courtland White, Asheville Maurita Paprocki, Durham John C. and Kathy Underhill, Cary Kirk Bradley, Sanford Bruce Bente, Hendersonville John Whitehouse, Burnsville Margaret Parker, Kennett Square, PA Russell and Diane Cannizzaro, Chapel Hill Audrey J. Booth, Chapel Hill Allmuth and George Perzel, Glendale 15-Year Members Springs Steve Cummings, Reidsville Marcia Bromberg, Asheville 8-Year Members Robert Cline, Burlington Phil Piaski, Claremont Diana B. Dagenhart, Statesville Tom S. Bruce, Hendersonville Max and Cynthia Blood, Burnsville Jim and Jennie Hallsey, Fleetwood David G. Rice, Winston-Salem Muriel Y. Easterling, Chapel Hill Samuel A. Cathey, Pompano Beach, FL David M. Bracey, Summerfield Alan Householder, Sevierville, TN Steven M. Schewel and Lao Rubert, Patricia Geiger, Boone James Church, Annapolis, MD Bill Bussey, Pittsboro J. Wayne Mangum, Raleigh Durham Wilbur Gulley, Durham Russ and Heather Cooper, Weaverville Thomas and Susan Carson, Durham James L. Spencer, III, Brevard Robert Seymour, Chapel Hill Heidi and Andrew Hannapel, Durham Heidi Domeisen, Marshall David Choisser, Hendersonville Billy and Deborah Williams, Hickory John Willis, Hillsborough Ronald M. Hart, West Alexandria, OH Bob Edwards, Sparta Judy Davis, Jamestown Albert Woelfle, Wake Forest Barry and Robin Jacobs, Hillsborough Jerry Evans, Kinston Mark Edelstein, Raleigh 14-Year Members Jack and Karen James, Vilas Robert D. Forsythe, Mills River Chauncey Edwards, Jamesburg, NJ John French and Robin L. Wright, Raleigh 11-Year Members Randy Johnson, Banner Elk Ian Fraher, Greensboro Allan Green, Hillsborough Elizabeth King, Cary Alex Ashton, Julian Randy Jones and Marcia Lieber, Raleigh Donald F. Gardner, Lenoir Glen Greenstreet, Chapel Hill Richard McDowell, Raleigh Eddy Bakeberg, Lansing Tandy Jones and Alison Hill, Pittsboro Drs. John and Janet Garrett, Asheville Kenneth Hammerstein, Raleigh George C. Rawlins, Reidsville Mike Bianco, Greensboro Robert W. Kilpatrick, Morganton Pam Hammond and Karen Haas, Helen W. Holt, Wake Forest Greenville Gregory Scott, Raleigh Blair Bowers, Chapel Hill Ayden and Betty Lee, Clayton Nell Joslin, Raleigh Robert H. Hrozencik, Vilas Ronald Walker, Sandy Springs, GA K. Ellen Caldwell, Charlotte Howard N. Lee, Chapel Hill Jay Lathrop, Asheville Paul and Susan Hubbard, Wilkesboro Ken Canter, Wilkesboro Tim Long, Hickory T. Bentley Leonard, Asheville James Hull, Asheville Joseph Cook, Winston-Salem Margaret McCann, Chapel Hill Laura Norris, Elizabethton, TN

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 11 Janet Onan, Hendersonville Steve Lund, Cary Murrell Johnson, High Point Michael Bradley, Clinton John E. Schelp, Durham Steven and Becky Patch, Barnardsville George Lycan, Asheville Richard Kolbush, Raleigh Jim Brown, Cary Carol and Rick Sessions, Goldsboro Alice Conger Patterson, Summerfield Steve and Donna Metcalf, Weaverville William R. Lowe, Rockwell Jennifer Browndorf, Raleigh Alice Faye Shipp, Salemburg John Pepin, Raleigh John E. Murray, Norfolk, VA Deborah Lubbs, Raleigh Jerry and Sarah Byrd, Elkin Robert Sliwa, Rolesville Judith Phoenix, Boone Megg and Robert Rader, Raleigh Nancy Luberoff, Chapel Hill Scott and Susan Carpenter, Morganton Paul Staller, Hillsborough Dennis and Diane Porterfield, Haw River Laura Rampersad, Durham Ed and Phyllis Marsh, Charlotte Richard Chambless, Hillsborough Michael Stanley, Chapel Hill Irvin Prescott, Jr., Clemmons Ed and Tina Sanderford, Selma Vonda Martin, Greensboro Mary Ann Chap, Durham John Sullivan, Raleigh Regina and Matt Rollins, Westfield Joan Schneier, Raleigh Candace McGuire, Morganton George and Peg Cherny, Wake Forest William and Connie Topham, Nebo David and Casey Saussy, Weston, CT Kirk Shearin, Fuquay-Varina Zoe McKay-Tucker, Raleigh Chelsea Clifford, Durham Earl Trevathan, Greenville Jon Shavor, Fuquay-Varina Luke Simmons, Raleigh Joe and Pam Mickey, State Road William and Marti Cole, Dayton, OH Barbara Vargochik, Lancaster, SC Ann & George Costello, Nebo Constance Wagner-McLaughlin, Peter Dahl, Burlington Greensboro Brew and Jennifer Pharr Davis, Asheville Wayne Walker, Durham Charlie Day, Hickory Hank Wall and Beth Briggs, Raleigh “I believe the concept of a cross state Line Dempsey, Durham Keith Warren, Raleigh trail is very positive for inspiring more Shelagh Doyle, Raleigh Susan Washinsky, Clemmons Sarah and Tommy Eller, Black Mountain Walt and Marcia Weber, Brevard outdoor activity, promoting our state Richard Evans, Asheville Henry H. Westmoreland and Charles Milligan, Wingdale, NY Henry Fansler, Lewisville and helping the environment.” Patricia White, Gaithersburg, MD Edwin Farthing, Hickory Edward Wilson, Morrisville John Geneczko, Durham MST DONOR (anonymous response to opinion survey) Ted and Sherrill Zoller, Weaverville Jim Grode, Asheville Frank Grubbs, Smithfield 4-Year Members Ernest Hahn, Raleigh Jim Anderson, Horse Shoe Phyllis Shaw, Greensboro David B. Smith, Lenoir Anne Miller and Mac McGee, Raleigh Wayne Hale, Greensboro Nancy Anderson, Asheville Steve Shimp, Fort Myers, FL Linda S. and C. Gregory Smith, Efland Mark and Gale Nichols, Raleigh Paul D. Harrison, Winston-Salem Aram Attarian, Morganton Benjamin and Brenda Shore, Raleigh Charles Spencer, Spruce Pine Margaret Paschal, Youngsville Beth Heile, Valdese Katherine Baer, Carrboro Mel Skiles, Asheville Marge Stoddard, Wake Forest Tom and Betsy Pierce, Raleigh Douglas Hensel, Durham Bes Baldwin, Durham Edward Stoddard, Raleigh Ken D. Tolin, Valdese George Poehlman, MD, Durham W. Kent Hicks, Evington, VA David Baldwin, Fairview Rosemary W. Watts, Tampa. FL Carrie and Arthur Tweeten, Raleigh Todd Rademacher, Surf City Roger Holland, Plano, TX Valerie Bateman, Chapel Hill Carroll Webber, Clinton Vance and Ginny Waggener, Asheville Ronald Rahn, Durham Annie Hollifield, Asheville Cynthia Beane, Elkin P.J. Wetzel, Green Cove Springs, FL Jimbo Ward, Kitty Hawk Dr. Robert Resnick, Asheville Paul Hosier, Wilmington Kenneth Black, Gold Hill Alan Zeliff, Boone Peter C. White, Cornelius William Rushin, Raleigh Allan Howell, Greenville Richard Blouse, Southport Charles Wilson, Littleton Laura and Andrew Sam, Haw River Carolyn V. Huettel, Durham Tommie Boston, Swannanoa 7-Year Members Emily Sanders, Morehead City Charlotte and John Hughes, Hillsborough Sean Burke, Beaufort Bonnie Adams, Ocala, FL 6-Year Members Grant Wilder Santillo, Salisbury Robert C. Hunter, Marion Hope Campbell, Elizabethtown Michael Adams, Fayetteville Glenn and Katherine Blackburn, Asheville Carol Schroeder, Raleigh Gus Jerdee, Swannanoa David Cate, Knoxville, TN Halle Amick, Durham Douglas Blackford and Martha Cutler, Douglas C. Smith, Raleigh Mark Kalinowski, Denver Todd Jane Priddy Charleville, Danbury Jill Andersen, Charlotte Lee and Phyllis Starnes, Granite Falls Deborah Kiggans, Fort Mill, SC Betsy and Doug Brown, Raleigh Will Cherry, Raleigh Karl Anderson, Greensboro Christine Stinson, Gainesville, FL James King, Weaverville Haley and Donna Burch, Browns Summit Adam Collins, Boone Herbert Berman, Fort Worth, TX Edward Sullivan, Hatteras Judy Leinbach, Chapel Hill Kathy and Don Chatfield, Greensboro Michael Comer, Sapphire Bill and BJ Boyarsky, Hillsborough Stephen A. Terrill, Raleigh Mike Lobban, Sebastian. FL Gary and Emily Childers, Boone Vincent and Ellen Costanzo, Asheville Anne Cherry, Durham Christian and Terrie Thoma, Jamestown Ron Lohr, Wake Forest Richard Clark, Wake Forest Alan Couch, Mint Hill Hilda Cline, Hickory Betty and Clark Thomas, Durham Natalia Lonchyna, Raleigh Janet and Steven Covert, Asheville Isaac Craig, New Bern J.K. Coward, Jr., Sylva Jane and Frank Thomas, Blacksburg, VA David Lucey, Wake Forest Mark Craven, Raleigh Richard Daileader, Buena Vista, CO Fred Dellinger, Moravian Falls Leslie Tobin, Durham Jesica Mangun, Durham Glenda H. Dennis, Oak Island Joel Deaton and Andrea Allen, Amy Dick, Thomasville Garry and Ruth Vogelpohl, Morganton Mark Marcoplos, Chapel Hill Michel A. Dieffenbacher, Greensboro Summerfield Denise Dorwart, Lexington Russell W. Wall, Raleigh Randy Mays, Roaring River Sandy Douglass, Chapel Hill Andy and Chris Derajtys, Columbia, SC Dale Eltoft, Creedmoor Harry and Jaye Wilson, Pilot Mountain Dennis McGill, Morganton Bob Ellis, Burlington Dan Edwards, Raleigh Jonathon and Gina Firnhaber, Greenville Randall Zirkle, Wilkesboro Lisa and Jeff Metcalf, Salisbury David Fairall, Winston-Salem Gene Erb, Hillsborough William Fleet, Franklin, TN Dwayne Morrison, Statesville Karin & Marty Fitzpatrick, Hillsborough William Frey, Carrboro Dianne Ford, Graham 5-Year Members Gloria Moseley, Conetoe Lisa and Paul Francis, Fairview Donald Gillespie, Summerfield Sandra Fowler, High Point Bill and Jerry Allsbrook, Waynesville Joanne Perri, Wake Forest Bill Gernon, Cary Jane Green, Durham David Gardener, Cary Miriam Ash-Jones, Boiling Springs Matthew Perry, East Bend Bernadette Goodman, Greensboro Jan Grossman and Lynn Heinrichs, Guilfoile, Chapel Hill Graham Auman, Raleigh Mary Ann Petruska, Pittsboro Waynesville James Gravely, Morganton Timothy Harris, Clemmons Edward Bacon, Apex Steve Pierce, Old Fort Stephen Hampton, Thurmond Thomas Griffin, Cary Mark Hartman, Raleigh Larry and Lisa Bailey, Clayton James Polhamus, Durham Nancy Hess, Summerfield Ozzie Hackett, Jr., Raleigh Susan A. Hatch, Raleigh Barry Baker, Durham John Pye, Durham Scott B. Hill, Durham Roland and Mabel Hall, Roseboro Robert Hillyer, State Road Sandra Baran, Raleigh Francis Rasberry, Raleigh Christina Hobbs, Apex Patrick Haller, Charlotte John and Anne Hodges-Copple, Durham William Barnett, Jr., Raleigh Sam Ravenel, Cary Beverly Hockenberger, Yanceyville Todd Hancock, Raleigh Michael Homberg, Clayton Bill Bass, Raleigh Douglas Ray, Haw River Don Holbert, Greenville Gayle Hartis, Chapel Hill Patricia Johnson, Asheville Kent Birge, Greensboro Gordon Richardson, Jonesborough, TN Kimberly Homme, Nebo Susan Hester, Chapel Hill Schorr Johnson, Raleigh Danny Bosley, Farmville Tony Roberts, Apple Valley. MN Marsha Howe, Fayetteville Rob C. Hicks, N. Wilkesboro Warren Jones, Winston-Salem Virginia L. Bower, Asheville Donald Russ, Morganton Bill Hulette, Hillsborough Mike and Susan Holland, Saxapahaw James L. Lowe, Elkin Christopher Boyce, Durham Michael Sapeta, Hopkinton, MA Terry Jenkins, Marion Grace Iovine, Wendell

12 FRIENDS OF THE MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL Rodney Jones, Chapel Hill James Covington, Chapel Hill Martha and Benny Pittman, Oak Ridge Sarah Corey, Raleigh Andrew Meier, La Grange Bill and Ginny Kloepfer, Wake Forest Robert Crowley, Charlotte Stephanie Potts, Boone Rae Cornwell, Greensboro Maureen Miller, Asheville Nan Leininger, Weaverville Gregory Dahlin, Raleigh Tammy Proctor, Hampstead John Creaser, Cary Sandra Mitchell, Greensboro Jim Lewis, Chapel Hill Amy de Jongh, Knightdale Michael Reves, Thurmond Kathleen and Tom Cronley, Hillsborough Kelly Mitter, Winston-Salem Mike Linville, Kernersville Jerry DeWitt, Holly Springs Brook Reynolds, Asheville Nancy Crowley, Cary Bonny Moellenbrock, Durham Elizabeth Livingston, Durham Phyllis Duncan, Raleigh Francesca Richardson, Annapolis, MD Bartow Culp, Hillsborough Mitchell Moore, Athens, TN Brad Loftis, Greensboro William Dunson, Boone Nancy Rogers, Hickory Dorothy Darr, High Point Crystal Morphis, Elkin Larry Macemore, Elkin Marcia Eickmeier, Timberlake Tim Roth, Wake Forest Martin DeWitt, Hillsborough Tess Muro, Durham Victor Mariano, Asheville Sam Elliott, Durham Timothy Runfola, Fort Bragg Helen DiBenedetto, Boone Hamid Nabavi, Durham William McCulloch, Raleigh James Erlinger, Raleigh Bill Schiffli, Charlotte Michael Dickson Richard Nance, Lexington Jim McKenzie, Raleigh Mark Ernstes, Winston-Salem Beth Schulman, Charlotte Sandra Dorr, King Claudia Nix, Asheville Lou McLean, Boone Woodruff and Helen Faulk, Elkin Elizabeth Searles-Bohs, Durham1 Gregory Doyle, Wake Forest Elizabeth Norman and Dan Mattox, William and Patricia McNeil, Greensboro Sally Finch, Coronado, CA Mary Shepherd, Elkin Karin Drewnitzki, Germany Durham Robert Morris, Forest, VA Monika Fitzgerald, Midlothian, VA David & Keena Sidden, Jonesville Penni Dunn, Old Fort Sean OHare, Chapel Hill Jason Nieuwsma, Chapel Hill Eric Forslin, Hillsborough Moreland Smith, Greensboro Thomas Eagen, Durham Karen Oliver, Raleigh Maren Olsen, Raleigh Thomas Frost, Morganton Philip Smith, Griffin, GA David Eck, Durham Edward and Angela Palek, South Lyon, MI Richard Ott, Murrells Inlet, SC Mark E. Gantt, Conover Lisa Speas, College Park, MD Max Feken, Efland Jason Pass, Asheville Jack Owen, Apex Virginia Gilbert, Durham Juli Spring, Durham Maida Ferguson, Pittsboro Judy Payne, Raleigh Alan Parry, Chapel Hill Brad Gillespie, Raleigh Kevin Stainback, State Road Robert Flanigan, Boone Ann Penrose, Raleigh Ramesh Patel, Cary David Green, Durham Thomas Stopyra, Winston-Salem Carter Fourqurean, Summerfield Gail Perkins, Marion Pete Petersen, Flat Rock Dianne Griffin, Wilkesboro Fulton Strathern, Bear Creek Grant Fowler, Durham Thomas Phillips, Hillsborough J Bruce Pitner, Durham Kevin and Marilyn Griffin, Durham Donna Tarleton, Asheville Marjorie Fowler, Pittsboro Nancy Plemmons, Apex Rebecca Prescott, New Bern Robert and Melissa Gunther, Asheville Arlene Edwards Thompson, Advance Charles Frazelle, Raleigh Jake Pope, Hillsborough Richard Ramsey, Newland Anthony and Grace Hackney, Efland Richard Vitolo, Nebo Joe Friday, Greenville Ken Powell, Raleigh Jeffrey Simpson, Jefferson Julie and Jason Hall, Raleigh Gregory Vydra Brett Fuhrman, Asheville Tom Presley, Raleigh Glenda Smith, Fuquay Varina Roger Hames, Statesville Buddy Waters, Greenville Kathryn and Scott Gavaghan, Wake Forest Elizabeth and Alex Raines, Hillsborough Richard Smith, Kelly Lance Hardin, Raleigh Thomas Weaver, Arden Ginny Ghezzo, Durham Randy Reed, Durham Mary Stewart, Chapel Hill Scott Hash, Raleigh Worth and Susan Weller, Burnsville Chris Gould, Durham David Richey, Wake Forest Ross Strange Jr., Burlington Matthew Hawk, Greenville Chris Werbylo, Maggie Valley Jacob Gregory, Charlotte R. Bruce Rider, Rockwell Wilson & Donna Stroud, Garner Andy and Nan Henderson, New Hill Jim White, Raleigh Anne Gross, Asheville Vee Ringer, Wake Forest Cathy and Tim Supple, Sneads Ferry Kevin Hoff, Durham Robert Wicklund, Wake Forest Michael Hamill, Columbus, OH Kelly Ross, Chapel Hill Richard Swartzel, Hickory Jim Holland, Chapel Hill Warren Williamson, Raleigh Krista Hansen, Council Tommy Rowe, Mooresville Thomas Toms, Pittsboro Janice Holloway, Thurmond John Wilson, Mount Pleasant, SC Polly Harris, Durham Nancy Schanz, Raleigh Fred Weaver, Asheville Susan Hutson, Asheville Sadie and Claire Wilson, Cary James and Courtenay Harton, Oak Ridge Jackie Schieb, Weaverville W.Wayne Westall, Marion Dawn Hymel, Franklinton John Woodson, Weaverville Kenneth and Pat Heck, Sewanee, TN Robert Sharpe, Charlotte Elizabeth Winstead, Raleigh A Bradley Ives, Chapel Hill Joel Wooten, Yadkinville Michael Hodges, Hughesville, MD Sara Shelp, Morehead City Amy Jessee, Asheville Jerry Worsley, Cary Rick Holopainen, Graham Billy and Chelsea Simcox, Hillsborough 3-Year Members Michael L. Jones, Arden Kathy Jacobs, High Point Robert Simpson, Raleigh Candy Smith, Glade Valley Steve Agan, Asheville Kellie Kanuit, Wilmington 2-Year Members FM Johnson, Beaufort, SC Serena Smith, Linville Carole Anderson, Kernersville Steve Kenny, Raleigh Gordon Abele, Melbourne Beach, FL Tony Johnson, Waynesville William Stith, Knightdale Roberta Andrews, Raleigh Marcia Kissel, Charlotte Jan Alston, Raleigh Bert Jones, Jacksonville Beth Suydam, Charlotte Timothy Arn, Edenton Karen Lachow, Asheville Leonard Anderson, Greensboro Julia Jordan, Fayetteville Lynette Tullos, High Point Terry Ayers, Tega Cay, SC Michael Lee, Clyde Missy Anderson, Sanford Ken and Virginia Karb, Greensboro Rob and Susan Turner, Winston-Salem Matthew Bader, Durham Mike Luffman, Winston-Salem Gary Apple, Newton Branson Kimball, Durham Barry Udis, Chapel Hill Cindy Baer, Hendersonville Brook and George Martin, Bermuda Run Will Arey, Chapel Hill Michael Kimel, Oak Ridge Shirley Walker, Durham Melanie Bell, Wake Forest Rod Martin, Hubert Edward Aul, Chapel Hill Chris Kinlaw, Lumberton Kay and Lebo Wall, Black Mountain Rod Birdsong, Marion Val and Dan Matena, Charlotte Dan Auman, Raleigh Christine Kiraly-Thomas, Garner Brian Washburn, MD, Greer, SC Dave Birkhead, Hillsborough William McChesney, Raleigh Susanna Bachmann, Durham Julie Koppang, Walkertown John Watson, Sanford Steven Blake, Cary Thomas McGowan, Boone Cherie Bedford, Swansboro Sue Korrow, Asheville Jennifer Weiss and Bruce Hamilton, Cary Carrie Bonds, Burlington Portia McKnight and Flo Hawley, Chapel Jim Beeson, Roanoke, VA Kyle Kramer, Chapel Hill Hill Frank Werner, Clayton Danny Boutieller, Wake Forest Michael Blackburn, Wallace Timothy Kurtz, Asheville Lisa McLeod, Wilmington Richard Werts, Charlotte Barbara Braatz, Durham Michael Bonsignore and Victoria Frisch, Joyce Kwapien, Cedar Grove John McQuaid, Raleigh Thomas and Marlene B. Williamson, Kimberly Briggs, Sneads Ferry Hillsborough Margaret Lanier, Greensboro Carolyn Mejia, Wilmington Kitty Hawk Ann Brown, Hickory Rich Bowerman, Hendersonville Doug Lee, Wilmington Richard Moore, Elkin Clifford Younger, Hillsborough Shannon Brown, Durham Nancy Bray, Grifton Samantha Leidner, Louisburg Barbara Morgan, Asheville Martha Zeigler, Weaverville Terri Buckner, Chapel Hill Rick Bumgardner, Sneads Ferry Susan and Mike Levy, Cary Jamie Morris-Haley, Charlotte David Butler, Morganton Robert Caldwell, Durham Matthew Luedke, Durham Dolores Neil, Elkin 1-Year Members Paul Caudill, Mocksville Martin Campbell, Mooresville Kevin Maddox, Wake Forest Angela Noffsinger, Manteo Kim Alexander, Chapel Hill Millie Chalk, Morehead City Scott Campbell, Lincolnton Michael Maloney, Durham Tom and Sara Nolan, Mooresville Libby and Mike Alexander, Shelby Alfred Christensen, Raleigh Andrea Ceonzo, Durham Janet Manning, Alexander Meg Notaro, Hillsborough James Allegretto, Burlington Will Clegg, Jersey City, NJ Kathy China, Sumter, SC David Markowski, Havelock Arlene and David Pace, Marion Janice Angelo Claire Conley, Kill Devil Hills Dustin Clark, Boone Monroe Marlowe, Nebo Randy Pelzer, Charleston, SC Nicolas Arnao, Houston, TX Leah Cook, Cedar Grove Jenifer and David Clement, Cary Brandon Massey, Rolesville Paul Penny, Holly Springs Laura Arnold, Greer, SC Margaret Couch and Tod Serfass, James Cockrell, High Point Deb McCutcheon, Raleigh George Auman, Raleigh Winston-Salem Leigh and Rich Pettus, Asheville Connie Cope, Kernersville William Meador, Raleigh Randal Avant, Sneads Ferry

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 13 Judy Bailes, Durham Mike and Vickie Cunningham, Sneads Robert Irvin, Jacksonville, FL Tim Morgan, Charlotte Kenneth Souther, North Wilkesboro Julia Bailey, Dunlap, TN Ferry Christine Jacobs, Greenville James Morris, Durham Thomas Spencer, Hampstead Jennifer Ballance, Midland Lauren Davis, Cary Mathue Johnson, Clayton Sam Muggleworth, Raleigh Kathy Stanford, Hillsborough John and Mary Beth Bankson, Durham Erica DeCarme, Charleston, SC Benjamin Jones, Durham Madison Mumma, Durham Anne Steele, Oak Ridge Sean Barcellona, Charlotte Jeffrey Dektor, Swannanoa Daryl Jordan, Chapel Hill Maria Nardini, Youngsville Gene and Louisa Stewart, West End Debbie Barnard, Cookeville, TN Miguel Diaz, Wilmington Denise Justis, Burlington Craig Oppenheimer, Wrightstown. PA Andrea Stoney, Carrboro David Barnette, Summerfield Susan Dillard, Asheville Renee Kalicicki, Clayton Emily Otterson, New Market, MD Whit Strunk, Mooreville Lea Beazley, Littleton Dennis Dineen, Asheville Ray Karnes, Chapel Hill Rodney Overcash, Asheboro Christopher Summerlin, Currie Robin Beckett, Nebo Anthony Duncan, Waxhaw Laura Keahey, McKinney, TX Sandra Padden, Chapel Hill Joshua R. Sutterfield, North Bethesda, James Bernal, Raleigh Kenneth Earl, Raleigh Taylor Keith, Ayden Thomas Pangborn, Carthage MD Chris Berriman, Raleigh Kenneth Eheman Angela Kemper, Asheville Gary Pannabecker, Choteau, MT Alice Thompson, Spruce Pine Russell Bevis, Hendersonville Kim Elkins, Asheville Jay King, Asheboro Carol Parish, Mebane Jeff Triplett, Columbia, SC Aaron Biek, Chapel Hill Melissa Ellestad, Middletown, DE Ronald D. King, Denver Stephen Parker, Chapel Hill Heidi Trout, Ellicott City, MD Catherine Birmingham, Surf City Michael Elliott, Nebo Colin Kinton, Asheville Patricia Parks Jennifer Turner, Germantown Thomas Black, Paducah, KY Hardin and Ron Wilder Engelhardt, Cary Robert Klink, Greensboro Phil Parrish, Arden Rebecca Ulmsten, Greensboro Sue Blackburn, North Wilkesboro Roger Ericson, Durham Brian Klotz, Virginia Beach, VA Daniel and Leah Parrott, Sneads Ferry Alexander van Nievelt, Durham Peter Blake, Richmond, VA Todd Eveland, Asheville Jackie Knight, Durham Richard Pasquantonio, Hampstead C.P. Vasiloff, Cornelius Heidi Bloom Diane Everett, Raleigh Steve Krasnow, Rockville, MD Alexander Pearce Carrie Vernia, Raleigh Robert Boder, Pittsboro Jeffrey Fahs, Chapel Hill Don Kraus, Asheville Richard Pearl, Garner Wynn Wagenseil, Supply Donald Bordeaux, Bladenboro Cyndy Falgout, Durham Kristen Kubis, Durham John and Laura Perkins, Weaverville Diane Wallace, UT Gail Boyarsky, Chapel Hill Gerald Favret, Eau Claire, WI Steven Kuras, Mooresville Michael Phillips, Asheville James Waynick, Reidsville Jake Brandon, Durham Deborah Fields, Greensboro Cameron Kurowski, Asheville Joseph Plunkett, Raleigh Brigid and Brooks Webb, Garner Laura Braswell, Atlanta, GA Trey Figueroa, Durham Stacey LaBare, Greeneville, TN Karen Plunkett, Raleigh Joe Wells, Raleigh Vera Braswell, Rougemont Maria Fister, Apex Brenda Lambert, Wendell Laura Poland, Carmel, IN Lynn Wesson, Hillsborough Erin Brennan, Southern Pines Paul Fleischman, Santa Cruz, CA Mike Lawson, Claudville, VA Terry Pollard, Sylva Heather West, Spindale John Brett, Silver Spring, MD Noah Fleming, Durham Gregory Leach, Pensacola, FL Rachel Poole, Hendersonville William West, Oak Ridge Ashley Brimson, High Point Randy Fluharty, Asheville Angela Lee, Chapel Hill Annie Porche, Blountville, TN Clint White, Topsail Beach Craig Brock, Rose Hill Jennifer Frank, Durham Thomas and Katherine Leiby, Reading, PA Ron and Gina Porter, Huntsville, AL Phoebe Whitwell, Somerville, MA Ben Brown, Greensboro Jeffrey Franklin Lisa Leiter, Davie, FL Kelly Powrie, Durham Debora Williamson, Whitsett Ken Brown, Raleigh Miranda Freeman, Durham Laura Lembeck, Cullowhee Tony Prontaut, Fernandina Beach, FL Dwayne Wills, Winston-Salem Maria Brown, Raleigh Daniel Gifondorwa, Raleigh Michelle Leonard, Bethania Celeste Queen, Lexington Rebecca Witkowski, Kannapolis Julie Buchikos, Roanoke, VA Jonathan Giles, Durham Sebastian Lindquist, Greensboro Alexandra Rachelle, Chapel Hill Katherine World, Durham Michael Buckner, Durham Jan Gilliam, Ronda Janet Lloyd, Durham Anne and Shrin Rajagopalan, Raleigh James Wright, Raleigh Laura Bumgarner, Raleigh John Gillis, Greensboro Ursula Lobacz, Durham Richard Reavis, Elkin Dorothy Yokel, Greenville Tom Buob, Pittsboro Dennis Goss, Durham Jessica Lovelace, Asheville Scott Reedy, Lexington, KY Kera Yonker, Hillsborough Sara Burelle, Nebo Ed Goss, Wake Forest Douglas Lovern, Durham Tim and Kerri Restmeyer, Asheville Angela Zemla, Walkertown Sandra Burns, Westfield Christopher Graebe, Raleigh Rafael Luevano, Auburn, CA Ken Riddick, Morganton Debbie Zievis Greg and Alice Butler, Roseboro Matthew Griffith, Hubert RuthAnn Marenyi, Raleigh John Rine, Elkin Colleen Zinn, Hillsborough Catherine Cameron, High Point Sharon Guarino, Jacksonville George and Cecilia Martin, Winston- Suzanne Ritter, Jacksonville Laura Zulueta, Apex Jean and Bruce Campbell, Lancaster, PA Shan Guo, Cary Salem Jeffrey Robertson, Pittsboro True Campbell, Greensboro Michael Guthrie, Pineville Paulette Marty, Boone James Robinson, Raleigh In Memory of Bob Benner William Campbell, Biltmore Lake Martha Gwaltney, Wilson Sandra Mascia, Greensboro Lance Robson, Pinnacle Dennis McGill, Susan Moore, Billy Robert Cansler, Concord Jim Haggett, Garner Rebecca Masters, Elizabeth City Brian Rosa, Hillsborough Williams Nancy Card, Rocky Point Seth Haines, Wake Forest Leigh Matthews, Chapel Hill Broadus Rose, Atlantic Beach Karen Carr, Durham Catherine and David Hall, Matthews Will Matthews, Grayson, KY Leon and Eleanor Schaller, Burlington In Memory of Elizabeth Michael Hall, Raleigh Jennifer May, Garner Karen Carter, Wilmington Paul Schlosser, Cary M. Dixon Charles Castelli, Weaverville Robin Hammond and Bill Sandifer, Kevin McCauley, Hampstead Theresa Scott, Lynchburg, VA Raleigh Lynne Bresler, Margaret and John Brooke Caudle, Raleigh Joseph McConnell, Carolina Shores Greg and Robin Seibert, Raleigh Lanman, Natalia Lonchnya, Les and Wm Alan Harben, Lawrenceville, GA Collin Chambers, Black Mountain Julie McCord, Webster Jordan Sellers, Boone Catherine Love, Jeanne and Larry Noe, Penelope Harter, Cherryville Nadine O’Malley, Susan Olson, Carolyn Joei Chang, Statesville Phil McCullough, York, SC Maria Bilinski Shain, Durham Sarah Hauser, Mount Airy Sakowski, Ann and Selden Smith, Mike Richard T. Chatham, Elkin Kathleen McGurgan, Elizabethtown B.J. Sharp, Asheville and Vicki Smith, Jennifer Weiss and Bruce Howard Heim, Asheville Hamilton Cara Chinery, Hillsborough Ryan McGurl, Morehead City Ann Shepherd, Greensboro Misty Hein, Old Fort Veronica Clark, Chester, SC George McLain, Jacksonville Susan Simmerson, Mocksville Melissa Helmer, Waynesville In Memory of Thomas L. Chad Cleveland, Winston-Salem Amy McLaurin, Statesville Meredith Grace Simmons, Shawsville, VA Don Henza, Greensboro Fowler Sara Clifton, Cary Renee McNerhany, Canton David Singleton, Durham John Higgins, Saint Augustine, FL Grant Fowler Mary Helen Cline, Newton Marion Meckler, Newton Elliott Skopin, Seattle, WA Wallace Hill, Clyde Charles Cloninger, Graham Lee Meek, Wilmington Alan Smathers, Waynesville Reid Hobbs, Wilmington In Memory of Umesh Jerry and Evelyn Cochrane, Lincolnton Wesley Mehring, Burlington Deirdre Smith, Housatonic, MA Elizabeth Holland, Maumee, OH Rajagopalan William Coleman, Mooresville Norma Merriman, Raleigh Heather Smith, Wilmington Graham Holmes, Raleigh Anne and Shrin Rajagopalan Didi Conn, Woodland Hills, CA Kirsten Miller, Sneads Ferry Jennifer Smith, Mt. Gilead Thomas Hoover, Jacksonville Kristina Cooper, Raleigh Mary Moore, Raleigh Melinda Smith, Maggie Valley Jack Horan, Fort Mill, SC Connie Corn, Arden Richard Moore, Raleigh William Sneed, Raleigh Sharon Horton, Raleigh Jennifer Costner, Maryville, TN Susan Moore, Newland Adam Snyder, Raleigh William Hurley, Charlotte Heather Cotton, Black Mountain Diane Moran, Raleigh Nancy Snyder, Hope Mills Larry Hursey III, Burlington Bill and Janet Cox, Boone Keith Morgan, Durham Robin Southecorvo, Asheville Erin Hutchings, Louisburg

14 FRIENDS OF THE MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL THANK YOU to each and every one of the 770+ volunteers who together worked more than 33,800 hours to build, maintain, and promote the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in 2019. These volunteers worked in 21 Task Forces – each responsible for building and maintaining a specific section of the trail. Other volunteers worked to staff tables at festivals, advocated for the trail within their communities and helped in various other ways.

Mountain Region Hours West Guilford 521 Carolina Mountain Club 10,545 Upper Haw River 1,844 High Peaks Trails Association 115 Orange County 557 Central Blue Ridge 3,429 Eno River 1,682 Bald Knob 195 Falls Lake 4,463 Grandfather 328 Coastal Plain & Watauga 380 Outer Banks Hours Ashe 992 Agricultural Heartland 61 Alleghany 79 Carolina Bays 476 Onslow Bight 297 Piedmont Region Hours Carteret County Wildlife Club 389 Elkin Valley Trails Association 5,578 Outer Banks 98 Hanging Rock/Pilot Mtn 194 Other Friends of the MST Sauratown Trails Association 702 957

Improving signage in Bladen Lakes State Forest. Photo by Ben Jones.

The Honor Roll below recognizes volunteers who are members of Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and have contributed 75 hours or more to build, maintain, and promote the trail in 2019.

Karl Anderson Jerry Byrd John French* Victor Mariano Allen Poole Vance Waggener* Aram Attarian Scott Campbell Tom Griffin John McCulloch* Mike Reves Ron Walther Jerry Barker Richard Clark Ernest Hahn Candace McGuire Don Russ Tom Weaver* Bob Beach Tom Coffey Jim Hallsey* Joe Mickey* Andrew Sam Chris Werbylo* Bev Bell Paul Curtin Bob Hillyer* Steven Mierisch* Gregory Scott Dave Whitlow Don Bergey Carl DeAndrade Kim Homme Eric Motzno Keith Sidden John Whitehouse Rod Birdsong Joel Deaton Larry Humbert Ron Navik Mel Skiles* Bob Wicklund Bill Blackley* Mark Edelstein Grace Iovine Dee Neil* Tim Supple* Shelton Wilder David Bland Dale Eltoft Bob Johnson Kit Ogburn Jason Taylor* Bill Williams* Piet Bodenhorst Richard Evans* Bob Kilpatrick Arlene Pace Steve Terrill Harry Wilson Bill Boyarsky* Todd Eveland Margaret Lanier David Pace Chris Underhill Germaine Yahn Jeff Brewer Donna Farmer Brad Loftis John Pepin Doug Veazey Greg Yahn* Haley Burch Will Farmer Les Love Phil Piaski Richard Vitolo David Butler Richard Figura Steve Lund* Karen Plunkett Garry Vogelpohl

* Volunteered 250-hours or more

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 15 3509 Haworth Drive, Suite 210 Raleigh, NC 27609

Coreopsis Photo by the Siddens.

Bob Benner working on the MST. Photo by Donnie Williams.

THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF BOB BENNER: outdoor adventure educator, canoeing guidebook author, and TAKE A founder of the Central Blue Ridge Task Force of volunteers who build and maintain 70 miles of the MST’s Segment 4 in the . Bob died in 2019 at the age of 89. In Bob’s memory, we urge you to do as he did: HIKE Take joy in the open trail. Give thanks for the MOUNTAINSTOSEATRAIL.ORG volunteers who make your hike possible. 919.825.0297 | [email protected] Whoop and laugh and splash all you want.

© 2020 Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Printed on recycled paper.