Last April I set out to finally do more than set a good example and leave it better than I found it. I’d been to river and crag cleanups, but I spent most of my time on the trail and wanted to bring more attention to the places I love. I asked around to see if I could get some people to pick up trash with me on a hike. The idea was there, but my efforts were a bit too spur of the moment and I found myself hiking up to Raven Cliffs Falls with only my dog and some trash bags.
First and solo trail cleanup
After 4 hours bending over and picking up trash over 2.5 miles of trail, I was worn out. There had to be a way for me to get other like minded people together to tackle this work.
I decided to seek out a little guidance and inspiration. So I met up with Bryan Schroeder, Director of Stewardship a the Georgia Conservancy, to discuss some of my ideas. Before I knew it, he was sprinkling his special blend of magic and gave me a platform to reach some outdoor enthusiasts like myself.
Bryan Schroeder – Director of Stewardship, Georgia Conservnacy
Through Meetup’sGeorgia Outdoor Stewards, I organized my first stewardship hike in July. Only two people showed up, but they spent hours hiking, enjoying time around a waterfall, and picking up trash with me. Mission accomplished – I didn’t have to pick up and haul all the trash out by myself!
First stewardship hike at Panther Creek Falls
I have now now led 6 stewardship trips which have included hiking, camping, backpacking, and trail maintenance. Each time I am amazed at how total strangers not only let me take them out into the woods, but also pick up trash and do other work while they’re out there! These people are one of a kind and I can’t thank them enough for all the work they do.
We’ve picked up & carried loads of trash for miles,
Second trip out to Panther Creek
Toccoa River
Raven Cliffs Falls
First trip to Panther Creek
Blood Mountain shelter
worked in the rain,
A bit blurry, but shows these ladies smiling while working in the rain
had a little extra help along the way,
Complete strangers on the trail pitched in!
and gone hiking & camping throughout the beautiful north Georgia forest and mountains!
Dodd Creek
Panther Creek Falls
Campsite at Noontootla Creek
Springer Mountain summit
Campsite on Blood Mtn
Long Creek Falls
Blood Mountain Wilderness
It feels great to see the trails taken such good care of and I hope that everyone who’s attended knows how grateful I am for their help. I couldn’t do half as much without them!
ps – Can’t take credit for all the photos this time, especially all the group shots. Thanks goes out to people on the trips and a few unsuspecting bystanders.
This week we took a couple of days to scout out some new spots. It’s summer in the southeast which means I put up with gnats making constant attempts to fly into my eyeballs. I travel along poison ivy covered trails looking mad, as I swing trekking poles in a futile attempt to not wear ALL the spider webs. And sometimes I throw caution to the wind to sit with mosquitoes at the banks of a river or stream. More fun than you can handle?
Going through all that lovely summertime fun I still smile knowing the reasons I’ll get out there and do it again…
To explore and find new swimming holes like this…
Helton Creek Falls
For views like this…
from Tray Mountain
And for moments like these…
Hemlock Falls
It’s been some time since I’ve posted, but we’re still out there exploring just the same. I hope everyone’s getting outside as well, enjoying the summer!
Aspen's Adventures 