National Trails Day 2000 Jackson, Wyoming

On June 3, under crystal blue skies, over 50 people converged at the Wilson Elementary School, donating their Saturday to the community, environment and wildlife of Jackson Hole.

Margie Lynch (director for Friends of Pathways) and Linda Merigliano (Trails Supervisor for the Jackson District of the Bridger-Teton Nt. Forest) organized this amazing event. Linda planned several fun projects including wetlands planting along the Wilson Centennial Trail, barbwire fence removal along the Snake River, trailhead cleanup and sign-work at Mosquito Creek and Teton Pass, and maintenance on Phillips Canyon Trail.

We led a crew up Phillips Canyon Trail to work on de-berming and erosion-preventing rolling grade dips. We worked closely with the forest service and volunteers, discussing sustainable multi-use trail design and maintenance.

Trails Day went smoothly, thanks to the many groups who gave their time and energy. Organizations from all corners of the valley worked side by side, including: Friends of Pathways, Jackson Hole Land Trust, Teton National Forest, Community Entry Services, JH Wildlife Foundation, JH Conservation Alliance and the United Cyclists of JH.

Carol Hamilton (forest supervisor for the three million acre Bridger-Teton Nt. forest) was amongst us, toiling in the soil and at the end of the day thanked everyone graciously. Chairman of the Teton County board of commissioners, Bill Paddleford, also commended the volunteers. Bill presented Margie the Millennium Trail award for the designation of the Jackson Hole Community Pathway System, a prestigious award signed by the First Lady, (Hillary Rodham Clinton) for outstanding community trails.

We spent the remainder of the weekend savoring the wonderful trails and pathways around Jackson, counting hundreds of smiling trail users. Linda and David took us for a hike on some of their latest trail additions. We agreed that Jackson is a perfect canvas to create multi-use trails and that solutions could be found for every challenge. It was inspiring for us to meet so many positive people in the community, who are dedicated to making Jackson a better place to live and recreate.

Thank you,
Joey and Kathy, TCC2

Joey and Kathy TCC2, rolling through Teton National Park.

Half the crew admiring Margie's new Millennium Trails Award
after a great day of trailwork on National Trails Day.