Despite the Coronavirus halting the ability for hikers and trail maintainers to get out on many of the trails in our area, especially in Shenandoah National Park and off parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway for much of the spring, there was a loosening of restrictions in May, so many of the Charlottesville PATC members that are trail maintainers got busy getting out to clear their much loved sections. Mostly folks went out individually or in pairs, but guidelines allowed groups of three or less, so a few work team events were organized among maintainers. Bill Holman, district manager of PATC Mutton Hollow/Vining tract in Greene County organized a work day where groups of three folks went out to tackle chainsawing and blowdown removal on the 10 miles of trails in that area. Iva Gillet, Mark Walkup, Jodi Frederiksen, Paul Henderson, Jeanne Siler, John Shannon, Marian Styles, Brian Muszynski, CJ Woodburn, David Crowe, Marit Anderson, and Mark Perschel have all helped on those trails clearing the many fallen trees. Dave Abdallah also helps maintain a number of trails at Mutton Hollow with his wife, Jodi. Trails are clear and ready for hiking, which is beneficial now that the seven PATC cabins are open for renting. Social distancing, wearing of masks when in close quarters, and strict sanitizing of tools were practiced by all of the maintainers and helpers.
Other trail maintainers have been busy - Jeff Monroe and Barbara Martin on sections they maintain in Ramseys Draft Wilderness west of Staunton.
John Shannon and Marian Styles on the club AT section from Rockfish Gap to McCormick Gap in SNP.
Mark Walkup on trails in PATC Entry Run Tract near Stanardsville, where he is the district manager.
Marit Anderson and Mark Perschel on their AT section from Turk Gap to Crimora Lake Overlook in SNP.
Trail maintainers from Charlottesville PATC are reaching out to folks to set up small work trips to get the trails in good shape for hikers and backpackers to enjoy. We hope members will be a part of these volunteer efforts. And thanks to all who help keep the trails clear and in good shape!
submitted by Marit Anderson
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