Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club - Latest Blog Entries

Workshop Presenters Needed for Virginia Journeys 2011 AT Biennial Conference

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:27:00 -0600

Share your knowledge and skills as a workshop presenter at the upcoming Virginia Journeys 2011 which will celebrate the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. This gathering, to be held at Emory & Henry College in southwest Virginia from July 1 – 8, 2011, will be the 38^th Biennial Conference of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. A main feature of the conference is a wide variety of workshops which will be held Saturday – Monday, July 2 – 4, 2011. Conference organizers are inviting speakers to present sessions in the following areas of interest:

Hiking and Backpacking Skills
Trail Management
Natural Wonders
Engaging Youth on the Trail
Community Partners: Sustainable Tourism & the Trail
A.T. MEGA-Transect: Environmental Monitoring of the A.T. Corridor
Cultural History along the A.T
Celebrating Benton MacKaye

If you would like to present a workshop related to any of the conference tracts, or would like to suggest a topic to be considered, we want to hear from you. The deadline for speaker registration is June 30, 2010. Please contact Laura Belleville at lbelleville@appalachiantrail.org, 540-953-3564 / 3571, Ned Kuhns at nedkuhns@cox.net, 757-552-0292, or Mark Wenger at markwenger@cox.net, 757-253-0056.

The South Mountain Summit, Feb. 19, 2010

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 06:55:00 -0600

Save the date, February 19, 2010 for The South Mountain Summit
9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Penn Township Firehall, 1750 Pine Road, Newville, PA.
Click Here for complete information.
Click Here to register for the event.

Preparation Work Begins on the Appalachian Trail Museum Building

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:04:00 -0600

Preparation Work Begins on the Appalachian Trail Museum Building

by Sanne “Ready” Bagby

The single, largest post-Gathering Work trip in the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association’s almost 30-year history took place on Monday, October 12that the Old Mill in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, site of the soon-to-be Appalachian Trail Museum.

One of my roles as Assistant Coordinator of ALDHA is to coordinate the trail work projects that traditionally follow the annual Gathering. This year’s project would be an especially important and exciting one: prepping the building that will become the site of the Appalachian Trail Museum!

The Old Mill, a structure within the Pine Grove Furnace State Park that has stood vacant for many years will be the future home of the Museum, operated by the Appalachian Trail Museum Society. The building was officially entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and will be restored in accordance with very stringent guidelines appropriate for such a building. While the ATMS awaits the issuance of the permits needed to begin structural renovation, there were still lots that could be done to ready the building

for that work.

An ALDHA/ATMS member, Noel DeCavalcante, who was a major player in getting people interested in this project, referred to the work trip as a “Work Party”. That struck me as particularly fitting for this occasion, so that’s how it got billed, “ALDHA’s Post-Gathering Work Party. The project was advertised

in The Long Distance Hiker, the organization’s newsletter, as well as on the ALDHA website (www.aldha.org) and by an ambitious word of mouth campaign to garner support and participation. With calls for donations and early registration, it looked as though our numbers for the day might reach as high as 27 volunteers, possibly the largest turn-out for an ALDHA post-Gathering work trip ever!

Clearly, our numbers were considerably higher than the anticipated 27 volunteers! Decked out with party hats, streamers and noisemakers, festive “Work Party” volunteers gathered for a group photo at the Mill entrance. (RedWolf, Marsha and 1Pint were absent when the photo was taken. Their absence was excused, as they were out shopping for grub for this soon-to-be famished crowd!)

Threading their way in several caravans along winding forest roads from Gettysburg College early on Monday morning, volunteers began arriving at the work site before 9AM, carrying with them the day’s tools. These were not the usual picks, shovels, and loppers of a volunteer trail crew. No, this time the group brought brooms, mops, rags, buckets, vacuum cleaners, and cleaning solvents. There was nary a hard hat in sight. Like their tools, the safety gear this crew would be sporting was a bit unusual, too. They included face masks and goggles, designed to keep dust and mouse droppings out of workers’ eyes and lungs, and rubber gloves, to protect hands from harsh detergents.

The tools and supplies were donated by the trail community - most, from ALDHA Gathering attendees. Some came from folks who couldn’t make it to the work trip, but wanted to play a part all the same. Boxes upon boxes and bags upon bags of cleaning supplies were toted in from cars and vans. Much was used during the course of the day; the rest stowed away for future use.

Volunteers wasted no time getting started. Items that had been on display during the Mill's days as a State Park museum, as well as some old furniture and objects seemingly stowed here for want of a better place to store them, crowded the three floors of the building. The dusty artifacts included many interesting pieces: tombstones of former residents of the mill and furnace operation from its heyday, an old cast iron stove, and numerous display cases and signs featuring flora and fauna of the Park. A Park ranger coordinated the sorting and removal process; our volunteers provided the brawn. Objects of value and interest were relocated to other buildings and sites within the Park. Trash was removed and hauled away.

There were many skilled helpers around to give a heads up about what kinds of remodeling and renovation might be needed in the future. Singer, an electrician with plumber’s skills, looked over the building's lights, wiring and two bathrooms, while another expert on timber frame restoration, Ishmael, offered insight into the work that might be required to rejuvenate the building’s worn, but lovely, wide floor planks. An architect will offer his services down the line, helping to make decisions regarding the best placement of exhibits of AT artifacts, many of which are already in the possession of the ATMS, much of these stored by members, Terry and Kent Wilson. Also in storage is the Earl Shaffer shelter that the SATC helped dismantle an artifact that is sure to be a key feature of the museum when it opens. This was certainly an excellent start!

Outside, weeds were cleared from the base of the building’s foundation and climbing vines were removed from the tall stone walls. Windows, doors and balconies were scrubbed squeaky clean. President of the ATMS, Larry Luxenberg, was almost giddy with joy to see the results of the clearing and cleaning of the building. The volunteers had removed all remnants of the past by 11 AM! All that was left to do now was sweep away all the dust and cobwebs, a task left to a handful of workers. By 4PM the building literally shone!

As work wound down at the Old Mill, volunteers made their way over to the nearby Ironmasters Hostel, to do some cleaning up and sprucing of the grounds under the direction of our very affable host, Ray Burt. By late afternoon, all the workers were at the Hostel, sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, weeding, hauling trash, and tidying up there, as well. Our crew was comprised of all types and ages, men and women, and even a few canines! Having a few current AT hikers as part of the team was a particular treat. Castle and Snags (and his lovely boxer), who’d interrupted their hikes to attend the Gathering, opted to join us after the Gathering instead of heading straight back onto the Trail. A third thruhiker, Rocketman, just happened to arrive in Pine Grove Furnace and was delighted to lend a hand! The Museum lies right on the Appalachian Trail, so many more thruhikers will grace the doors of the Museum in years to come, but these three can boast of being the very first to visit while actually thruhiking.

Red Wolf, his sister Marsha Damato, 1Pint, and others were busily preparing a scrumptious supper for everyone. The smells of lasagna and garlic bread baking in the kitchen were enticing. As twilight approached, I went back to the Old Mill building to snap some final photos of the tidy, newly-pristine building. A local resident stopped by to see what all the commotion had been earlier in the day. I learned that her name was Suzanne and that she hopefully will be part of the docent team that sees to the daily operation of the museum once it opens in 2010. We wandered through the Old Mill, making sure the lights were out and all the windows and doors securely latched. We paused to admire some of the artifacts still stored in the basement and chatted about the future of the AT Museum. It was truly humbling

to meet a member of the local community who would be part of the volunteer base making the Museum possible, while, back at the Hostel, the crew who’d worked earlier that day - folks from all parts of the country (representing 19 states) - was winding down for the evening. The Appalachian Trail Museum will truly be the result of efforts of a trail community that spans the USA, from individuals, to conservation and historical groups, to AT clubs such as the SATC.

We closed and locked the door, said our goodbyes, and I headed back to the hostel, where dinner was already over. The sense of community was palpable and spirits were high as the talented Takoma Tedd brought out his guitar for an evening of musical entertainment. I glanced around the room at the many faces Ð some of these people were “regulars” to these ALDHA work trips, others brand new to a work trip and even to ALDHA, itself. I couldn’t help but wonder at what can be achieved by people with a vision and some hard work. No doubt about it: this group of volunteers will have played an important part of making a dream become a reality. All, I hope, will participate in future ALDHA events and all too, I hope, will continue to be an integral part of the Appalachian Trail Museum.

Photos by “Ready” and Wayne “Walking Eagle” Greenlaw

The Appalachian Trail Museum is scheduled to celebrate its Grand Opening on National Trails Day, June 5, 2010. Visit the ATMS website (www.atmuseum.org) for news of events and to learn how you can get involved and offer your support!

BMECC looking for caretaker for RT 501 Shelter

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:16:00 -0500

WANTED: BMECC Corridor Management Committee seeking caretaker of Route 501 shelter near Pine Grove PA. Must have long distance A.T. hiking experience and knowledge of general maintenance and trail work. Good communication skills and ability to maintain good public relations with local hiking club, thru hikers, day hikers, local community, and law enforcement officials. Duties include maintaining caretaker house, hiker shelter, cutting grass, picking up trash, monitoring the area, etc. Contact Larry Kramer - email at kramer@ihs2000.com or send resume to 101 South College St Myerstown PA 17067; Cell phone - 717-269-4367

FINAL RESULTS OF THE THREE CLUB CHALLENGE

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:19:00 -0500

Final Results of the Three Club Challenge

The competition was (1) Most money raised per member, and (2) Highest percentage of members who contributed. SATC sent letters to 360 of its members, MCM 446 and CVATC 149.

Here are the final results.

CLUB	PERCENTAGE OF MEMBERS CONTRIBUTING	MONEY PER MEMBER
SATC	77/360 = .2139	$6,058/360 = $16.83
MCM	75/446 = .1682	$3,167/446 = $7.10
CVATC	47/149 =.3154	$4,380/149 =$29.40

An additional 18 people made contributions totalling $2835 and did not designate one of the Clubs for credit. That makes a grand total of $16,440 raised so far.
Thanks and Congratulations to each CVATC member who contributed!!
However, the real winners are the Appalachian Trail and the White Rocks project.

South Mountain Partnership

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:45:00 -0500

CVATC is pleased to work with the South Mountain Partnership. SMP is a unified group of private citizens, business, not for profit organizations and governmental officials working to protect, preserve and enhance the South Mountain Landscape.

Follow this link for more information and periodic updates on the work of the Partnership.

Update on Appalachian Trail Museum

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:33:00 -0500

The Appalachian Trail Museum has found a home: a 200-year-old grist mill at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Southern Pennsylvania. The grand opening for the museum is expected to be on National Trails Day, June 5, 2010. Current plans are to mark the opening with a ceremony, hikes in the area and other events.

Over the next year the inside of the building will be renovated and displays installed. The building is owned by the park and in the past served as a visitors' center but has been lightly used for years.

Restoration work will be done largely by volunteers under the leadership of Jim Stauch and Al Black of PATC's North Chapter "Yankee Clippers" crew. Hikers and trail maintainers from other clubs already have volunteered to help and additional volunteers are welcome. Work is expected to begin this fall and be completed over the winter.

Exhibits initially will be on one floor of the building until additional renovations are completed. The opening exhibits are expected to feature the Earl Shaffer Shelter, artifacts from other early hikers and an exhibit by Cesar Becerra. Also planned is a children's discovery area to introduce children to the A.T. and outdoor activities and give them the opportunity to play with and learn about camping equipment. The museum plans to include inside and outside areas to welcome hikers and give visitors a chance to hear trail stories directly from hikers. The museum is looking for Ideas on how to make the hiker area interesting and useful. The museum also will have computers displaying the more than 12,000 mid-point thru-hiker photos taken in Harpers Ferry since 1979.

At first, the museum will operate on weekends in the spring and fall and five afternoons per week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This schedule matches park visitation. Also, the building currently has only a portable space heater. The museum society is looking for volunteers to staff the building and others to do programs such as talks, nature walks and demonstrations of outdoor skills with an emphasis on programming for children. The museum society is continuing to collect artifacts. For more information, visit the Museum’s website at www.atmuseum.org. If you have questions about the museum project, or would like to volunteer, email the Museum at info@atmuseum.org

Construction in Duncannon Area at Clarks Ferry Bridge

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:05:00 -0500

A. T. HIKERS

BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

The Appalachian Trail crosses the Susquehanna River just north of Duncannon on the Clarks Ferry Bridge. Starting approximately September 8, 2009, construction will begin to upgrade the concrete barrier dividing the pedestrian walkway on this bridge from vehicular traffic. It is anticipated that this construction will last through December 2009. Starting approximately September 8, 2009, construction will begin to upgrade the concrete barrier dividing the pedestrian walkway on this bridge from vehicular traffic. It is anticipated that this construction will last through December 2009. While there will be nightly and long term lane closures for vehicular traffic, the pedestrian walkway carrying the A.T. will remain open for the duration of the project.

PLEASE USE CAUTION WHILE CROSSING DURING CONSTRUCTION HOURS!

If you have any questions, please contact ATC’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Office at 717-258-5771.

Patriot-News Story on Scott Farm AT Center

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:06:00 -0500

The Patriot-News recently ran a story on the Scott Farm AT Work Center, featuring quotes from CVATC members Craig Dunn and Karen Lutz. Click here to read the story.

U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Funding for White Rocks Purchase

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:02:00 -0500

Sens. Arlen Specter and Bob Casey have just announced that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved federal funding for the purchase of the tracts on top of South Mountain. Click here for a link to a Patriot News article. This is excellent news, but it's nowhere near the end of the process. Among other steps, the full Senate will have to approve the funding, the House and President will need to approve it, and the state will need to approve its share. We will also need to complete negotiations with the property owners.

For more information on the South Mountain Project click here.

HELP BATTLE INVASIVES IN THE CUMBERLAND VALLEY!!

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:16:00 -0500

We have particular problems with invasive species due to the suburban nature of our trail section. In recent years we have battled invasives such as Multiflora Rose and Mile a Minute Weed.

Now we have a new enemy - Swallowwort!! There are several huge outbreaks along the trail and within the AT corridor. This invasive develops seed pods (like milkweed) which become airborne. It also spreads through an aggresive root system. Currently, the only effective way to "control" the spread of this plant is to pull the tops off the plant before seed pods develop.

Please help us to control this pest. Contact Gini Maus at virginiamaus@msn.com or CVATC at cvatclub@gmail.com to schedule a time to help out.

KTA Update

Wed, 06 May 2009 15:05:00 -0500

KTA EVENT UPDATE – MAY 2009

KTA HOSTS SUSQUEHANNA SUPER HIKE - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Hikers and trail runners will have a chance to test their endurance at the 25-mile Susquehanna Super Hike to be held on Saturday, September 12 in York and Lancaster Counties. Event participants will begin at the York Hiking Club clubhouse near the Otter Creek Campground and end at the Pequea Creek Campground. The 25-mile course follows the Mason-Dixon Trail and Conestoga Trail along both sides of the Susquehanna River. Participants can register online at www.active.com or visit www.kta-hike.org for more information.

Many volunteers are needed on the day of the event. Volunteers are needed for check-in and registration, for the checkpoints, for parking and traffic control, for course sweeps and to assist participants in potentially confusing or hazardous locations. Please contact Becky at ktaadmin@verizon.net or 717.238.7017 to sign-up to volunteer.

Two training hikes are scheduled for later this spring. The first training hike will be held Sunday, May 17 on the Mason Dixon Trail, and the second training hike is scheduled on Sunday, June 14 on the Conestoga trail. For more information, contact Paul Shaw at pshaw@ptd.net or visit www.kta-hike.org.

JOIN KTA FOR PROWL THE SPROUL

KTA will host the Prowl the Sproul Hiking Weekend on July 17-19, 2009 in western Clinton County. Join KTA for a guided hiking experience in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

The Sproul State Forest of Clinton County contains some of the most rugged and remote forestland in Pennsylvania. KTA, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will lead hikers off the beaten path to see the hidden jewels of the Sproul on trails that are only accessible when hiking with a DCNR guide. Experience the beautiful vistas and rugged terrain in the heart of the Sproul State Forest.

Guided hikes are scheduled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Additional opportunities include a kayak trip with Rock River & Trail Outfitters and the Prowl the Sproul 10K.

Meals and camping will be available at the Western Clinton Sportsmen’s Association. All hikers and trail enthusiasts are invited to attend. Download the registration form online at www.kta-hike.org or email info@kta-hike.org for more information.

CVATC Participates in United Way Day of Caring

Fri, 01 May 2009 18:59:00 -0500

CVATC was pleased to participate in the Day of Caring conducted on May 1, 2009 by the United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County. Volunteers from the community worked to shore up a low lying section of the AT footpath that becomes muddy in wet weather. They dug trenches, built up the path and hauled shale that was placed on the footpath. CVATC is deeply grateful for the work of these volunteers. For a slideshow of the Day of Caring project, follow this link.

Gypsy Moth Spraying

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:48:00 -0500

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL

NOTICE

to all Appalachian Trail Hikers:

The National Park Service Appalachian National Scenic Trail, in cooperation with the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR), will be conducting a Gypsy Moth Suppression Project over sections of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania in Cumberland, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, and Schuylkill Counties. Treatment will involve aerial application of Bacillus thuringensis (Bt) or Gypcheck via aircraft. Neither of these biological controls poses a threat to humans or pets. The application will take place May 4 through May 31, 2009. For more information, contact the Appalachian Trail Park Office at 304-535-4009 or atCasey_Reese@nps.gov.

POSTPONED - Paint the Crew Bunkhouse at the Scott Farm

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:57:00 -0500

See "Trail Work" for more information.

CVATC Club Patch Available

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:59:00 -0600

CVATC logo. (NOT the multi-color version on the patch)

A multi-colored club patch with the CVATC logo is
available in return for a membership or donation of $25 or
more. The patch is suitable for display on a backpack,
jacket, vest, and so on. Click here to download the membership form to join CVATC. Please indicate on the form that you would like to receive the patch.

PA 944 Underpass Construction Done!

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 10:37:00 -0600

A major construction project to improve the safety of the AT crossing at Pennsylvania RT 944 (Wertzville Rd) is FINISHED! The new underpass was dedicated on Dec. 6, 2008.

CVATC is now on Facebook!!!

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:19:00 -0500

CVATC is now listed as a Cause on Facebook. Follow this link to see our page: http://apps.new.facebook.com/causes/112819 The link will only work if you are a member of Facebook, but it is easy to join. If you are a member, please consider adding CVATC as a Cause on your Facebook page. We can also receive donations to CVATC through Facebook.

CVATC Member Thru-Hikes the A.T.

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:41:00 -0600

Jim Foster, CVATC's First Vice President, "thru-hiked" the entire 2,175 mile Appalachian Trail in 2007. Click here to read "Early Bird's" story and to view the Journal of his hike!

Dickinson College Students Make A.T. Video

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:32:00 -0500

In the fall of 2006, the policy-management studies senior seminar from nearby Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was tasked with creating a public relations DVD for a nonprofit organization in central Pennsylvania.

A group of three students selected the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. ATC mid-Atlantic regional office staffers Karen Lutz and John Luthy worked with the students throughout the project, providing talking points and messages to be conveyed, and reviewing the content for accuracy and clarity. The students also interviewed area A.T. volunteers and got some visuals and marketing guidance from ATC headquarters in Harpers Ferry. While the narrated DVD uses examples from the mid-Atlantic area, the messages are presented with a Trail-wide scope. The vision of the Trail, its history, partnerships, threats, and current ATC programs are covered quite thoroughly in 8:38 minutes. By publishing the production on the Internet, it is available to audiences anytime, anywhere.

You can view the video here on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xp1g1woeO8