[at-l] Trail volunteers

[lwbooher@halifax.com (Leslie Booher)]

The Audubon Society has complained for years that their members are all gray
haired.  Yes, I think it takes that long for many people to discover an
interest in birding or hiking, and, yes, it's the later years when most
people have the time to birdwatch or to hike or to do trail maintenance.
anklebear

----- Original Message -----
From: <Bluetrail@aol.com>
To: <at-l@backcountry.net>
Cc: <Cosmo.A.Catalano@williams.edu>
Sent: Friday, January 25, 2002 3:46 PM
Subject: [at-l] Trail volunteers


> Interesting to note that the FT has many of the same problems regarding
volunteers.  Most of our Central Florida FT Chapter work hikes are supported
by volunteers 50+.  On a recent work hike with another chapter I was the
youngster volunteer at age 54.  The guy running the mower the entire day
(it's Florida, you know) was 72.
>
> We have two regular work hikes volunteers in their 80's. The FT now has
some funds for paid work crews, who are generally in their 20's or early
30's.  Those paid crews are mostly being sent to more remote sections and
are doing some very good work.   Those long-time FT folks in their 70's and
80's are all concerned that there won't be any more need for their help and
the FT will lose the commraderie (wish I could spell) that grows from
sharing trail work.  It's great to be working on a young trail (FT started
in the mid 1960's) with people who have built it from the beginning.  They
bring a wealth of experience and some great stories of the early days.
>
> Our FT meetings are likewise primarily populated with folks 40-50 and
above. Do we have to wait till that age to have the time to start giving
back?
>
> Joan
> bluetrail@aol.com
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