The natural choice for your health
I have a deep love for trails and our public lands. Hence why I became involved with the Poverty Creek Trails Coalition. At my core, I believe that a healthy, functioning environment is actually vital for human life and survival. I’ve been involved with several environmental non-profits in the past, but have struggled to directly align how I wanted to give back my time and energy. Then I got to know several folks involved with the PCTC. I was impressed with their get-it-done grassroots approach and the multitude of projects and upgrades they were making to our local trail system. Every time I went out for a run or bike ride, I noticed new improvements, like the Joe Pye reroute that moved the trail away from the creek, making it more sustainable, longer, and flowing along the contour lines of the mountain. I started to learn more about their work and was recently asked to help PCTC form its own non-profit 501c3 organization. We have been hard at work, creating the mission, messaging, marketing, and fundraising strategies for the future.
During the past year and a half, the importance of trails in our community was more prevalent than ever with the pandemic crisis and the world shutting down around us. The pandemic has brought an influx of outdoor recreationalists to our trails. I was no longer the only person in some of my favorite remote running spots. Many of us became extremely frustrated with the lack of trail etiquette, and I will never understand why people bag up their dog’s poop and leave it alongside the trail. Trail users need to have basic “Leave No Trace” knowledge – pack it in/pack it out, have a poop plan, stick to trails, understand trail etiquette/sharing, and know your limits.
When it comes to nature, there are many benefits for our health, relationships, livelihoods, and our collective society as a whole. If physical, mental, and emotional well-being can be improved by walking, hiking, biking, climbing, running rivers, skiing, and a host of other outdoor pursuits, then these activities should be considered integral to a common-sense cure for what ails people. The environmental nonprofit sector plays a critical role in facilitating partnerships with the private and public sectors to advance environmental initiatives. Our community is reaping the benefits through the work of the Poverty Creek Trails Coalition and its partners.
Trails have always provided a safe place for me to recharge my battery. They provide the space for me to slow down and just “be.” I am constantly inspired by nature and it is my retreat when I need space from the world or need to be reminded of what is most important in life. I am so grateful to live in this wonderful community with access to the Poverty Creek Trail system within 10 mins of my house and 5 minutes from the Virginia Tech campus.
I encourage you to think about the value our community trails bring into your life. PCTC is playing an important role in making our community a better place to live, encourages physical fitness and healthy lifestyles, and is creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation.
