Volunteer Spotlight: Don Bailey

recreational enjoyment and access to areas that users want to go to so that people are more inclined to stay on designated paths.

The process of building a trail is not unlike writing or another form of expression where clarity can only be uncovered after rigorous edits to an initial idea. The TRTA is grateful to have MTBs who are willing to put in the time to research the landscape, consider the needs of future trail users, walk proposed routes, and then and walk it again (and again, and again), dive into trail permitting efforts, and lead construction projects. Our MTBs are usually perfectionists who believe there is almost always room for improving a completed trail. Weather and usage can impact a new trail and further maintenance is almost always required. This relentless pursuit of excellence is why the TRT boasts beautiful, superbly designed trails that as one of our MTB so eloquently describes, dance in harmony with the landscape. Bill Hager Bob Anderson Bob McDowell Cheryl Surface Chris Strohm Chuck Kelly Clay Grubb Dave Allessio Dave Schnake Don Bailey Garrett Villanueva George Brown Jay Stuart John Daegling John McKenna Karl Knapp L.D. Bennett Mark Kimbrough Max Jones Mike Stone Phil Brisack Sam Viviano

Don Bailey is the TRTA’s newest Master Trail Builder, receiving the honor this Fall. Don was nominated to join the ranks of our 22 MTBs because of his trail building skill and leadership spearheading several major trail building and maintenance projects. Most notable is his contribution to the Echo Summit Reroute Project. Don shepherded the three-year project through the lengthy technical construction process to ensure a sustainable and unforgettable trail experience for users. Don is an amazing asset to the TRTA. He became a member in 2008 and has been volunteering with the Association since 2012. Before Don retired, he served 37 years in the United States Air Force as an engineer in a Materials Lab. His passion for the outdoors brought him and his wife Cheryl to a National Trails Day work event which was their first introduction to working with the TRTA. After this experience, he was hooked and started dedicating his free time to preserving and protecting the TRT. Don quickly became very active in the Trail Operations Program and served on the TRTA Board of Directors as the Vice President of Trail Operations. In addition to being a MTB, Don also volunteers as a Segment Coordinator which means he is responsible for surveying and coordinating work projects on the Big Meadow to Echo Lakes Segment. Don could not do all the fantastic work he does for the TRTA without his trail building partner and wife, Cheryl. Cheryl is not only a skilled Crew Leader, but she supports Don’s passion and doesn’t mind him spending a majority of his summer working on the trail. Don has received many volunteer awards with the TRTA. In previous years, he has been recognized with a Peak Award and Volunteer of the Year award. His meticulous attention to detail shines through to his work on the trail.

In Don’s words “a trail is never complete,” there is always more work to be done.

Clay Grubb, Master Trail Builder, and Jim McNamara on National Trails Day at Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Don Bailey