Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Newsletter 1http://kennesawmountrailclub.org
InsIde ThIs Issue
Volume 2, Issue 4 July, 2008
EARTHWORKS
Note of Thanks - National Trails Day, 2008Willie Johnson, Historian, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park The administration and staff at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park would like to offer its sincere thanks to all who took part in the planning and direction of National Trails Day 2008 on June 7. Acting Superintendent Riana Ventura Bishop was particularly impressed with the spirit of community service displayed by the numerous volunteers who took part in the various work activities carried out that day. The Battlefield benefitted that day and continues to benefit from the tremendous amount of help we receive from our trail volunteers.
National Trails Day, June 7, 2008 - A RetrospectiveFred Feltmann, Chairman, National Trails Day, Kennesaw Mountain Trail ClubThis was by far the largest turnout that we have had in the four years that we have been celebrating National Trails Day here at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. We had over 220 volunteers and staff participate this year! Following is a synopsis of events that took place that Saturday:
One crew took on the task of removing a stump on the • edge of a new trail that had stymied completion of the section for several weeks.One crew cleaned out a drainage ditch and repaired a • section of trail that had begun to show signs of water erosion.One crew took on the task of clearing a Nature • Amphitheater that had deteriorated and had become potentially dangerous to Park visitors. Part of the Nature Trail was also cleared of overgrown brush.A section of trail that had been overrun with social trails • was rehabilitated and brush was placed along the old trail beds to preclude further use and allow the areas to return to a more natural environment.Two crews set out to pick up trash - one on the Trail • that goes around Kennesaw Mountain and one along the Trail that goes up Kennesaw Mountain.One crew installed water bars along the section of trail • that starts at Old Mountain Road and Burnt Hickory and proceeds towards Pigeon Hill. This section of Trail had been deteriorating since the visit made by Hurricane Dennis a couple of years ago.Two crews proceeded along the Trail near Noses Creek • to clear brush from along the Trail.One Boy Scout Troop participated in a Leave-No-Trace • class that was conducted by REI volunteers.Approximately 100 volunteers enjoyed the Living • History Demonstration presented at the Park that Saturday, after they had completed their Trail work.All enjoyed lunch provided by REI and were refreshed by • water provided by REI and the Kroger Corporation.
Continued on Page 2
1 Note of Thanks - National Trails Day, 20081 National Trails Day, June 7, 2008 - A Retrospective2 Staff Reports - National Trails Day2 Help Wanted - Certified Trail Crew Leaders3 Calendar of Events3 National Trails Day - 2009!3 Pitner Road Dog Park opens 4 Annual Meeting and 4 Election of Officers5 Volunteer T-Shirts Available!6 National Trails Day - June 7, 20087 Kennesaw - 7 Thoughts in Passing8 Cobb County EXCEL Class Project Completes A Service
Project at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
8 Contact List - updated 11/07esaw Mountain 9 Become part of the PEAK program!10 Sponsors/Partners Corner10 August Newsletter Deadline
Newsletter 2http://kennesawmountrailclub.org
“Earthworks” is published monthly by the Kennesaw Mountain Trails Corps. Editor: Fred Feltmann 770-516-9120 E-mail: [email protected] Volunteers needed! Call today!FAX: 770-516-9120 (Call first, so I can turn it on!)
I personally wish to thank all of the volunteers who worked to make this a successful event and also all those volunteers who came out on Saturday to help us celebrate National Trails Day.
I’m looking forward to all of your help and support on June 6, 2009!
National Trails Day.... - Continued from Page 1
Staff Reports - National Trails DayNational Trails Day - Trail Maintenance
The “Stump Team” was made up of 6 ambitious volunteers and one crew leader. Their mission was to remove the one stump that protruded 4 inches above the trail surface and had defied removal on two previous work Saturdays. They brought an array of tools and used everyone in the process. This particular stump defied simply being dug out. We dug down over two feet all around its 9 inch diameter and found no root system in sight. After speculating how easy it would go if we had a stump grinder or a chain saw, we proceeded to work it down to size using a Pulaski. Taking turns and wondering if this stump was related to something in the petrified forest, we slowly chipped it downward. After almost two hours we had chipped it to 8 inches below the trail and started filling and tamping to fill the hole and build the trail up to level with a gentle
Help Wanted - Certified Trail Crew LeadersRichard AngeliWith the large increase we have seen in the number of volunteers coming out for our trail workdays, the Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club has an urgent need for additional trained and certified crew leaders. We have an opportunity for Mike Ritter of Trail Design Specialists to conduct the 4-day Crew Leader Certification Course at Kennesaw Mountain this August. The tentative dates are August 25 to 29, 2008.
What you will learn:The course combines classroom instruction with hands-on practical experience in the field. Each day deals with one topic. Day 1 is Trail Design and layout. You will learn the practices in laying out a sustainable trail minimizing maintenance and optimizing the layout for expected uses. You will also learn to use the tools for estimating grade and slope. Day 2 covers construction, including tools, materials, benching, cribbing, grade dips, building switch backs, and climbing turns. The 3rd day covers maintenance in all of its aspects. Day 4 is devoted to leading your crew. You learn how to plan the work, how to organize teams, how to show appreciation for your volunteers, and especially how to get them to come back for more.
The cost of the course is $300 per student. The cost can be deducted as Volunteer Expenses related to KEMOTrail Corps, Inc. on your income taxes. Class materials, coffee breaks, and lunch will be provided each day. If the cost of the tuition is your only draw back to enrolling, talk to Richard Angeli or Jerry Givan. The club may be able to provide some assistance. Contact Richard Angeli or Jerry Givan for more information or to sign up!!! (Contact information is listed on Page 9.)
slope off the edge. Besides all working hard and swapping many stories of experiences in Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, we will all remember this one small part of the trail that we made better and will always appreciate the amount of work it takes to maintain a trail.
Scott Mackay, Crew LeaderKennesaw Mountain Trail Club
Picture of Stump Crew at work, courtesy of
Natalie Molnar
Newsletter 3http://kennesawmountrailclub.org
Calendar of events2nd saturday Workday July 12, 2008Park Service area
Time: 8:30 am – 1:30 PmContinue construction of the new mountain trail and other projects depending on the number of volunteers available.
2nd saturday Workday august 9, 2008Park Service area
Time: 8:30 am – 1:30 PmContinue construction of the new mountain trail and other projects depending on the number of volunteers available.
4-day CreW leader CertifiCation Course at kennesaW Mountain, august 25 - 29, 2008
Location tBDContact Richard Angeli, [email protected], for more information.
2nd saturday Workday septeMber 11, 2007Park Service area
time: 8:30 am – 1:30 PmContinue construction of the new mountain trail and other projects depending on the number of volunteers available.
annual Meeting and eleCtion of offiCers
SePtemBer 23, 2007 7:00 Pm rei kenneSaw Store in the community room
See article on page 4 for details.
The following Article is copied verbatim from the July issue of the Cobb County news letter “Cobbline” that comes monthly to Cobb County Residents along with their water bill. It’s important because it offers a new alternative for park visitors who need an acceptable place to exercise their pets Off-Leash.
Pitner Road Dog Park opens A new family-friendly facility in Cobb opened recently. Pitner Road Dog Park, located at 2450 Pitner Road in Acworth, is a seven-acre development with two adjoining, but separately- fenced, play areas for off-leash dogs.
There is about two acres of space for larger and one acre of space for smaller dogs. The dog lots have both open-space and shady, wooded areas with bench seating for dog owners. Each has dog water fountains and “poop-mit” stations providing bags for owners to pick up after their pets.
A combination picnic shelter and restroom building sits on a rise and overlooks the playground and dog lots. A multi-function playground for children ages 2 to 12 can be easily seen from the seating areas of both locations. For more information, visit http://prca.cobbcountyga.gov. National Trails Day - 2009!
Fred FeltmannWe had a successful National Trails Day this year! And there’s no time like now to begin planning for 2009. The 2009 event is scheduled for June 6, 2009. To get the sponsors signed on, we need to begin planning now, so that we can have a general idea of what will be needed. We also need to establish our various committees as well. So if you enjoyed this year’s event and would like to get more involved, give me a call or write. Workload shouldn’t be too hard - probably no more than 1 meeting a month through April next year and then possibly two - three meetings in May. Our activities will include identifying/contacting potential sponsors, working out logistics and planning the activities for the day. Our first meeting will be in mid to late August and should last about an hour. My phone # is 770-516-9120 and my e-mail address is [email protected].
Newsletter 4http://kennesawmountrailclub.org
Annual Meeting and Election of OfficersSeptember 23, 2007 7:00 PM
REI Kennesaw Store in the Community RoomThe annual business meeting and election of officers of the Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club (KEMOTrail Corps, Inc.) will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 starting at 7:00 PM at REI Kennesaw Store in the Community Room. Door Prizes will be available.
All Active members, Associate members, of the Club and any interested parties are invited to attend. Each Active member is entitled to one vote for a candidate for each position on the Board of Directors and one vote for each issue presented for approval. Associate members are not eligible to vote.
Note: We expect ballot proposals concerning membership requirements and volunteer recognition to be included in the agenda for this meeting. Draft proposals, and proposed changes to KEMOTrail Corps, Inc. Bylaws and Standard Practices will be published in the August Newsletter.
An Active member is any member over the age of 18 who has participated in a minimum of two trail workdays or other planned activities in the current calendar year or in the preceding 12 calendar months if this is their first year of participation. An associate member is any member of any age who has participated in at least one Club activity in the current year.
Nominations are now open for the following positions. The nominating committee (i.e., the present board of directors) will review the nominations, and prepare the ballot for presentation and voting at the general meeting. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor during the meeting.
For a nomination from the floor to be approved, the person being nominated should be present at the meeting, or the person making the nomination must have a letter of acceptance signed by the person being nominated and dated within 15 days of the general meeting. The positions of President, Secretary / Historian, Treasurer, and Trails Supervisor constitute the officers of the corporation. As defined in the current by-laws of the corporation approved September 10, 2006, the officers also serve as members of the board of directors. Per the current by-laws Article V1 Section 3, tenure requirements for officers are waived for 5 years from the approval date of the by-laws which is September 2011. This is to give the Club an opportunity to grow and develop a sustainable organization.
Nominations may be made through our web site http://
www.kennesawmountaintrailclub.org/id3.html or by postal mail to:
KEMOTrail Corps, Inc.905 Kennesaw Mountain Dr.,Kennesaw GA, 30152.
You may nominate yourself (i.e. volunteer) for a position that you are willing to fulfill. The responsibilities of each elected position are described below:
President – Richard C. Angeli, incumbent Presides at all meetings of the Club and of the Board of Directors
Carries out the orders of the Board of Directors
Enforces the By-laws, Standard Practices, and Rules of the Board of Directors
Is an Ex-officio member of all standing committees
Provides general supervision over the affairs of the club
May have additional powers conferred by the Board of Directors
Has all powers that ordinarily accompany the office of President
Secretary/Historian – Linda Pinch, incumbent Is Secretary of the Corporation
Keeps a record of all meetings of the Board of Directors
Maintains current records of the club
Maintains and updates the club archives
Prepares an Annual Summary of Club Activities for the Archives
Treasurer – Thomas Okerberg, incumbent Maintains custody of any monies belonging to the Club
Newsletter 5http://kennesawmountrailclub.org
Makes disbursement of funds as directed by the Board of Directors
Provides annual accounting for income and disbursements
Maintains the corporate and tax records of the Corporation
Trails Supervisor – Jerry Givan, incumbent Serves as Chair of the Trail Maintenance Committee
Is responsible for all matters pertaining to maintenance of the trail corridor and its supporting structures.
Finance Director – Jay Haney, incumbent Collaborates with Kennesaw Mountain Park management to develop the budget
Manages the allocation of funds designated for specific projects
Responsible for all fund raising by the club
Coordinates all Grant applications and in kind donations to the Club
Communications Director – Sue Crane, incumbent Responsible for all internal and external communications of the Club
Chairs the Communications Committee
Sub-committees may include
Webmaster
Publicity (Media Relations)
Publishing
Newsletter
Outreach Director – Leah Urben, incumbent Responsible for Trail Ambassador Program
Community Relations including other groups and
organizations
Coordinates Environmental Education (i.e. Leave No Trace program implementation)
Youth Programs such as Boy and Girl Scout Service Projects
Works with other Church and youth oriented organizations
Membership Director – Linda Pinch, Incumbent
Recruits new members to the Club
Manages retention of members
Keeps the membership roster
Welcomes and Assists prospective members
Coordinates tracking of volunteer participation and recognition with the Finance director.
Volunteer T-Shirts Available!We have received a new supply of the yellow trail crew tee shirts in sizes L and XL. They are available on workdays for $10.00 each.
They can also be ordered at our on-line store, http://cafepress.com/kennesaw_trails. Retail cost is $14.99 plus shipping.
You may reserve a shirt for pick-up at the workday by sending an e-mail to Richard Angeli - e-mail address, below.
Wearing the tee shirt is strictly your option. However, it does greatly enhance the trail club’s visibility to park visitors and encourages them to volunteer to help.
Richard C. AngeliPresident
Kennesaw Mountain Trail [email protected]
(770) 356-4265
Newsletter 6http://kennesawmountrailclub.org
National Trails Day - June 7, 2008
Newsletter 7http://kennesawmountrailclub.org
Kennesaw - Thoughts in Passing
Fred Feltmann12/1/96
A father and son hiking up its trail, to its summit, enjoying the time they have together on a quiet Sunday afternoon.
A couple intent on a romantic interlude, discovering the views of the city, and exploring nature’s beauty. And discovering the little things about each other’s being.
The hikers - preparing for future treks on longer and steeper trails.
The athletes - gathering endurance by traversing its pathways.
I’ve hiked this trail hundreds of times now. I’ve looked on the city and Stone Mountain further to the east. Kennesaw and Stone Mountain - silent sentinels, watching over the past and the future of this land. Bearing witness to man’s passing.
The Creek and the Cherokee - they hunted here, among its creeks and hollows, and paused to gaze upon the horizon.
The North and the South - They fought over this land, and 5000 gave their lives for this hallowed ground.
An Eagle Scout, on his quest, did his best to help others on the backside of little Kennesaw - preserving trails that others might enjoy the beauty and serenity that is Kennesaw.
A group of Union Soldiers, long ago, they thought it important, and bought this land, to preserve its memories, that all might share.
It’s peaceful now, the wind gently whispering through the last remaining leaves of fall.
I’ve been here a hundred times before. In winter and in spring. In summer and fall.On the anniversary of the almost seven score years before, when, during a hot summer’s day, when cannon ball and musket balls flew.
I’ve seen the flowers of spring and summer and how Kennesaw changes its cloak from week to week.
I’ve listened to the plaintiff whistle and dull rumble of the slow moving freight at its feet. And the sounds of birds and squirrels among its bows. And of the sounds of children gleefully running ups its sides, leading weary parents who will later graciously carry them back down.
I’ve hiked these trails alone, and with my sons and my daughter - a peaceful time to share a thought or two with them.I’ve hiked here with my lifelong companion struggling sometimes, as we do in life, and sharing in moments of accomplishment and awe of the vistas extending before us.
I’ve hiked alone, and with others, but always with my God at my side, showing me the wonders of his ways.
A crew of Boy Scouts, preparing for Philmont, with full backpacks and assorted gear, slowly toil up the back of Little Kennesaw and Kennesaw to gather strength and camaraderie.
A pair of hikers preparing for a trek over Mount Rainier, ply its trails.
Another hiker, in his quest to prepare for the Appalachian Trail pass this way.
All on hallowed ground, created by God that they witness His love for us.
Its vistas, flora and fauna are many. One moment, in deep woods, the next on a barren moonscape of granite, eerily smooth, yet weathered. And another moment, on a point. A mere pine tree among an outcropping of rock, overlooking rolling hills and forest, as far as the eye can see. And in another, a boulder field, where children play, and adults climb on to rest and watch over them.
A child and its dad, hand in hand enjoying a Sunday walk, along the trail of life.
A couple, in the autumn of their lives, walk its trails to enjoy the company of each other, and of nature while they can, watching and enjoying the sight of others much younger experiencing the wonder of it all.
Continued on Page 8
Newsletter 8http://kennesawmountrailclub.org
Many have left their mark on this land. Opal and her harsh winds. Many a tornado, bursting on its brow. Thunderstorms and cannon fire have disturbed its peacefulness.
And yet she stands here, silently; wondrously; letting even the smallest child, and the littlest squirrel, enjoy the interlude of a Sunday afternoon; among the wonders of God.
Kennesaw - Thoughts in Passing - Continued from Page 7
Contact List - updated 11/07Position name e-mailPresident Richard Angeli [email protected] Linda Pinch [email protected] Director Jay Haney [email protected] Supervisor Jerry Givan [email protected] Director Linda Pinch [email protected] Director Leah Urben [email protected] Service Projects Ed Holsworth [email protected] Linda Pinch [email protected] Director Sue Crane [email protected] Fred Feltmann [email protected] http://kennesawmountrailclub.org/
Cobb County EXCEL Class Project Completes A Service Project at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Catherine Brown
The members of the Cobb County EXCEL class of 2008-2009 selected the Cheatham Hill section of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park for its community service project. EXCEL is a class for Cobb County managers to develop EXecutive, Competence, Excellence and Leadership - it is offered by the Carl Vinson Institute of the University of Georgia to approximately 20 managers/key managerial staff employed by Cobb County. The program is comprised of 3 courses and takes a year to complete. The main focus of Course II was to design and execute a community project with a lasting impact.
Our class chose the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. With the support of Park management and donations of supplies from Home Depot and others, we designed,
built and installed 4 benches (2 at the trail near the Illinois Monument and 2 at the trail on Cheatham Hill) and 29 posts. What is interesting is that on the back of each post is a number in black. If someone is injured or needs assistance, you can call 911 and tell them the location of the nearest marker and they will know exactly where you are. Cobb Emergency Services (Police, Fire, EMS) have this information in their systems; this will speed up response time because emergency personnel will know which entrance to use or even whether to access the trail from a nearby subdivision.
Markers are placed every half-mile. The colors of red, blue, and yellow signify 3 trails which in many cases run concurrently. The mileage on the markers will help walkers, joggers, runners, and equestrians know how far they have traveled and will help them stay on the trail they have chosen. We hope that eventually the Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club will be able to continue this project to the Visitors Center.
The colors were chosen based on their visibility and for ease of use. The red trail starts at the Cheatham Hill pedestrian parking lot and loops back around. The blue trail starts at the Illinois Monument parking lot and the mileage on the yellow trail is from the Visitors Center. The marker posts run from the Illinois Monument parking lot to the Cheatham Hill parking lot and loop. We did not have enough time to install posts all the way to the Visitors Center.
Newsletter 9http://kennesawmountrailclub.org
Kennesaw Mountain
Are you a retired educator who:
...still enjoys educating young people;
...is interested in volunteering close to home;
...always wanted to teach in a non-traditional setting?
Become part of the PEAK program!
The PEAK (Professional Educators And Knowers) program is a volunteer program that utilizes the knowledge, skills, and experiences of local retired educators. Former teachers are provided opportunities to work alongside rangers, giving on-site and off-site curriculum-based education programs to students from local school systems. PEAK volunteers should be comfortable working with elementary-age students and speaking in public, as well as having a flexible schedule.
PEAK is part of the Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) initiative of the National Park Service.Park volunteers are incredibly vital to park sites, providing much needed assistance to staff and performing many necessary tasks. Becoming part of the PEAK program is mutually beneficial to you, the local educational community, and to the staff at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park!
To become a PEAK volunteer, all you need to do is complete an application and submit a brief resumé. All PEAK volunteers must pass a background check and attend required orientation session(s). Volunteers will be provided with a small stipend and be reimbursed any uniform expenses. Applications can be found online at our website: www.nps.gov/kemo or at the Park Visitor Center. Once completed, please return your application package by fax, mail or in person. For more information on this program, please contact Benita Duling at 770-427-4686 x 248 or at [email protected].
Mail to: Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive Kennesaw, Georgia 30152
770-427-4686 770-528-8398 (fax)
National Park ServiceU.S. Department of the Interior
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICATM
Newsletter 10http://kennesawmountrailclub.org
Sponsors/Partners CornerMany thanks to our Sponsors and Partners for their
http://americanhiking.org
August Newsletter DeadlineIf you wish to have an article published in the August Newsletter, please submit it to Fred Feltmann at [email protected] no later than July 15th!
