Late this afternoon, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance received the following video dispatch from Lin Peterson at Great Outdoor Provision Co. Lin was in the middle of climbing in the Tetons, and took time out to enjoy some of the Trail Mix Crunch that samples that Grassroots retailers passed out this summer.
Thanks Lin for taking time out during that great climb to check in with us back home.
To see Lin’s video, click here
In June, Grassroots Retailers worked with Post Cereal to promote Trail Mix Crunch to benefit the environment. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance and Post Cereal partnered to benefit American Forests’ Global ReLeaf Program. In a joint effort, Post Cereals donated $50,000 to American Forests-enough to plant 50,000 trees in 2008. The partnership brings together the effort of 34 independent retailers across 22 states to lend support to the program.
The effort is highlighted in Grassroots’ member stores across the country in conjunction with the launch of Post’s new Cranberry Vanilla cereal. Customers will receive samples of the new cereal and learn more about getting involved with the American Forests restoration program in each location. American Forests is a world leader in planting trees for environmental restoration, a pioneer in the science and practice of urban forestry, and a primary communicator of the benefits of trees and forests. The joint effort is kicking off this weekend with National Trails Day and Land Trust events at Grassroots’ retailers throughout the U.S.
Grassroots President, Dave Matz says of the partnership, “We were approached by Post to help them develop a conservation program in all of our member locations, and we are excited for the opportunity.” About the restoration initiative, Matz says, “We are committed to supporting conservation efforts, and helping companies do their part for the environment. Post has pledged to donate $50,000 to plant trees via Global ReLeaf, and we are happy to be the leaders helping them coordinate this outreach.”
For more information on the Global ReLeaf Program and to support local Grassroots’ members, please visit, www.americanforests.org
Beautiful images of the natural wonders of North Carolina have inspired generations of people to be better stewards of our precious natural resources. The Wildlife in North Carolina Photo Competition aims to encourage people to participate in nature photography, thereby fostering greater appreciation of North Carolina’s wildlife and wild places.
All winners will be published in the January 2009 issue of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine and exhibited at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. Winners will also receive a print of their winning entry and products from sponsor Great Outdoor Provision Co.
Grand prize: Your photo published on the cover of the January 2009 issue of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine, plus $200
First place, all categories: $100
Second place, all categories: $75
Third place, all categories: $50
Special state parks prize: One photo taken in North Carolina state parks, regardless of category, will be selected as Best of State Parks. The winner will receive camping passes at their choice of North Carolina state parks and other noncash prizes to be determined. Finalists in consideration for this honor will be exhibited at various parks across the state.
» Enter Online by Sept 15
Below is a list of upcoming workdays on the MST. We have lots of opportunities for volunteers at multiple sites, so please join us for one or more workdays!
July 12, 2008 - Blue Ridge Parkway, NC-16 to US-421 - Meet at THE LUMP Overlook, MP 264.5. We will be doing general trail clearing and grading in some pretty easy terrain. Contact: Jim Hallsey (336) 877-8831
July 10-13, 2008 - Blue Ridge Parkway, US-421 to US-321 - Help the Chargers and Re-Chargers as they build the MST towards Blowing Rock. See the MST homepage for all of the details.
July 19, 2008 - Falls Lake Task Force, Durham County - Build trail with the Falls Lake Task Force as we continue west towards Durham.
July 19, 2008 - Central Blue Ridge Task Force, Morganton area - See the MST homepage for all of the details.
July 25-27, 2008 “MST BIG DIG” - Blue Ridge Parkway, near BRP overlook MP 264.5 - The goal is very simple — dig as much quality trail as we can for the MST along the BRP. Your help is needed and we always have a great time. We supply all of the tools and training for this event. Camp with us at Doughton Park campground (RSVP to get a campsite).
MST Thru-hiker News:
Scott “TABA” Ward is now past Stone Mt. State Park and I-77 heading east towards Pilot Mt. Check his journal out at www.trailjournals.com
As you may know, the North Carolina State Trails Program is launching a research project designed to collect information from both resident and non-resident paddlers who enjoy the lakes, rivers and coastal areas of our state. We will use the results from this project to promote paddling, enhance paddling experiences, and increase awareness of paddle tourism throughout North Carolina.
The survey will take approximately ten minutes of your time - you can begin by clicking on this link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ogSiusYwE3APwc_2fq6Pn3MA_3d_3d
Each respondent will be entered into a drawing for a $200 gift card to the Great Outdoor Provision Co.!
The results of this survey will be posted on the NC Parks website in the fall of 2008 at www.ncparks.gov under Items of Interest.
If you should have questions about the study, our Project Manager, Jennifer Beedle, will be happy to answer them. She can be reached at Jennifer.Beedle@ncmail.net or by phone at 919-715-9613.
Please share this information with fellow paddlers both inside and outside North Carolina; we would like to hear from as many people as possible.
Thank you very much for your participation,
Darrell McBane, State Trails Program Coordinator
