Virginia Creeper Trail Club

Newsletter

Spring 2009 Vol. 12, No. 1

The Virginia Creeper Trail Club is a private, nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to maintain, promote and preserve the Virginia Creeper Trail corridor and to help develop and conduct public education programs regarding the scenic and natural qualities of the Virginia Creeper Trail.

VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL CLUB CELEBRATES 20^TH ANNIVERSARY

In the beginning…

The Abingdon Virginian, March 8, 1989, published the report excerpted below on the founding of the Virginia Creeper Trail Club:

“Since the public utilization of the Virginia Creeper Trail began several years ago, the public use of the right of way has dramatically increased. Many concerned citizens in the Abingdon and Damascus areas have worried that this public usage might have a bad effect on the interests of property owners along the trail, so they have formed the Virginia Creeper Trail Club in an effort to act as friends of the trail, both in the interests of the property owners who are next to the trail, and the towns of Abingdon and Damascus who actually own the trail….

“There is no question, however, that the trail is here to stay, and over the years, it will be more and more utilized…. We can look forward to a wonderful contribution to the people of Southwest Virginia and a scenic trail unmatched in its beauty and accessibility. In the long run, this will attract new residents, more business, and will likely improve local property values….

“Thus far, the club has worked on the trail in the Alvarado and Abingdon areas – clearing out the right of way that had been overgrown with obnoxious weeds and plants that were interfering wityh the cultivation of fields adjacent to the trail. Some parts of the trail are still cluttered with litter. On other parts of the trail, there are concerns about the use of motor vehicles, particularly motorcycles, and the use of firearms….

“The Trail Club officers are: Melvin Heiman, President, Bob Gilmer, Vice-President, Kit Grantham, Secretary, and Jim Dreher, Treasurer.”

More news of the Club’s anniversary will be coming later, with a special celebration in October.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As requested at the February, 2009 Board Meeting of the Virginia Creeper Trail Club, a small group (Bob Horsch, Greg Meade, Wayne Miller, Roger Reynolds and Chris Sullivan) met to discuss the vision for the Creeper Trail and the Club over the next 5 years.

The following topics were discussed and recommendations made for each:

1. Structures along the trail.

A. Memorials - We will eventually reach the limit on the number of memorial benches that can be placed along the trail as prescribed in the initial memorial-site plan and the latest GPS map. Continuing to place benches and other memorial structures along the Trail will eventually begin to detract from the user experience and the natural setting.

Our group recommends that the VCTC:

- Immediately finalize the memorials procedure in writing and get approval from the Trail Advisory Board.

- Utilize memorial options other than structures, such as planting a suitable native tree with a memorial plaque.

- Establish a memorials threshold commensurate with the contribution to the Trail of the person being memorialized, with different types of memorials to select from.

B. Signs - We have almost reached the optimum level of informational signage for the Trail. We need to cap the number of such signs and focus on placement of Stop Signs to enhance safety of Trail users. The Club should purchase stop signs for placement at road crossings outside the area covered by the current grant. Permission to install these signs should be obtained from the Town of Abingdon. We have permission from Damascus under the terms of the grant to install stop signs. It was also suggested that the Club research the availability of a “Safety Assessment Procedure” to determine if such a procedure exists for other trails such as ours.

C. Trash can containers - The Abingdon maintenance staff built 4 excellent wooden trash can containers for placement along the Trail. Two of those containers have been placed : one at mile 5.5 (Smith Farm) and one near milepost 15 (behind Food City) in Damascus. The Club needs to select sites for placement of the remaining two containers, with permission (Abingdon or Damascus). Also, the Club should recommend to the Town of Damascus through the Trail Advisory Board that the picnic area trash cans at the end of the Food City parking lot need to be secured. They currently blow over in high winds, spilling trash onto the Trail. It is further recommended that the Club initiate a project to remove all extraneous posts, bulletin boards and numerals from various locations along the Trail near Abingdon (with permission).

2. Trail maintenance.

A. Trail surfacing work - The Club should focus on the Trail resurfacing priorities under the current grant. Our group recommendation is that we re-bid for professional help with those sections near Drowning Ford and along Highway 58 where the Trail is covered with sod; and that Club volunteers immediately begin the less intensive, “touch-up”, re-grading of the remaining section of Trail into Damascus in quarter-mile increments.

B. Trestles - The Club has partnered well with the Forest Service in re-decking trestles in the Trail section above Damascus. This partnership should continue. It is suggested that the Club offer to the towns of Damascus and Abingdon, through the Trail Advisory Board, to help maintain smoother access and egress to and from the trestles if the towns will provide a small gravel supply near each trestle needed to perform this work.

C. Brush trimming - It was noticed during the April 4 Trail Cleanup Day that overhanging limbs along some sections of the Trail could pose a threat to bike riders. The Club should consider a work project to remove those limbs that are encroaching on the Trail.

D. Invasive plant removal - Several Club members are concerned and involved with removal of invasive plants displacing native plants in our region. The Club should consider a work project, in partnership with the local Virginia Master Naturalists Chapter, to remove these plants along the Trail.

3. Financial controls and the need for an audit.

With the additional funds from the grant, tighter financial controls are needed. The Club by-laws now require “ an annual audit of the books directed by the board”. These audits have been internal audits by Club members. Eventually, an external audit of Club accounts will be needed in order to ensure proper use of funds and strengthen Club applications for future grants. It is recommended that additional financial controls (Roger has provided the suggested steps to achieve) be established immediately, and that an external audit by a CPA be scheduled within the next 2 years.

4. Changing the VCTC name from Club to Conservancy.

It has been suggested that a change in name from Club (A group of persons associated for a common purpose) to Conservancy (An organization designated to conserve natural resources) is needed in order to attract new members and to help obtain future grants. Our recommendation is that such a step be deferred until some of the current changes have been implemented. The Club is currently involved in the new Creeper Keeper promotion, administering and executing a large grant, considering new partnership projects (pavilion at Green Cove, etc.), while maintaining current service project levels and event coverage. It is suggested that we focus on these tasks and pursue the name change next year or the year after, when things are more settled.

5. New Partnerships

It is recommended that VCTC explore more joint projects with the Master Gardeners, Virginia Master Naturalist Holston Rivers Chapter, and The Nature Conservancy for ways to restore and enhance the natural beauty and native, wildlife-supporting plant species along the Trail. Finally, the Club should solicit more local corporate support, providing complimentary memberships and letters of appreciation and website recognition for that support. This will grow Club business memberships over time.

The above recommendations of the small group were submitted for the consideration of the full VCTC Board in June. The recommendations are made with a view to preserving the natural beauty and safe usage of the Trail, and the viability of the Club in its mission.

As Club President, I am open to suggestions from individual members on how to improve both the Club and the Trail. I need your input and your willingness to volunteer in service to our mission. I look forward to working with you in the days ahead to help users gain the maximum safe enjoyment of their Trail experiences.

-- Wayne Miller, 5/31/09

CURRENT VCTC OFFICERS, BOARD MEMBERS and COMMITTEES

President: Wayne Miller (2011), Vice President: Chris Sullivan (2011), Secretary: Kathi Boatright (2011) Treasurer: Greg Meade (2011), Past President: Link Elmore.

Board: Chris Lindeman (2010), Garrett Jackson (2010), Lawrence Dye (2011), Tom Boyle (2011, Joe Lane (2011, Tonya Triplett (2011).

Committees, Chairs: Maintenance: Bob Horsch, Newsletter: Anne Maio, Archivist: Jane Caldwell, Webmaster: Richard Smith, Events: Chris Lindeman, Publicity: Greg Meade, Nominations: Greg Meade, Merchandise: Chris Sullivan, Membership: Amy Sullivan

MEMBERSHIP

The Virginia Creeper Trail Club continues to grow. As of 6/4/09 we are 196 Creeper Keepers strong. This includes 30 lifetime members and 6 business members. All of our business members have shown their support for the trail and our mission. One new business member is Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Association (CFIA), a 501c3 non profit was founded in 1972 by a group of conservationists to help the US Forest Service tell the story of forest conservation in America. Over the years, the CFIA has worked closely with the USFS and Operating USFS campgrounds and recreational areas in 5 states. One of those campgrounds is Beartree Recreation Area located not far from the trail outside of Damascus. Another new business member is Ramirez Contracting who has helped with technical support on our current grant project. Also new on our rolls is Virginia Metals who donated the metal plates for our benches. 

While the majority of members live in Virginia, members come to us from 13 different States - VA,NC,TN,MD,TX,SC,KY,PA,GA,NY,NJ,AL,IL.

Lifetime Members: Steve Bandy, Sue &Allen Clark, Patti & Kevin Clayton, Harold Croxton, Steven Detter, Dianne & Finley Dula, Lawrence Dye, Karen & Michael Edwards, Karen & Link Elmore, Kristin & Eddie Farrey, William P. & Carol Graybeal, Bobby M. Green, Barbara & Andrew Hargroves, Lynda & Mel Heiman, Kathy Hutson, James Dial, James L. Lapis, Ed & Betty Ledvina, Cynthia McClaskey, Beverly Meadows, Wayne Miller, Roger D. Neal, Rachel Fowlkes, Ellen & Roger Reynolds, Joan Wagoner & Al Rogers, Sara A. Schell, Belinda Stevens, Carl Tyrie, Bob Widner, Todd Yates.

Business Members: Cradle of Forestry, Inove' Graphics (Kingsport), David Henry, Laurie and Howie Peebles, Ramirez Contracting, Siberian Husky Assist/ Rescue, Virginia Metals.

New Members since 11/1/8: Susan L Bradbury , Nathan Sherrill, Nancy E. Saul & Family, Sam Erwin, Chelsea & Eliot Cannon, Stephanie Smith, Roger Davis, Joseph Erdeky & Family, James Pribble, Wayne Wooten & Family, Christine Yates, John Lenahan, Linda M Morrow, Bruce Melinn, Nancy A. Jay, Christopher Keaton, Rich Barnes, Kelley D. Mayden & Family, Keith M. Nichols, Joe Lane & Julie Wilson, Brian Schmidt, Susie & Danny Medosch, Fran Kelly, Lyndia Phifer, Daniel Caldwell, Ronald Wolfe, Neil Scott Jenkins, Robert Holman, Mike & Mary Tackney, Jerry Lucas, Russell Lewis, Richard Hall.

EVENTS

Events from the founding year, 1989 (The Club was busy back then!):

From the Abingdon Virginian, April 19, 1989:

“The Virginia Creeper Trail Club has not disappeared from view over the winter, but simply worked behind the scenes on many projects….

“We have two upcoming events in the month of April. Our next meeting will include a presentation on spring wild flowers to be given by Dave Brillhart…. The second event in April will be a workday on April 29 to paint the historic Green Cove Station….

“Repairs are being made to the burnt trestle that lies south of Watauga Road….

“May 18 – Charlie Bartlett will present a program sharing his knowledge of the geology of the trail….

“June 22 – Bob Cheers of Mountain Trek Sports will discuss types of mountain bikes and what to consider in buying and maintaining the bicycles.

“July 20 – The Appalachian Trail Club will … present some slides from hikes in the area where the Appalachian Trail intersects with the Creeper Trail.

“August 6 – In coordination with the Virginia Highlands Festival, John Gable of Konnarock will show his film “Below White Top” which was made in 1934 to promote the Lutheran Missions in Konnarock. It includes details of life there and pictures of the Virginia Creeper Railroad.

“August: During the Festival, nature walks will be held on three Sunday afternoons. One walk will be led by John Baker, district wildlife biologist for the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. He will discuss the beaver habitat in the Knobs section of the Creeper Trail.

“September 21 – Slides of the Hassinger Lumber Company during its boom days will be narrated by Martin Hassinger, the son of its founder.”

This year’s events on the trail: January – May, 2009 (We’re still busy!):

Winterfest on the Creeper Trail

The third year of this popular winter event on the VCT brought not only the Huskies and the Serum run re-enactment, but also a Border Collie sheep-herding demonstration.

Mary and Brad LaMontaine and Wayne Miller on the Creeper Trail Cleanup Day, April 4, 2009.  Club volunteers picked up 38 large bags of trash and much assorted bulk junk discarded over the years along the Trail between Abingdon and Damascus. (Photo by Wayne Miller)

THANKS to all the Club members who volunteered for the April 4, 2009, Creeper Trail Cleanup Day

Thanks also to Chris and Steve Lindeman and all who volunteered to cover the Club’s booth at Damascus Trail Days and at Plumb Alley Day in May, where we sold $300 worth of Club merchandise and 7 new memberships. 

Upcoming Events Planned for June – October, 2009:

June 12, 2009: Night bike race (Coordinator: James Agner, Town of Abingdon)

June 24: Membership meeting. Speaker to be announced

July 25: Highlands Festival event: Ride with the Legend

August 1: Highlands Festival Event: Eco-Fair at Abingdon Farmers’ Market Pavilion

August 8: Highlands Festival Event: Campout on the Creeper (at the Y Park)

August 26: Membership meeting. Speaker to be announced

September 27: Club picnic

October 13: Celebration of the 20^th Anniversary of the VCTC

VCTC NEWS and PROJECTS

A new bench, made of recycled plastic and donated by Alpha Natural Resources and Bristol Virginia Utilities, has been installed at Trestle 12.

photo: Bob Horsch

Green Cove: a crack in the O. Winston Link monument has been repaired.

A pavilion has been proposed for the remaining O.Winston Link funds, plus interior lighting for Green Cove Station.

Another new bench, in memory of Dorothy Boucher and donated by the Mattie Roundtree organization, has recently been installed at Trestle 16 in the Damascus Town Park. A special dedication ceremony will be arranged.

Students from Evergreen Community Charter School in Asheville helped power-wash the caboose and remove invasive non-native plants near Trestle 16 on May 27, 2009 before their ride on the trail the next day.

If you take your time to enjoy the nature provided by the Virginia Creeper Trail, it will gift you with something new each time you travel on it. 

On May 16, 2009, Wayne Miller saw this black bear near the "treehouse" at the confluence of the Middle and South Fork Holston Rivers.  The bear actually visited the treehouse, left scratches on the door frame and a smear of bear saliva on the glass pane in the door. 

Wayne named the bear Ursus nonominous Fowlkesii in honor of the treehouse owner, Rachel Fowlkes.

TOWN OF ABINGDON NAMES CREEPER TRAIL AMBASSADOR

Lawrence Dye Honored at Annual Meeting of Virginia Creeper Trail Club

Washington County resident, Lawrence Dye, was presented with a proclamation from the Town Council by Abingdon Mayor Ed Morgan, naming him as the official ambassador to the Virginia Creeper Trail and its visitors. The presentation, a surprise to the recipient, took place at the May meeting of the Virginia Creeper Trail Club, of which Mr. Dye is a director and lifetime member.

Lawrence, age 77, is a frequent rider of the Creeper Trail and has logged nearly 140,000 miles riding its length since 1990. He has become a fixture along the trail, picking up trash, greeting visitors, and assisting those with flat tires or other needs.

“Lawrence embodies what it means to be a ‘Creeper Keeper,’ someone who takes care of the trail and has fun doing it. He’s an inspiration to us all,” notes Link Elmore, past president of the trail club.

“He’s Lawrence the Legend,” says friend and club vice-president Chris Sullivan. “He’s out there in the cold, the rain, the heat of summer. Hardly anything stops him. He’s amazing.”

As part of its efforts to help maintain the trail, the Creeper Trail Club is holding a fundraiser in 2009 dubbed “Lawrence’s Creep-A-Thon,” featuring Mr. Dye. Club members and the public are invited to make a gift of sponsorship to the nonprofit organization. Lawrence hopes to ride 10,000 miles this year. The club posts regular updates to his mileage on the website (www.creeperkeeper.com).

The Creeper Keeper Song

1. I love the Virginia Creeper Trail.

I ride it every day.

It makes my heart and lungs grow strong,

Or so the doctors say.

Chorus:

I am a Creeper Keeper

As you can plainly tell,

And if you love the great outdoors,

I hope you’re one as well.

2. I ride the Trail on rainy days

When it’s a muddy track.

You’ll know when I’ve been for a ride

By the black stripe up my back.

(Chorus…)

3. I am an avid walker,

I walk whenever I can

The shady beauty of the Trail

Makes me a Creeper fan.

(Chorus…)

4. I pick up trash along the Trail,

I try to keep it clean.

Debris along the Creeper Trail

Can ruin a pretty scene.

(Chorus…)

5. When You’re out on the Creeper Trail,

You may meet Lawrence Dye.

He rides the Trail most every day –

No point in asking why.

Final Chorus:

For he’s a Creeper Keeper

As you can plainly see,

And if you love the Creeper Trail

A Keeper you should be.

--Wayne Miller

NATURALIST CORNER

Spring on the Creeper Trail: April 12, 2009: Blood Root, west of Taylor's Valley, growing at
the base of a rock on the north side of the trail, and purple Trillium.

Photos: George Kelley

Frogs eggs hatching near Trestle 22.

Photo: Eleanor Grasselli

VCTC Members, please note: You can pay your annual dues online (Visit Club website: vacreepertrail.org/join.html or creeperkeeper.com) or mail in with the form below.

VCTC MEMBERSHIP FORM

Mail Membership forms to:

The Virginia Creeper Trail Club

P.O. Box 2382

Abingdon, VA 24212

Name ____________________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip (5 + 4 digits) __________________________________________________________

Phone # __________________________________ Today’s Date __________________________

Email address _____________________________________________________________________

Committee interests: ____ Events ____ Membership ____ Merchandise ____ Trail Maintenance

____ Publicity ____ Other ___________________________________

Individual $10 _____ Family $15 _____ Business $25 _____

Lifetime membership $100 ______ Donation $_________

(any amount is appreciated)

The Virginia Creeper Trail Club

P.O. Box 2382

Abingdon, VA 24212-2382

To: