The WVAIA/Rey Center Trail Crew (pictured above) continues to show excellence in the crafting of soil retainers (rock steps) on the unstable area on the upper part of the Dickey Mountain Trail, just below the ledges. The crew has also braved black files the size of wild turkeys, which has resulted in creative dressing: to the left you will find Pharo Jimmond and a veiled Tommy (click on the thumbnail to enlarge photo).

Susan Hammond

The WVAIA, an historic association of people who value the quality of life that the wilderness around us provides, has been thriving in recent years with membership up around 180, a record breaking amount. We’ve raised and saved enough money to produce a first rate hiking map of the valley, but now, with the Town’s decision not to allocate $3,000 for trails work, plus the map costs, we are more pressed to raise money so that we can partner with organizations like the Rey Center, and the Forest Service, in grant-writing, in order to help maintain our historic trails system. At the time of this writing, our membership is down markedly: 98. Our balance is $2500.  This represents a decline.  If you haven’t responded to your renewal notice, please renew at the Winter Gathering.