Happy Holidays - A Year End Message

The holidays are a time for joyous reflection. Our association is a bourgeoning evergreen in the Keystone wonderlands. You are the ornaments that make us special, the lights upon our needles, the stars for whom we reach. 
We deeply appreciate the support, involvement, and enthusiasm of so many people in making 2024 an epic year for KTA. The organization achieved many milestones, including: 

• Celebrating a successful 40th anniversary year for the Trail Care program
  
• Adopting and implementing the first year of a five-year strategic plan 
  
• Beginning master site planning for the Scott Farm, future home of KTA
  
• Distributing 11 mini grants to trail and hiking clubs to help in their endeavors throughout the Commonwealth
  
• Developing a hiking guidebook to the rugged and beautiful PA Wilds region
  
• Purchasing a plug-in hybrid van Through the generous bequest of the George Probst estate (look for KTA on the roads as well as the trails!)
  
• Diversifying funding with grants from DCNR, the RK Mellon Foundation, and other important partners
  
• Continuing growth of the Keystone Trails Endowment fund with new donors and donations 
  
• Launching a new hiking award for teenagers
  
• Offering numerous outings, programs, and trainings as well as an international hiking trip
  
• Hosting a well-attended spring hiking weekend in the Poconos and our first-ever Keystone Hiking and Outdoor Weekend, held in the Susquehanna Riverlands 
  
• And so much more
  

In 2025, we will further grow and diversify KTA's membership and volunteer base, spearhead new ways to promote PA's hiking trails and local trail clubs, and foster more partnerships for programming, stewardship, and advocacy.  Together, we create a thriving community of hikers who relish conservation and the great outdoors. 
At year’s end, take a moment to think about the many superb hiking opportunities we have in Pennsylvania. Consider the effort required of countless individuals and organizations to make these experiences possible. The dedication is truly inspiring. 
KTA is a passionate constituency with a can-do vibe. Our noble mission is made manifest through your generosity. During the holiday season, please consider a monetary gift to help us illuminate the glories of hiking and hiking trails for many seasons to come.  Please make your secure donation at www.kta-hike.org/donate
If you are unable to make a financial contribution, you can assist in other ways. Consider volunteering at a Trail Care event, serving as a hike leader, or being an ambassador at a KTA exhibit. Try getting involved with a local group that connects people to the tranquility and bounty of nature. The spirit of giving can be exercised in honor of this wintry occasion or at any time throughout the year, but whenever it happens, we are filled with gratitude. Thank you for your benevolence.  
Happy Holidays,
Wayne E. Gross
President, Board of Directors, Keystone Trails Association
Brook Lenker
Executive Director, Keystone Trails Association