By MRP Board Members Kyle Neyer, Alison Duckworth, and Jessica Tompkins
The Mad River Path depends on community support to keep working towards a continuous series of recreational paths connecting the towns, businesses, and homes of the Mad River Valley. After nearly 30 years of building pathways, the Mad River Path has perhaps seen the most traffic ever this spring. During these last few months dealing with COVID-19, the path has been enjoyed even more by all of us. But have you ever wondered how the Mad River Path is built, maintained, funded, organized, planned, and sustained? The answer is found within the magic of this community’s generous volunteers and donors who make everything possible!
There are a number of different ways to lend a helping hand to the Mad River Path so that the path will continue to be the jewel of our beautiful Valley for generations to come. The most effective way to support the path is by becoming one of the organization’s 400+ strong supporters. Contributions, no matter what size, are vital for the organization to continue growing our amazing recreational trails and opportunities for families and individuals to have fun outside.
Another way to help is to volunteer your muscles or mind. At least one big project is going on every summer, along with constant maintenance, and extra hands to help are always welcome. The ongoing Heart of the Valley Trail, which stretches from the Lareau Swimming Hole to Wait’s Way behind the Waitsfield Elementary School, is just one of these projects that exists today thanks to both volunteers on the ground and financial donors. Only a few years ago it was a figment of our imagination, yet the countless hours donated by many Mad River Path supporters has made a beautiful respite right in the MRV’s downtown--linking people to each other, businesses, homes, and nature. If you are particularly passionate about the Mad River Path, consider becoming a Board member when a seat is available--simply check in with the executive director.
Landowners in this beautiful Valley have the opportunity to host a path or trail section, depending onthe property location. Of most importance are those land parcels near the Mad River or valley floor along with several other essential connection areas. On this front, the Mad River Path leads all the heavy lifting and handling the details. Take a look at the Mad River Path website for more information or reach out to a Board member at any time. Many generous landowners over the years have made critical portions of the path possible, and there are more connections to be made.
Mad River Path’s largest fundraising event of the year, the Mad Dash 5km and 10km run or walk, relies on nearly 50 volunteers. Volunteering for the Mad Dash is always a fun time that includes interacting with more than 500 event participants from the community and beyond. Running or walking in the Mad Dash is a big help to the Mad River Path, while business sponsors and silent auction donors have a huge positive impact on the organization’s ability to complete trail work. Keep an eye out soon for information about the 24 ½ Annual Mad Dash 5km and 10km virtual event with the chance to team up with friends and family.
Trail users have the opportunity to be an enormous asset to keeping the path open and enjoyable for all while ensuring new sections are allowed to be built. Following the rules and practicing good trail etiquette is critical to the path’s future. Leashing and picking up after our dogs is extremely important. Avoiding closed trails, carrying out trash, staying on trails that travel through private land, and parking at designated trailhead lots are all ways to help the Mad River Path prosper across the Valley.
Related links:
Volunteer sign-up
How We Work, Host a Path Section & Board Info
Donate to MRP
Volunteers sanding down the new kiosk posts in 2019.