2015 was a long, busy year. We want to take a moment to share a few highlights from the year with you, and then get busy looking forward to what's on the horizon for 2016!
Just a few of our favorite trails from 2015. [Photos: Matt Stebbins]
In 2015, we traveled (a lot!), and hosted several trail work parties, in addition to the trail work the two of us do whenever and wherever we see the need. Though we had to cancel our last work party of 2015 due to low numbers, we still managed - between several work parties of awesome volunteers and trail work done by the two of us - to put in over 132 hours of trail work this past year across 41 miles of trail, on trails in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. For our first full year with an official trail work focus, we think that's a pretty great start!
We were also able to do a much better job of raising funds for future trail work parties this past year, through donations (both via Solstass trail race registrations this past year and elsewhere online) and through our two fund-raising races (Cottontail in the spring, and Carkeek in the fall). Those funds - made almost entirely via generous donations by individuals - allowed us to grow our trail work tool collection, beef up our collection of trail / work supplies, and will ultimately allow for larger trail work parties in 2016, and beyond.
We were also able to do a much better job of raising funds for future trail work parties this past year, through donations (both via Solstass trail race registrations this past year and elsewhere online) and through our two fund-raising races (Cottontail in the spring, and Carkeek in the fall). Those funds - made almost entirely via generous donations by individuals - allowed us to grow our trail work tool collection, beef up our collection of trail / work supplies, and will ultimately allow for larger trail work parties in 2016, and beyond.
Clearing brush at Deception Pass State Park during a November 2015 Trail Work Party. [Photo: Kerri Stebbins]
In big picture news, Endless Trails is officially a 501(c)3 non-profit, as our final IRS certification came in the mail this past fall. We were always a non-profit, but now the IRS officially agrees (it's a long and paperwork-laden process), meaning all gifts made to Endless Trails, past and present, from our formation in October, 2013 and going forward are 100% tax-deductible.
Speaking of (much appreciated!) tax-deductible donations, if you'd like to make one before the end of 2015, or as an awesome way to start your 2016, you can do that right here.
This year we also worked hard on growing our Board of Directors, seeking out a dynamic and eclectic group of individuals who will bring a wide array of skills and experience to future Endless Trails projects. We couldn't be more thrilled with the group of professionals, adventurers, and trail supports we've amassed, and we'll be taking full advantage of our support network to make sure Endless Trails is as effective as it can be in the year ahead.
All of that to say: We're primed and ready for a fantastic 2016, and we couldn't be more excited to get started!
Speaking of (much appreciated!) tax-deductible donations, if you'd like to make one before the end of 2015, or as an awesome way to start your 2016, you can do that right here.
This year we also worked hard on growing our Board of Directors, seeking out a dynamic and eclectic group of individuals who will bring a wide array of skills and experience to future Endless Trails projects. We couldn't be more thrilled with the group of professionals, adventurers, and trail supports we've amassed, and we'll be taking full advantage of our support network to make sure Endless Trails is as effective as it can be in the year ahead.
All of that to say: We're primed and ready for a fantastic 2016, and we couldn't be more excited to get started!
A few more favorite trail memories from 2015. [Photos: Kerri Stebbins]
So, looking forward to 2016 - Here's what you can expect:
More trail work! We're definitely going to be doing more trail work across the Northwest (and we'll post here as we finalize dates), and we hope you'll join us for a trail work party or two, but we're also going to help partner with other like-minded regional groups doing trail work to try and work together to get more folks outside helping care for local and regional trails they love. More boots on the ground for trails, and especially hard to reach trails, is a big priority of ours, and we're committed to making that happen. If there are particular areas in which you're interested in doing more trail work, and/or areas wherein you know trail work is needed please - let us know! If we can help you do trail work, we will! And if we can't physically be there, we'll help rally local troops to your trail work cause!
Developing curriculum! We're working on finding grants to help provide curriculum for school groups and other youth (and/or adult!) groups that want to get outside and learn about being outside on trails in a sustainable way. One of the best ways we can protect trails, and the future of the trails we all love, is by helping others fall in love with trails, and protecting them. This is one of our big priorities for 2016.
Our annual races! Registration for the Cottontail 6- & 12-Hour trail "races" (March 26th) is currently open, and registration for the tenth (10th!) annual Carkeek 12-Hour (October 29th) will open in early April. Both races are in Seattle, and feature a formidable loop course, inspiring performances, and general tomfoolery. Both races also specifically raise funds for Endless Trails! We'd love to get loopy with you at one or both of those events, and as always, all proceeds go directly back to local and regional trails we all love.
Developing curriculum! We're working on finding grants to help provide curriculum for school groups and other youth (and/or adult!) groups that want to get outside and learn about being outside on trails in a sustainable way. One of the best ways we can protect trails, and the future of the trails we all love, is by helping others fall in love with trails, and protecting them. This is one of our big priorities for 2016.
Our annual races! Registration for the Cottontail 6- & 12-Hour trail "races" (March 26th) is currently open, and registration for the tenth (10th!) annual Carkeek 12-Hour (October 29th) will open in early April. Both races are in Seattle, and feature a formidable loop course, inspiring performances, and general tomfoolery. Both races also specifically raise funds for Endless Trails! We'd love to get loopy with you at one or both of those events, and as always, all proceeds go directly back to local and regional trails we all love.
Here's to more trail love in each of our futures! [Photo: Matt Stebbins]
Thanks for your support, for being along for this beautiful ride, and here's even more trail love in 2016!
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