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Rivanna Trails
“Trails Connecting People to Nature”
A Biannual Newsletter
Issue N.1- Spring 2008
WELCOME
Learn how to stay
connected and catch
up on the latest RTF
News.
Page 1-2
GET INVOLVED
Upcoming events.
Guided hikes, work
parties and more.
Page 3
BE A TRAIL
ADVOCATE
Learn how YOU can
help support the
Rivanna Trail by
volunteering or with
your financial
contribution.
TALES FROM THE
TRAIL
How the Rivanna
Trail helps prevent
“Nature Deficit
Disorder”.
Page 4
DISCOVER THE
RIVANNA TRAIL
The secrets of the
fauna and flora on
the Rivanna Trail.
Page 4
TRAIL UPDATE: OUR
VOLUNTEERS
The Boy scouts make
huge strides in
improving the trail.
Page 5
WELCOME!
The Rivanna Trails Foundation
Newsletter- Keeping members “In
the Loop”
vision for a network of walking trails that
would encircle the City of Charlottesville,
generally following the Rivanna River and its
tributaries. The trails would connect historic
sites and areas of exceptional beauty and have
many exits and entrances to allow for shorter
as well as longer walks. In 1992, to make their
dream a reality, these visionaries founded the
Rivanna Trails Foundation. During the early
years, efforts focused on route-finding and
trail building. After all these years, thanks to
the persistence and hard work of many
volunteers, the original vision of a continuous
footpath encircling the City is largely
complete..
Please see our website for more information
and biographies of the Board of Directors.
In addition, we will be starting a
Rivanna Trails Foundation e-newsletter. If
you elect to receive it, you will get a brief
monthly e-mail telling you about the Saturday
work parties and other news likely to be of
interest to you. Watch for an e-mail soon from
the Rivanna Trails Foundation asking if you
want to subscribe to the free e-newsletter.
The Rivanna Trails Foundation is
governed by a Board of Directors consisting of
17 members from the community. Officers
include the President, Vice-President,
Secretary, and Treasurer. Board meetings are
held monthly on the first Tuesday of the
month, at 12 noon at the Jefferson-Madison
Regional Library in downtown
Charlottesville. The meetings are open to the
general membership.
To join the list, just send an email to
info@rivannatrails.org
In the early 1990’s, a group of friends,
many of them avid birders, began to develop a
MEET YOUR BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
RIVANNA TRAILS FOUNDATION SPRING 2008
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Foundation
Welcome to the new and improved
Rivanna Trails Foundation Newsletter – In the
Loop! Each spring and fall, we will be
sending paper copies to all members and
friends of the Rivanna Trail Foundation.
WHO WE ARE
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#1
#2
#3
MEMBERSHIP
Our Members Are Important
•Seek and secure the funding
necessary to protect and maintain a
high quality trail system
Trail of the Month
The Rivanna Trails Foundation is
entirely supported by memberships dues and
the occasional special donation. Presently, we
rely solely on volunteers for everything we do.
But with increased population and
development pressure, the demand for new
trails is increasing. Along with that we have
the opportunity to create a comprehensive
trail network that can be enjoyed now and can
be our legacy for future generations. This will
require the Rivanna Trails Foundation and its
members to be more active than ever before.
The Board met in January 2008 to
evaluate progress and refine the plan and set
further goals. These have not been finalized
but are likely to include a goal to help foster
the creation of a regional network of trails that
will incorporate and connect trails from
various jurisdictions. This will showcase the
best of private and public partnerships.
Starting with the next issue, we will
feature several trails to whet your interest.
Moreover, we will try to showcase trails that,
much like the Rivanna Trails, rely on a public-
private partnership and volunteers. Please
feel free to send us your nominations for the
trails to feature.
Identify these Spots on the Trail
How well do you know the Rivanna
Trails? Look carefully at the pictures at the
top of this page and tell us where they were
taken (#1, #2, #3). Better still; send us a picture
of yourself standing by the site. You may
appear in the next newsletter!
City of Charlottesville:
http://
www.charlottesville.org/Index.aspx?
page=1725
If you haven’t done so yet, please
renew your Rivanna Trails Foundation
membership now. Please also consider
upgrading to a higher membership level. If
you are not currently a member, please join us
now. We welcome your financial contribution,
but as important, we welcome you as a
supporter of our mission and hope that you
can offer some of your time and talent to help
us as well.
NEWS
RTF Strategic Plan
Albemarle County Greenways:
http://
www.albemarle.org/department.asp?
department=parks&relpage=2565
We Are Interested in Your Views
Thomas Jefferson Planning District:
http://
www.tjpdc.org/transportation/report.asp?
docID=23
)
Later this year, we will be launching
a survey of our members and friends to better
understand your interests and views
regarding the Rivanna Trails and other trails
in our region. We will likely conduct this
survey via the Internet.
Motivated and dedicated staff
members, aided by many volunteers, are
leading these programs. However, putting
these plans into effect and actually getting
trails on the ground require resources as well
as political will to establish trail development
as a priority. Public support in many forms is
essential (letter writing, contributions and
attending public meetings).
In the spring of 2005, the Board of
Directors developed a strategic plan entitled
“Beyond the Loop”
. The plan contained a list
of seven themes to be emphasized by the
organization from 2005-2008. Those themes
were (in order of priority):
•Ensure the permanent protection of
the trail corridor
•Develop partners and allies to help
maintain and preserve the trails
•Maintain and improve the current
trail system while keeping the rustic
nature of the current unpaved trail
•Create a master plan for an
integrated, regional trail system
•Promote the trails as a community
resource
•Provide trail enjoyment
opportunities for citizens of all
abilities
Central Virginia is one of the most
beautiful areas in the nation. We have miles of
beautiful streams and rivers coursing through
the hills of the piedmont. All of this exists
beneath the spectacular backdrop of the Blue
Ridge Mountains. The landscape is perfectly
suited for the footpaths we have come to enjoy
and that the Rivanna Trails exemplify. But this
will not happen without your support –
financially, politically, and physically.
In future newsletters and in our monthly e-
mails, we will draw attention to opportunities
for you to support the Rivanna Trails and
other trail projects in our area.
RIVANNA TRAILS FOUNDATION SPRING 2008
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Join Rivanna Master Naturalist
volunteer guides for their
spring hiking
series
along the Rivanna Trails. Enjoy
spring beauty in the Piedmont, learn more
about our natural resources, and improve
your health, too! The nine-week series
includes 18 different hikes, held on
Saturdays at 1 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. It’s
free, and there is no registration required.
For more information call 970-3585 or email
parkvolunteers@charlottesville.org
. Thank
you, Master Naturalists, for offering such an
enriching way to enjoy our trails.
Locations are listed below; full descriptions
of each hike can be found at
www.vmn-
rivanna.org
.
Meet at Jordan Park, located at the
end of 6th Street SE.
•
June 8
Quarry Park to Woolen Mills.
Meet at Quarry, located off
Monticello Ave. on Quarry Rd.
Summertime Teddy Bear Hike
June 21:
11 A.M., Riverview Park.
Bring your favorite stuffed friend down to the
Rivanna Trails for a fun-filled summer hike.
Sun hat and sunglasses optional. Discover
how our city forests provide food for birds
and other wildlife. For kids of all ages and
their families or caregivers. Event held rain or
shine! For details, contact Diana Foster at
dfoster@newventure.com
or 434-964-1022.
Join us for our Saturday morning
work parties. Any second Saturday of the
month, work alongside your fellow trail lovers
to give the trail some tender loving care. Meet
us at our Melbourne Road trailhead at 8:45 to
carpool to the work site or visit
www.rivannatrails.org
to find out how to
meet us there.
ADOPT A SECTION OF THE
TRAIL!
Adopt a section of the trail. Email
info@rivannatrails.org
or call 434-923-9022.
Be our “eyes on the trail.” Report
trail conditions or problems online at
www.rivannatrails.org
.
DONATE!
Second Saturday Work Parties
Every second Saturday of the month
Come join our work parties to improve and
maintain the Rivanna Trails. Locations
change. For details, please visit
www.rivannatrails.org
or call 434-239-7115.
Help us purchase materials and
supplies. Mail checks to Rivanna Trails
Foundation, P.O. Box 1786, Charlottesville, VA
22902.
JOIN US FOR OTHER
ACTIVITIES
G.I.S. Programming Help Wanted
Saturday Walks Start at 1:00 PM
•
May 24:
Fontaine Research Park to
Ivy Road.
Meet at Health South lot at 400 Ray
Hunt Drive.
RTF is considering creating an online
trail map, with different layers of information.
Please contact Matt Rosefsky at (434) 760-4453
or
rtf@OutdoorSocial.com
if you or your
company has G.I.S. programming skills or
technology.
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY!
Build More Trail . . .
Visit
www.rivannatrails.org
, where
you can find more volunteer opportunities
and sign up for our email list (“RTFriends”) to
hear about the latest ways to get involved!
•
May 31:
Azalea Park to Bent Creek
Bridge/5th Street.. Meet at Azalea
Park, off Old Lynchburg Rd. near
I-64.
BE A TRAIL
ADVOCATE
National Trails Day 2008 is Saturday,
June 7
th
. Get dirty, get wet, and meet dozens
of wonderful folks who share your love of the
Rivanna Trail with its incredible forests and
streams. This year we are expanding beyond
the loop! Help in the big bold push to build
new trails north and upriver of our existing
trail network. Watch
www.rivannatrails.org
for details. Gather at the Charlottesville
Catholic School, located on Rio Rd., at 8:30
A.M., Rain or Shine.
CARE FOR THE TRAIL!
•
June 7:
Quarry Park to Jordan Park.
Meet at Quarry, located off
Monticello Ave. on Quarry Rd.
Local government has recognized
that trails are an important part of the
infrastructure in an increasingly urbanized
area like ours. In addition to the Rivanna
Trails (the Loop), the City of Charlottesville
and Albemarle County, as well as the
neighboring counties have active trails
programs that are progressing currently and
hold great promise for the future. The plans
are ambitious and the goals inspiring. Please
see the links below to see some of the plans
that have been established.
Sunday Walks Start at 2:00 PM
•
May 25
Department of Forestry trails
in Fontaine Research Park.
Meet at Health South parking lot at
400 Ray Hunt Drive.
•
June 1
Jordan Park to Bent Creek
Bridge/5th Street.
RIVANNA TRAILS FOUNDATION SPRING 2008
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GET
INVOLVED!
Enjoy the Trail with Guided Spring
Hikes
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well being of our backyard and,
ultimately, our planet. No one cares
about what they do not know, and so it
comes to be that kids growing up in a
“nature deficit” become adults lacking a
sense of responsibility toward the great
outdoors. And, in doing so, affect us all.
The trash thrown in the creek becomes a
daily occurrence, with no concern for the
creatures it might affect.
DISCOVER THE
RIVANNA
TRAIL
by John Holden
TALES FROM
THE TRAIL
One of the roles of the Rivanna
Trail is to provide as much of a “nature
deficit” cure as possible, for children and
their families. A trail that is easily
accessible from all of Charlottesville, safe,
simple to navigate and yet wild is the
best gift any community could wish for.
On the trail, kids can roam free or hike
with their families. They learn about the
flora and fauna living amongst us, and
the treasures the trail can offer. Deer,
robins, crows or cardinals are a daily
occurrence, but foxes, hawks or even
eagles and other rare animals are a treat
every kid should be able to experience.
They, and we in the process, learn the
value of the experience, they learn how to
treasure it and how to pass it on to their
kids.
The Trail is not just for Hikers.
Wildlife on the Rivanna Trail
An easily overlooked benefit of
the Rivanna Trail system is the resultant
network of green spaces that preserve
wildlife habitat. Most wildlife, just like
hikers, thrive away from the sights and
sounds of cars and development.
Some of the best undisturbed “habitat”
on our trail system is found on the
Melbourne Loop North of Charlottesville
High School and the Observatory Hill
Area. After this year ’s National Trails
Day, the Area North of Pen Park and into
the Dunlora neighborhood will also be
accessible as an undisturbed pristine
landscape.
by Francesca Conte
Nature Deficit Disorder
More and more this summer I
have been noticing small artifacts and
game sites left by children on the trail.
Some are hardly noticeable, such as a
small pile of rocks or a rudimentary
shelter. Others are clearly much more
elaborate, and often built by the parents.
Many backyards bordering the trail now
feature beautiful tree houses, bridges and
tepees. This is very encouraging, given
the nature deficit many of our children
are faced with. The modern city lifestyle
has improved living conditions
enormously, but, for many kids, has also
taken away this beautiful playground
called nature. For many, gone are the
endless hours finding worms, exploring
shallow dens, building imaginary forts
and getting lost in time. Daily schedules
are now packed with soccer, piano,
lacrosse, all social activities that build
character and social skills, but do nothing
to acquaint the child with its natural
surroundings. Too many children today
have no interest in exploring the night
sky, or discovering what hides under the
wet rocks by the river bed. Too many are
frightened or put off by an outdoor
lifestyle, and the outdoors are only
viewed through the Discovery Channel.
Getting muddy, walking in the
rain, picking up slimy fellows, wading in
a creek, are actions that should be
cherished by every child out there. So,
use the Rivanna Trail to your and your
children’s benefit. This weekend, opt for
the trail instead of that golf game on TV.
Your kids will love it, and the trail will
not disappoint you.
To really gain an appreciation of
the relative wildness of the river corridor,
one should paddle any of the several
sections of the Rivanna river. 90% or
more of the banks is still green space,
with generally tall hardwood forest.
Some of the highlights from the
trail include several bald eagles, otters
and red foxes, which hunt and den near
the trail. Bobcats have also been seen and
heard, in particular in the northern
section of the trail.
We are very lucky to live in a
special place such as Charlottesville, so
culturally and socially rich, but also
including the special feeling that comes
with seeing a bald eagle or a bobcat. This
privilege depends on our ability to
continue to protect the green spaces on
the trail.
On the surface, this might seem
to create no harm. Indeed, it affects not
only their lives, but, most importantly, the
RIVANNA TRAILS FOUNDATION SPRING 2008
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News
The Boy Scouts improve several sections of the trail with bridges, footpaths
and new sections.
TRAIL
UPDATE: OUR
VOLUNTEERS
Thank you to the Boy Scouts!
In the woods of Western McIntire
Park, scouts have been busy building as well.
Kevin Zeithaml constructed a footbridge
connecting the back corner of the
Charlottesville High School track and
practice fields to the new trail in the woods.
This trailhead and gateway invites more
people to take the trail, and provides a safer
crossing of the small stream. In addition, the
Scouts built a footbridge in the middle of the
woods, near the CHS track trailhead, as well
as the steps that descend from the "big
bridge" over Meadow Creek down to the trail
system.
RTF and the City of Charlottesville
would like to thank local Eagle Scouts for
contributions to the trail system in the past 2
years. RTF members Mark Voorhees and
Steve Campbell provided assistance and
coordination for some of the projects.
water, just upstream of Holmes Ave. The
bridge was a big challenge, since it had to be 3
to 4 feet above the water. He built a beautiful
arched bridge spanning about 8 feet, which is
now a model for several similar locations.
At Meadowcreek Gardens, Nathan
Dunn and his troop constructed a kiosk that
will soon be home to a park and trail map. He
also removed invasive plants on the banks of
Meadow Creek, and built a rustic
footpath there as well. Eagle Scouts are also
working on plans to build a puncheon over a
boggy spot in the McIntire Park woods, and
add picnic tables and benches along the river
trail at Darden Towe Park. These should be
in place by late summer.
Eagle Scouts must demonstrate
leadership skills and create a permanent
structure for public use. RTF, the City, and the
Scouts work together to get material donated
or purchased for several projects. The Eagle
Scout candidate must coordinate labor,
materials, timing, permissions, and many
other aspects of a project. They spend many
weeks preparing and coordinating the
upcoming project. They also use the project to
introduce younger members to community
service and trail work.
Jake Schmitt and his Eagle Troop built
a bridge over a difficult location in high
At Charlottesville High School,
Brandon Miller and Troop 37 have constructed
a very solid staircase made of timbers and
gravel to connect the Rivanna Trail from
Melbourne.
Road over the railroad bridge and down to the
CHS baseball fields. These stairs have much
improved that steep section of the trail.
RIVANNA TRAILS FOUNDATION SPRING 2008
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