We are an all-volunteer organization. Things don’t happen if people don’t volunteer to help make them happen. Let’s get going!

As we climb out of COVID restrictions on group activities, what would you like to do with the club? Hike? Help with a little trail work? Learn more about rare plants on the AT? Other?

The MRATC Steering Committee would like to hear from you.

If you have a suggestion for a hike, or if you want more information on trail work to see if you feel you can help once in a while, send an email to the general club email box: mtrogersatc@gmail.com, or phone a Board member on the contact list you received with your spring newsletter in March.

NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Spring in the mountains has brought a flurry of activity to the Natural Resources Committee. We had our first outing from Elk Garden to Buzzard Rock on May 13th with four members. We covered rare plant monitoring procedures, identified plants, and turned in a few reports.

The Committee has done a lot of work researching and organizing the history of reporting on the rare plants of the Whitetop area. We have another hike coming up soon between Buzzard Rock and 601. After that we’ll turn our sights to the Mt. Rogers area. These areas are our two “sky islands” where unique flora and fauna occur.

Special thanks go out to those who have been helping with phenology and rare plant reports. Anne Maio has been busy as usual with the phenology of dogwoods and a report on mock orange when it blooms around this time every year. Felicia Mitchell is monitoring great Indian plantain at Elk Garden, watching for the effects of the accidental mowing last year. Hopefully, the new signs will prevent further damage. Felicia is also monitoring a very healthy population across from Whitetop Mountain Road. And either Sharon Trumbley or Jim Warden is doing a monthly check on the phenology of trees and plants south of Elk Garden and will monitor Gray’s lily soon.

Several members have expressed an interest in helping out. Please join us. Send an email to Carol mtrogersatc@gmail.com

DAMASCUS TRAIL CENTER

It’s official! The Town of Damascus has completed construction of the Damascus Trail Center (DTC). On Thursday, May 13th the town handed the keys to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) to begin furnishing and outfitting the interior of the first purpose built center. Over the summer, staff will develop a landscaping plan that includes long term strategies for outdoor activation, design and build out the retail operations, and launch an exhibits plan that highlights the centers interpretative themes and mission – DTC Mission: Empower visitors, volunteers, local businesses, and the regional economy by connecting people to the region’s outdoor resources. Educate visitors and volunteers through exhibits, interpretation, and programming. Protect the A.T. Landscape by being a hub to learn about environmental stewardship.

The ATC plans to soft open the Center this summer once the retail space, visitor services and information desk, donor recognition wall, and Mount Rogers High Country Relief Map are in place. During the soft opening phase the Center will be staffed by two ATC Employees and Volunteers. Volunteers are the soul of the Appalachian Trail and it’s the ATC goal to empower Volunteers to be leaders in the Center. If you are interested in volunteering at the DTC please contact Emily Mayo – emayo@appalachiantrail.org .

What to expect during the soft opening phase?

ATC staff will train and recruit volunteers to assist with answering inquiries for regional recreation opportunities, carryout transaction for membership and retail purchases, and provide visitors with information for the surrounding region. The Center is a regional recreation center - exhibits, brochures, and future programming will reflect that. The Center will promote the ATC, A.T., and other nearby conservation and recreation assets such as the Virginia Creeper Trail, Overmountain Victory Trail, and surrounding public lands. Visitors can expect to find information on the Mount Rogers High Country, local fishing, watersports, biking, hiking, and visitor services such as outfitters, guides, lodging, and restaurants.

Aside from information and interpretation, The Center will have limited retail operations. The Center is intended to promote the region and inspire visitors to experience and support the local recreation economy. With that goal in mind, the Center will sell DTC specific merchandise such as a t-shirt, patch, and minor ATC souvenirs, and offer an Artisan Spotlight Exhibit. The Artisan Spotlight will rotate every 3 months and be accompanied by a social media promotion. Each artisan featured will be someone who pulls inspiration from the Appalachian Trail. Additionally, in the soft opening phase, staff and the local advisory team will continue work with a nationally known contractor to design exhibits, develop a plan and activation strategy for the hands-on-training facility located in the “garage”, and confirm a long term landscaping and activation plan.

 Photo of new Damascus Trail Center

Relief map of the Mt. Rogers high country, designed by 106 Group and manufactured and hand painted by Blue Rhino Studio.