<![CDATA[BARKEATER TRAILS ALLIANCE

<![CDATA[BARKEATER TRAILS ALLIANCE - Blog]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:34:29 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[BETA's 2026 Tool Drive Fundraiser Launches]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.betatrails.org/blog/betas-2026-tool-drive-fundraiser-launchesUPDATE: Folks who donate $100 or more can claim a free, limited edition t-shirt after the fundraiser concludes on May 8th. We're excited to share these with you. More details to come.

It's time for us to retire some of our most well-worn tools, grow our tool inventory, and add a few new items to the mix. The biggest acquisition is a tracked material hauler (AKA mechanized wheel barrow) for faster, less painful, and less dangerous hauling for years to come. We're also planning to order new hand tools, battery tools, chainsaw and personal protective equipment, and leaf blower. The curious can find a bit more information later in this blogpost.

From now until May 8th, we're fundraising for these exciting tools.

DONATE TODAY

Did You Know: The work done on Bob's Bridge (pictured below), the longest bridge built as part of the new Jackrabbit Ski Trail section at the Keene trailhead, was built entirely with personal tools? Power drills, saws, personal protective equipment (PPE), and more were lent by our dedicated and skilled trail crew. While their tool donation was incredibly generous, it is not sustainable nor fair.

We owe it to our staff, our volunteers, and our community to invest in tools that we own and can count on, but quality tools cost a pretty penny. We are prepared to invest in tools for the good of our community -- please help us make this much needed tool inventory update by donating to this fundraiser by May 8th.

Some of the many people -- staff, volunteers, and community members -- who will benefit from BETA's tool inventory update. Left: the ribbon cutting party at Bob's Bridge in early 2026. Center: Dusty (Trails Coordinator), Scott (Trail Crew), and Rekker (moral support) at the end of the 2025 trail season. Right: a youth-focused volunteer trail work party at Mt. Pisgah, Saranac Lake in 2025. Adult leadership includes Chris (Volunteer Coordinator), Karen, Molly, and Ezra.

What Are We Getting?
The tools we're planning to purchase include:

Hand Tools -- These are the meat and potatoes of trail work, so we are replacing broken tools and expanding our hand tool inventory. Staff and volunteers alike use them just about every single day of trail work for the widest range of tasks. We're specifically interested in acquiring loppers, hand saws, pole saws, Pulaskis, rogue hoes, and rakes.

Battery Tools -- In the past, we have borrowed these tools from our staff and volunteers' personal inventories, but that is not fair to them. We're excited to add a battery-powered reciprocating saw and circular saw to BETA's inventory.

Leaf Blower -- Clearing leaves is an important but time-consuming task for us. Using an efficient, lightweight leaf blower is the quickest and least painful way to get the job done.

Chainsaw -- Over the years, we've been lucky enough that folks have donated their chainsaws to our cause. We are ready to invest in our very own saw, one we've chosen specifically for our needs.

Chainsaw Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) -- Can't run a chainsaw without personal protective equipment(PPE)! BETA-owned chainsaw chaps and helmet, here we come.

YARDMAX Hauler -- This is the tool purchase that we're the most excited about (indicated by it's central focus in the banner above). This mechanized wheel barrow will seriously upgrade the process of hauling building materials like sand, gravel, and soil. Back-breaking bucket hauling or precarious wheel barrow maneuvering will be replaced with a mechanized hauler with treads. Faster, less painful, and less dangerous hauling is in our future. Shoutout to Dusty's back for roughing it for so long; cheers to a lighter load soon!

I CAN HELP

]]><![CDATA[Funding Boost for Mt. Pisgah and East Branch Community Trails]]>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.betatrails.org/blog/funding-boost-for-mt-pisgah-and-east-branch-community-trailsWe are so excited to announce that the NYS DEC Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Program has awarded a combined $225k to mountain biking trail projects at Mount Pisgah and East Branch Community Trails in Saranac Lake and Keene, respectively.

The $125k awarded to St. Armand will go towards modernizing and expanding the Mount Pisgah Trail System. This funding will make it possible to implement the 2025 Summer Trails Enhancement and Master Plan which aims to improve sustainability, enhance the user experience, and boost the local economy through mountain bike tourism. To the folks who poured countless hours into building the original trails at Mt. Pisgah, thank you for that incredible work. You created something special, lasting, and impactful in Saranac Lake. Now, some 15+ years later, we're updating those trails and adding beginner-friendly routes to the mountain so they can keep serving our community. We'd like to give a special thank you to local advocates Karen Miemis, Kris Miemis, Ezra Schwartzberg, and Chris Gosling for your tremendous work on crafting a successful grant application for this project.

The $100k awarded to Barkeater Trails Alliance will go towards the final phase of construction at East Branch Community Trails (EBCT) in Keene. After years of community-led advocacy, planning, and trail work, the final phase of construction at EBCT is within reach. We'll build about one mile of new trail, expand the parking lot, and restore the pavillion. This trail network is such a gem in our region and we are so excited to tie a bow on it. Of course, we'll still work at EBCT as needed -- those berms don't maintain themselves!

We owe a huge thank you to each of our partners at the NYS DEC, Town of Keene, Town of St. Armand, and Village of Saranac Lake. With a total of $225k from the NYS Environmental Protection Fund, Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Program and $80k in matching funds, more than $305k is being invested into biking trails in our region. Looking forward to working on these projects in the seasons to come.

Group photo (including Ezra, Chris, and Karen) from the Saranac Lake Innovative Cycling Kids' volunteer work party at Mt. Pisgah in the summer of 2025.

]]><![CDATA[BETA celebrates completion of Jackrabbit Ski Trail Keene trailhead]]>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:34:04 GMThttps://www.betatrails.org/blog/beta-celebrates-completion-of-jackrabbit-ski-trail-keene-trailhead

We are so excited to announce the official opening of the new Keene trailhead for the Jackrabbit Ski Trail, marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday, February 22nd.

This ceremony was a small event out of respect for Bob Harris and his family, but it was no small number of folks who made this project a reality.

We'd like to extend our deepest gratitude to Bob Harris. “This project was made possible almost entirely through the (financial) generosity of Bob Harris,” said Glenn Glover, executive director of BETA. “A long time outdoorsman who cared deeply about this region and about securing permanent public access to the Jackrabbit Trail, Bob passed away last fall before seeing this project completed -- but his gift made the trailhead, bridges, and long-term access, which we will enjoy for a long time, possible.”

We honor his legacy with the dedication of Bob's Bridge, the 66' bridge over Nichol's Brook nearest to the trailhead. After the ribbon cutting, Glenn installed an honorary plaque at the trailhead kiosk so others may learn of Bob, his generosity, and his values.

We'd also like to thank Joe Pete Wilson and Theresa Cheetham-Palen, town supervisor and council member of Keene; Assemblyman Michael Cashman; North Elba's supervisor Richard Preston; NYS DEC; ROOST, and specifically Adam DeSantis; Bob Harris' children Kyle and Sarah for their continued support of this project and for being with us at the ribbon cutting; the trail crew who worked tirelessly for months to bring it over the finish line; the supporters who have been with us since the trail’s beginning 40 years ago; and the many hundreds of BETA members who love and steward this trail for today and tomorrow.

The Jackrabbit Ski Trail is a unique and precious resource. It is your dedication, care, and goodwill that has not only established this trail but maintained and updated it throughout the years. We humbly serve the trail as stewards and advocates; the trail serves us as a means of connection to nature, to ourselves, and to one another.

We hope you get out on the trail soon and see for yourself why the Jackrabbit is so near and dear to so many. See you out there.

This story was also featured in Adirondack Explorer in an article skillfully written by Tim Rowlands. Thank you Tim for such a great piece about this project, the people involved, and the ceremony to celebrate it all.

]]><![CDATA[The End of Our 2026 Year-End Campaign]]>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.betatrails.org/blog/the-end-of-our-2026-year-end-campaignWhen we launched our Year-End Campaign in mid-November, we trusted that supporters would respond. What stunned us was how quickly and generously people stepped up. Thanks to this incredible community, we unlocked the full $20,000 match by mid-December, weeks earlier than anticipated. But you didn’t stop there.

All told, BETA raised more than $29,000 in community donations, for a total of over $49,000 with the match. That is remarkable – our biggest fundraiser ever!

This gives us a strong foundation for 2026 and allows us to keep investing in the trails. Trails that link us from place to place and person to person, that dare us to challenge ourselves, that invite us to connect with nature. Trails that bring our community together.

Because of your support, we look to 2026 with excitement and momentum. Thank you for making this amazing moment happen.

]]><![CDATA[Trail Towns; Our Towns]]>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:38:05 GMThttps://www.betatrails.org/blog/december-18th-2025Where does your mind go when you hear the phrase “trail town”?

Places like Bentonville, Asheville, Park City and Jackson are often cited as big trail towns across the country. We think great trail towns are much closer. They’re the towns we call home, right here in the Adirondacks.

Think about what makes them special.

To us, it’s clear—the people make our towns what they are. It’s the shared passion for finding peace, challenge, and friendship on the trails that meander through each town. It’s the dedication to steward these trails with our time and labor. And it’s the support we show one another in times of need and celebration.

These elements weave together to create a network of committed people supporting the wild places that brought many of us here in the first place. Organizations like the Barkeater Trails Alliance are a reflection of the people who make trail towns special, and of our collective commitment to trails that get us outside and together as a community.

As we enter our 40th year of advocating for, building, and stewarding trails that connect us, we encourage you to consider making a year-end donation to support this work.

Join the 135+ people who have already given this season. Help us build trails and create community in 2026.

You may have seen the incredible news: together, our community met our goal of raising $20,000 in community donations to unlock the full $20,000 matching donation from a generous anonymous donor. That’s a powerful reminder of what this community can do together!

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. If you were hoping to make a donation this year, you can still be a part of this moment. Every donation supports our work to build and care for trails and strengthen the community.

]]><![CDATA[Crew Dogs Love the Trails, Too]]>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.betatrails.org/blog/crew-dogs-love-the-trails-tooWe all know trails are special to people; did you know that they’re also special to dogs? We’re excited to share a story about the well-behaved dogs who work alongside us on the trail.

Of course we can't claim to be dog mind readers so we’re just making an educated guess, but between their dance of anticipation at the doorway, their alert eyes at the trailhead, and their wagging tails in the woods, we think it’s safe to assume the trails are just as special to dogs as they are to you and me.

We’d like to introduce you to some unofficial crew dogs of BETA who’ve “helped” with many of our projects:

Rekker

Dusty Grant’s four-legged coworker.

Skilled at providing emotional support to trail crew and volunteers (very helpful on hot, buggy days). Keen sense of where to find the coolest, freshest dirt pile to snooze in.

He's pictured here scanning the area for his next nap spot.

Spud

Luke Peduzzi’s (Peduzzi Trails, LLC) canine companion.

His favorite trail snack is whatever Luke is eating for lunch. Spud loves sunny summer days on a freshly-built trail.

Here he's pictured helping Luke on a new build.

Stuart (Stewie)
Glenn Glover’s elder dog.

Known for being patient, measured, and relaxed. Has explored lots of different trails with Glenn in lots of different places; he likes the steady inclines of switchbacks best of all.

Here he's helping Glenn put up signage at East Branch Community Trails last fall.

Each dog has their own outdoorsy style -- taking it slow and steady; zipping after good smells; or finding a comfy spot to take a nap -- but they still have a lot in common, just like us.

We all love the special way trails connect us to nature, to one another, and to ourselves. And we know that dogs, like people, need to be well behaved so that everyone has a great trail experience.

There is one difference that stands out between dogs and people: dogs can’t donate to support the trails, but people can.

Thanks to the gift of an anonymous donor, all community donations through December 31 will be matched. That means your $50 becomes $100. Your $100 becomes $200. Your gift funds trail projects that will put Spud, Stewie, and Rekker to work.

Thank you for being part of this community.
And thank you for helping write the next chapter.

Help us meet our goal of raising $40,000 for BETA's 40th year -- donate today to double your impact.

]]><![CDATA[Creature Feature -- Ermine at Three Sisters]]>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:02:48 GMThttps://www.betatrails.org/blog/creature-feature-ermine-at-three-sistersCreatures of all sorts benefit from BETA's work.

While out on a trail visit to Adirondack Land Trust's Three Sisters Preserve in late November, our group spotted this gorgeous ermine, photographed by the ALT's Stewardship Manager Derek Rogers. These feisty predators are pretty sneaky; seeing them is a rare and coveted experience.

This special woodland resident was a great reminder that the land preserved for recreation provides services even beyond the valuable gift of fun trails. They offer a home to wildlife, and they offer us a chance to witness that wildlife.

Fleeting moments of awe in the woods are made possible by land preservation and outdoor recreation.

Thank you to the Adirondack Land Trust for working with us to manage trails at Three Sisters Preserve. Thank you Derek for capturing this incredible little guy and sharing your photos with us. Thank you to this little guy for letting us peek into the wild lives of woodland critters.

PC: Derek Rogers/Adirondack Land Trust

]]><![CDATA[The Jackrabbit Trail -- Epic & Timeless]]>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:19:46 GMThttps://www.betatrails.org/blog/the-jackrabbit-trail-epic-timelessAs part of our End-of-Year Campaign, we’re sharing stories that capture what makes this community — and these trails — so special. Today, we’re excited to share a story of a trail many of us know by heart: the Jackrabbit Trail.

“We got as far as a cellar hole…and now BETA has built a veritable mansion of trails on that foundation.”

That’s what Tony Goodwin — one of the founders of the Adirondack Ski Touring Council (BETA’s founding organization) — said recently, drawing special attention to recent improvements to the Jackrabbit. When he first envisioned the trail nearly four decades ago, it was a humble idea held together by volunteers, hand tools, and a deep love of skiing.

But what Tony is most proud of is not what he built — it’s what you and this community have continued to build.

Tony Goodwin scouting the Mountain Lane reroute. Photo taken by Josh Wilson in the summer of 2020.

In the last year, because of Jackrabbit supporters like you, BETA created:

A new bypass on Mountain Lane, giving skiers a safer, more wooded experience
A fresh reroute at Scott’s Cobble, which Josh Wilson called “the biggest improvement to the Jackrabbit in at least a decade”
A brand-new parking area and 64-foot bridge (pictured, right) at the Keene end near Rock and River, opening access while giving the landowners a well-earned reprieve

These projects weren’t just trail work — they were community work.

“What a great feeling — to build something we’ll all get to share.”

That’s what Brooks Reynolds (below, second from the right) said about a volunteer work party sponsored by the Reynolds Group of Lake Placid. As a family of avid mountain bikers and skiers, the Reynolds use BETA trails often and they’re sure to visit the Jackrabbit this season.

People of all ages came out. They cleared brush, carried lumber, shared food in the chilly fall sun, and left knowing they had built something lasting.

Moments like this are why the Jackrabbit matters. It isn’t just a trail. It’s generations of people — founders, landowners, builders, volunteers, skiers, kids, elders — choosing to care for something bigger than themselves.

And now we are asking you to help carry that legacy into the future.

A generous donor is matching every community gift made through December 31st — up to $20,000 — to celebrate BETA’s 40th year. That means: Your $50 becomes $100. Your $100 becomes $200. Your gift builds the next decade of Jackrabbit stories.

With winter around the corner, we hope you get out on the Jackrabbit — whether for a quiet out-and-back or the whole 40-mile epic. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll see you out there… following in the tracks of legends like Jackrabbit Johannsen. As Jackrabbit himself famously said, “Ski, ski, ski!”

Thank you for being part of this community.
And thank you for helping write the next chapter.

]]><![CDATA[End of the Year Campaign]]>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:40:37 GMThttps://www.betatrails.org/blog/end-of-the-year-campaign

DOUBLE MY DONATION

A generous anonymous donor has pledged to match up to $20,000 in community donations made the Barkeater Trails Alliance until the end of 2025. Together we can raise $40,000 for trails and community programming in 2026!

Your donation does more than build and maintain trails; it builds lifelines to a like-minded and supportive community. We are a member-supported, volunteer-driven, human-powered trail building and stewardship organization. We’re not just skis and pedals - we are riders, runners, walkers, builders, advocates, skiers, parents, stewards, and friends. We wear skinny skis, fat skis, snowshoes and hiking boots and we wholeheartedly believe all bikes (old, blue, squeaky & new) are good bikes.

This matching opportunity is available for a limited time only. Together, we can ensure that our trails continue to be a source of joy and connection for future generations of adventurers. Donate now to double your impact.

DONATE NOW

]]><![CDATA[Volunteer Efforts of 2025]]>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:19:33 GMThttps://www.betatrails.org/blog/volunteer-efforts-of-2025

PROJECTS
As part of our stewardship initiative, we hosted 11 volunteer trail work days across the region.

Some of our biggest volunteer efforts were those working on the…

New trail, Deerleg, at Blueberry Hill, Elizabethtown
Back Nine reroute at Craig Wood, Lake Placid
Restoration at Hardy Road, Wilmington
Mountain Lane reroute of the Jackrabbit Trail, Lake Placid
Maintaining popular trails at Dewey Mountain, Saranac Lake
Construction of the Skills Loop at East Branch Community Trails, Keene

Group photo from the youth work day at Mount Pisgah, Saranac Lake

Group photo from a work party at Blueberry Hill, Elizabethtown that tackled portions of Deerleg

THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS!
In addition to the baseline satisfaction of volunteer work days, this year we’ve had the special pleasure of welcoming a lot of new faces into the volunteer ranks. We’ve seen a big increase in logged volunteer hours over previous years, too. Thank you so much to each and every one of you for donating your time and energy to the trails; your hard work is much appreciated by us at BETA and surely by every rider, skier, hiker, or runner who enjoys the trails.

If you’ve supported BETA’s work by volunteering in any way this season, please log your hours here: bit.yl/LogHours4BETA. Doing so helps us track volunteer efforts and apply for more grant funding for trails (DYK: volunteer labor is valued at $38+ per hour!)

Log My Volunteer Hours

THANK YOU, SPONSORS!
In addition to volunteers, we’d like to thank the businesses who sponsored work parties this season: Silver Birch Cycles, Bike ADK, The Reynolds Group, Placid Planet Bicycles, and Origin Coffee. If you’re business is interested in sponsoring a work party next year, please contact megan@betatrails.org

THANK YOU, CHRIS!
Finally, we’d like to thank Chris Gosling for his service as our Volunteer Stewardship Coordinator over the summer. Your efforts to connect volunteers with trail work opportunities and provide fun and rewarding experiences for everyone was greatly appreciated. We’re sure to see you on the trail sometime soon!

Chris, center, giving an orientation at the beginning f a work party at Dewey, Saranac Lake. PC: Karen Miemis

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