How $155,000 From an Anonymous Donor is Amplifying BETA’s Work

One of the biggest challenges for BETA in planning for trail seasons is knowing whether we will have enough funding on hand to hire trail building professionals – both as staff and contractors – and commit to the planning, landowner partnerships and day-to-day operations that go into every berm, turn, roller, and feature.

Last year, a $70,000 gift from an anonymous donor, combined with member support, grant funding and other public and private contributions, allowed us to commit to phase two of the trail work at East Branch Community Trails in Keene, invest in major trail improvements at Craigwood and Scott’s Cobble in Lake Placid, open the Jackrabbit reroute into the Sentinel Wilderness, begin construction of a new trail at Blueberry Hill in Elizabethtown, and more.

Without this major gift, the pace of the work would have been much slower, as in years instead of a single season. It also played a factor in enabling BETA to organize volunteer workdays that brought together well over a hundred volunteers who spent 2,170 hours clearing brush, tamping tread, moving materials, and lopping roots toward a greater good and collective sense of accomplishment.  

This year, the same donor was so pleased with our effectiveness in using the 2024 support that they are investing $85,000 in BETA. These gifts are a testament to the power of community. We thank every donor, member, and volunteer for enabling BETA to not just build trails, but to build community. A great big thanks to all! 

Pictures are from the July 20th, 2024 volunteer trail day at Blueberry Hill, one of many trail days supported by financial donors.