Trail Volunteer Spotlight: John Freeman
As Love Maine Trails Month post-event reports come rolling in, we wanted to start a series of trail volunteer spotlights and MTC member spotlights (see last blog) that tell the story of those that volunteer for trails. We want to give a glimpse of ways folks in Maine give back to trails.
This month we are featuring a Trail Volunteer, John Freeman, who happens to be member of the Carrabassett Valley New England Mt. Bike Association (NEMBA) Chapter (and so much more). NEMBA is a member of the Maine Trails Coalition. We just love hearing what their chapters are up to; now let’s learn about John!
Name: John Freeman
Where you live: Carrabassett Valley
Organization/affiliation: Carrabassett Valley Trails, Carrabassett Region NEMBA (CRNEMBA), Maine Huts and Trails, Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
What Trail Project are you currently working on or most involved with? Lots of different ones, but this time of season it is mostly trail maintenance on the local bike trails.
Favorite Trail Memory in Maine? 1973 helping relocate the Appalachian Trail over Crocker Mountain. That’s what got me started.
Why do you Love Maine Trails? I just love being out on the Trails in all seasons and meeting people , whether it’s biking, hiking, or skiing.
Why did you get involved in trail stewardship? As a regular trail user, I felt I needed to do my part. Most people don’t realize how much effort it takes to build and maintain any kind of trail.
Best tip for trail users or volunteers, or other closing thoughts? Get involved, it’s fun and a chance to give back to the community.
Now John is a really great example of someone living the trails life in Maine and giving back so much. Thank you John for everything you do and for sharing a bit about ‘why trails’ with us!
To learn more about how to get involved with CRNEMBA, you can connect with them by becoming a member, supporting them, sponsoring the club, volunteering, contacting them, or riding the trails and saying hi. They can’t do what they do without YOU!
