LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 31 That's like asking which of my dogs is my favorite! Seriously though, I get excited about trails based on their potential to better serve the com- munity. Can a project bring new trail users and families into the outdoors? Does a new bike trail fill a gap that previously prevented people from progressing their skills? Does it con- nect communities together and allow people to get outdoors with friends in the winter? This isn't about building trails just for the sake of adding mileage. It's about thoughtfully planning and designing them to achieve a purpose. That's our true mission: to serve and enhance our community. I'm so glad you said that. People usually think of BETA's mission as squarely focused on trail building. You told me recently you see us as a community organization first and foremost. I'd love for you to share more about that. We don't build trails just to create ribbons of dirt through the forest. It isn't trails, for trails' sake. We do it because of the experiences that trails offer people. The time to walk or ski or bike alone quietly with your- self. Or to share the day outdoors with great friends, old and new. Or to challenge ourselves, growing in our strength and confidence. Trails are essential to BETA because trails enrich people's lives, and BETA exists to provide this to the community of the Adirondacks. You and I were walking through a future trail network, and I men- tioned creating a sense of own- ership with our volunteers. You stopped me and said I was missing the mark. I'd love for you to share your thoughts on stewardship over ownership. That's a great question. The distinc- tion in my thinking evolved as I saw some harmful effects that can come from instilling a sense of ownership over trails. When people feel they own something, they tend to have a short-term focus and act without regard for others. As stewards, it's our responsibility to consider others and maintain the resource for the future. It's a subtle distinction, but it profoundly impacts how we view our role. When we build a trail, we are seeking to enhance the greater good. We take on the responsibility and stewardship of this new feature on the land for all users, current and future. We all win together with this mindset. By considering the larger picture, we end up with a broad variety of trails that satisfy the entire spec- trum of experiences our community seeks. One of the things I love about living here is the impossibility of boredom. Where will you be found when you're not working? I'm happiest when outdoors, some- times solo and more often with my wife and dogs. We have two golden retrievers and enjoy sharing adven- tures with them. We love hiking, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, climbing rock and ice, and peak bagging off- trail. I genuinely love my work, so no doubt my mind will be churning on how BETA can better serve our community. * * * In every conversation I have with Glenn, his enthusiasm for living and working in the Adirondacks is infectious. He truly appreciates the welcoming and tight-knit com- munity here, a reflection of the uniqueness of this place. The future looks bright, and the Adirondack community can anticipate exciting developments and enhancements to their outdoor experiences in the coming years! Above: Glenn Glover joins fellow volunteers for a BE TA-organized Trail Work Day along the Jackrabbit Trail (top), and skiers enjoying the maintenance (bot tom). Photo credit: Nancie Bat taglia

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