Seven years ago, with a vision of establishing a non-motorized trail from Grants Pass to Jacksonville, David Calahan started the Applegate Trails Association. Working with a board of dedicated volunteers, ATA has already accomplished much.
Most notably, of course, we have successfully built and opened the East ART, the first part of the proposed Applegate Ridge Trail. This spectacular trail has already become one of the most popular in the Applegate, and for good reason. What views! What flowers! What good walking! School children, garden clubs, mountain bikers, horse-back riders, scientists, and other groups, in addition to plain old hikers, use the trail for exercise, pleasure, inspiration, social get-togethers, and something like worship, which is what happens to me when I‘m on the trail. I also see young people in twos, so I think maybe walking the East ART makes a good date, too.
During these seven years, ATA has also been foremost in maintaining the trails at Cantrall Buckley Park. What used to be entangled paths are now easily walkable trails. ATA is proud to have enhanced our community park in this way and to be a part of citizen involvement in preserving a place so dear to the hearts of Applegate residents. Now that the county has resumed management of the park, we hope to continue a cooperative arrangement that will keep the trails in good condition.
As ATA planned and dreamed of the Applegate Ridge Trail, two board members, Josh Weber and Luke Ruediger, decided to walk the planned route of both the ART and the proposed Jack-Ash Trail (from Ashland to Jacksonville). It was a rigorous and beautiful hike as they navigated their way across the hills and over mountains, figuring out the best way to get around private land, camping where day’s end left them. Filmmaker Tim Lewis, of Picture Eugene, made a documentary of the hike, Walking the Wild Applegate, which became a primary feature of our fundraising and promotion.
During these seven years we have worked with wonderful volunteers. As we move forward with the next phase, the Center ART and North ART, we heartily thank the Medford District BLM and the many people who have contributed money, time, and physical labor to make our fundraisers a success, to build trails, to keep established trails in good shape, and to make our dream a reality. We depend on the enthusiasm and help of everyone who loves trails. If you are one, go to our website (applegatetrails.org) to donate to ATA or contact a board member.
We have also led many hikes during these seven years, introducing large numbers of people to some of the many beautiful trails in the Applegate. This summer, board member Mike Kohn will lead a hike on the Enchanted Forest Trail on July 15, and I will lead a hike up Mt. Elijah on August 4. For either hike, meet at the Applegate Store at 9:00am. Bring water and lunch, wear good hiking shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather (remembering that you’ll be climbing in altitude).
We love to hike! Join us, for a hike or for trail maintenance, to contribute money or labor, or to express your enthusiasm for our vision of a trail from Grants Pass to Jacksonville for non-motorized recreation. Seven years and moving forward!
Featured image is back row: Josh Weber, Diana Coogle, Luke Ruediger, front row: Mike Kohn, David Calahan