Building on almost two decades of trail management, Stowe Trails Partnership continues to establish our legacy as the stewards and advocates for trails in our community. Through these efforts, STP aspires to increase access to Stowe’s natural beauty, and by extension, the incredible benefits that outdoor recreation provides to our residents and visitors. 

STP’s work focuses on enhancing and improving Stowe’s multi-use trails for the benefit of our community. In broader terms, we exist to connect our members, neighbors, and visitors to our local dirt. Connecting to the dirt may seem like an insignificant goal, but studies have shown that getting dirty and being outside may make you happier and reduce stress. Additionally, research points to the stress-relieving properties of merely spending time in nature by lowering cortisol levels. Inevitably, the result of embarking on a bike ride, hike, walk or run on dirt will yield positive health results. 

Today, increased access to dirt and outdoor spaces is more critical than ever, as more people are connecting to and seeking solace through nature. As we move through 2021, we believe that the lessons learned in 2020 will echo for years to come, including the importance and value of outdoor access for anyone and everyone. STP has been working to break down any barriers to entry for new and returning outdoor recreators and improve our network, so it is accessible to all. One of our initiatives is partnering with Vermont Adaptive to create Stowe’s first naturally-surfaced adaptive trail, located in Cady Hill Forest. 

In 2020, close to 3,000 hours of maintenance and work were completed by our trail crew and community volunteers. STP also spent over $82,800 on trail enhancements for the benefit of all our trail users. We are hosting our first full-time AmeriCorps member to provide in-person outreach and engagement with those who use our trails. And we are working diligently to find a location to build a family-friendly mountain bike skills area, so the next generation will have a place to hone their skills.

As ambassadors and champions of some of Stowe’s most valuable natural assets, it is crucial that STP continue to expand the reach of our work in the years to come, especially as we seek to keep pace with the increased and growing demand for our multi-use trails. We are thrilled to steward the trails that so many new and old faces use to connect with dirt and the natural world, and we invite all our trail users to join us as a member or business supporter in 2021. By supporting Stowe Trails Partnership, you help ensure that we can maintain and grow our world-class network of trails – a resource that continues to add to the health, vitality, and economic vibrancy in our community. Contributions from our community are essential to helping us reach our goal of enhancing and improving our trails for the benefit of all. 

With your support, STP will continue to steward our trails and give us the ability to welcome users of all backgrounds to find solace and connection to the dirt this year. We look forward to seeing you on the trails in 2021.