Walking Mountains Science Center is thrilled to announce they have formally adopted Buck Creek Trail in Avon. They are looking forward to getting boots on the ground to inspire the next generation of trail stewards. Their Science Center in Avon opened along Buck Creek in 2011 directly below the trail head and Walking Mountains staff have been working with Forest Service trail crews over the last 5 years to make gradual improvements in access and trail sustainability.

“Adopting a trail in our very own backyard makes sense on so many different levels,” said Peter Suneson, Outreach Coordinator at Walking Mountains. “Our staff are all trail users, our hiking programs take visitors on trails throughout the county, and part of our mission is to inspire environmental stewardship so taking ownership of Buck Creek is a perfect way to give back to our community.”

Walking Mountains plans to hold regularly scheduled volunteer days and staff service days throughout the summer that will improve the native ecology throughout the Buck Creek drainage as well trail accessibility and trail signage.

“We look forward to continuing and improving our longstanding relationship with the Forest Service and to be able to improve a local trail while

Walking Mountains' staff works with USFS trail crews to restore a portion of Buck Creel Trail.

Engaging our community with our mission of stewardship and environmental responsibility is an added bonus,” said Markian Feduschak, President of Walking Mountains Science Center.

The Adopt-a-Trail program in Eagle County was a brainchild between the Vail Valley Mountain Bike Association and the Eagle/ Holy Cross District of the US Forest Service. Through a GoFundMe campaign, the two organizations hired local trail enthusiasts to engage businesses and organizations to adopt and maintain a variety of local trails.

“It was great to see such a diverse group of individuals, businesses, and organizations lined up to take responsibility for the trails we use so often,” said Suneson of the lottery held at the Dusty Boot Tuesday night at Beaver Creek. “It’s always a lot of fun to get out and meet the other user groups and chat with those who believe in sustainability and service as much as we do.”

Check out their website at www.walkingmountains.org to learn more about to volunteer programs or to go a guided hike on one of the many newly adopted trails.