Geralyn Waters, Pisgah Area SORBA sawyer, removing a downed tree from the trail
By Emma Castleberry
Women have long played an essential role in building, maintaining and advocating for Western North Carolina’s trail systems. A new initiative from Pisgah Area SORBA (PAS) aims to make those contributions more visible while creating a clear pathway for the next generation of female trail leaders.
“There are so many incredible women across WNC putting in real work on our trails, leading crews, running chainsaws, designing sustainable trail systems, coaching other riders,” says Stacey Wiedrich, director of engagement for PAS. “PAS wanted to build something that does two things at once. It puts a spotlight on the women already doing this work, so their skill and dedication get the recognition they deserve, and it creates a real pathway, through events, mentorship and scholarship-funded training like our Trail Crew Leader course, for other women to follow in their footsteps.”
Supported by the Hunter Hometown Foundation and the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, the Women in Trail Leadership Program includes a free trail crew leadership training course, a public leadership panel highlighting women already shaping the region’s trails and a series of women’s trail workdays designed to build skills and community.
Applications for the Women’s Trail Crew Leader Training are open now and close on Wednesday, September 9. Selected participants will attend the scholarship training November 14–15 at the NC Arboretum, which is also a sponsor. The panel, sponsored by REI, took place in August. Jen Ramming, executive director and managing director of the Hunter Hometown Foundation, served as the moderator.
“By creating opportunities for more women to gain the confidence, technical skills and leadership experience to care for our trail systems, we’re helping ensure these public spaces remain healthy, welcoming and sustainable for generations to come,” Ramming says. “When more people see themselves as capable trail leaders, they become ambassadors for conservation, mentors for future volunteers and advocates for public lands.”
The initiative intentionally welcomes newcomers, emphasizing that previous trail experience is not required.
“No experience necessary, just curiosity and a willingness to play in the dirt,” says Wiedrich. “At the end of the day, we want every woman in this region to look at a trail crew, a sawyer certification, a leadership role and think ‘That’s for me, too.’”
As more women step into leadership positions, Wiedrich hopes trails become even more welcoming and representative of communities. “When women are in leadership roles on trail crews, that shows up in the decisions that get made, the way work days are run and who feels welcome,” she says. “And when women see other women out there running a chainsaw, leading a work day or teaching a skills clinic, it opens up a door in their mind that maybe wasn’t open before.”
Learn more at PisgahAreaSORBA.org/about-2.
