The Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club

Help Wanted:  ODATC Section Maintainers and Section Maintainer Floaters

ODATC Section Maintainers are an elite group of individuals who have adopted a section of the AT or blue blaze trail between Rockfish Gap and Reeds Gap.  Being a section maintainer is an important and satisfying way of contributing personal time and effort in helping maintain and protect our wonderful trail resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations.  ODATC is looking for volunteers to help fill section maintainer vacancies or to be a section maintainer floater.  A floater would not have an assigned section but would be willing to go up and help the section maintainers.  Floaters would be added to the section maintainer email list to be made aware of maintenance opportunities.  If interested in any of these positions, please contact Lori Ando at lla040322@gmail.com.  

Discover Urban Wildlife in the James River Park System on May 31

You are invited to a photography show inspired by the animals that have been documented in the James River Park System in Richmond for the website, Science in the Park (exploring the park's biodiversity, one animal at a time: http://jamesriverpark.org/science-in-the-park/animals.php).

Last year local photographer, Alyssa Salomon, used images from the game camera project, and re-interpreted them as Vandyke Brown prints, an archival darkroom printing process from the 1800s. This collaboration gave Alyssa a year long Artist in Residency for the VCU Rice Rivers Center, culminating in her current show at Candela gallery in downtown Richmond.  Come to a special reception to see the show and hear a talk, Urban Wildlife in the James River Park System by VCU's Assistant Professor of Biology, Anne Wright. The animals that live so close to us are fascinating.

Candela is a beautiful space and a premier supporter of RVAs photographic community and beyond, so if you haven't been there, it will be a treat (https://candelabooks.com/).  RSVP by May 23 to Lynne McCarthy at lcmcarthy@vcu.edu

Wilderness First Aid Course Opportunity for ODATC Members

Any chance of hiker injury when crossing a stream, using trail or cabin maintenance tools, encountering a timber rattlesnake or bees, hiking on slippery-wet autumn leaves or icy trails, or driving around a hidden curve in the mountains?  What other scenarios can you imagine?  Unlikely perhaps, but is it wise to learn wilderness first aid just in case, for any time/place when help is not immediately available?  Benjamin Franklin aptly noted, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."  Learn how to help yourself and fellow hikers / maintainers by attending the MEDIC SOLO Wilderness First Aid certification course, brought to you by PATC Member Matt Rosefsky.  No prerequisites.  For adults and youths ages 12+.  Know your loves ones are safe wherever they are.  ODATC will receive 10% of course proceeds.

> Logistics info:  June 3 - 4, 8:30am - 6:45pm each day both days (2-day course), at Richmond Hostel, 7 North 2nd Street, Richmond, VA 

> Please share with your friends and colleagues, as the more folks who sign up, the bigger the donation to ODATC.

> Spaces Limited; register online at www.solowfa.com

> Questions?  See more info at www.solowfa.com or call Matt at 434-465-8733.