CATS Welcomes New Summer Interns

CATS 2015 interns — CATS 2015 summer interns: Theo Bakewell & James Gilmore

We are happy to announce that Theo Bakewell (pictured on the right) and James Gilmore (left) are working with CATS as summer interns. Both Connecticut College seniors began this month and have been working diligently with CATS staff and volunteers to maintain trails, learn about land conservation, and understand the workings of a nonprofit organization. And, they have some great ideas!

James came into the office one day and said, “Wouldn’t it be cool if people could go to your website and actually see what it’s like to hike some of the trails? Theo and I have could use our “Go-Pro” camera and show people how great the trails really are.” And so, as they are out hiking and working on the trails, they are also filming so you can “hike the trail” before you actually hike the trail. Once they are done, you will be able to see the terrain and enjoy the fabulous views of some of the CATS trails by going to our website!

Theo, who grew up in England but spent his summers in Westport, wanted to go to an American university and chose to come to the northeast. He is majoring in environmental studies and is considering graduate school as preparation for his career. James grew up near San Francisco and came to the area to experience another part of the country. He is majoring in economics and sociology and plays on the school’s soccer team. After graduation, he plans to complete a year-long internship in finance before going to graduate school.

Both young men have been working hard this summer. In addition to their special “Go-Pro” project, they are making bridges on the Black Kettle and Hidden Quarry Trails, keeping the trails cleaned up and cut back, mowing the grass on some trails, and representing CATS at public events. Thank you James and Theo!

Matching Grant Progress

Almost there! Thanks to all of you who have been helping us raise the required “match” to the grant we received to hire our new Stewardship Coordinator Bill Amadon. We are $3,565 from our goal! YOU can help us get there by making your contribution today. Please click here, and select NYSCPP 2015 Grant Match from the dropdown menu at the top of the page asking where you would like to direct your donation.

Chris Maron
CATS Executive Director

CATS’ First Summer Intern (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Hike the Lake? (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Moonlight Hike Fun (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

About Champlain Area Trails (CATS)

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is a non-profit organization, begun in 2009, which creates and maintains hiking and cross-country ski trails in the Champlain Valley that link communities, connect people with nature, and promote economic vitality. In its short history, CATS has developed 35 miles of trails that when added to existing trails, gets it half-way toward the long-envisioned goal of a 30-mile trail loop between Westport and Essex. CATS will extend its trails to neighboring towns and eventually connect them to trails in the Adirondack Mountains, Vermont, and Quebec. Learn more on the CATS website.