January 5, 2024

As we begin another year, I find myself reflecting on the journeys we have taken, the challenges we have overcome, and the paths we have forged these past 12 months. Some of these paths are the trails in Northern Utah and others are the connections to our community partners, landowners, volunteers and board, staff and all others involved in making the Trails Foundation of Northern Utah an important piece of the puzzle that enhances and preserves our trail system.

Trails are more than just a path - whether natural surface or paved. They connect us with nature and give us the opportunity to escape the crazy schedules that can take over our everyday lives. They offer a place for physical and mental well-being, providing an escape from the everyday dependence on technology. They offer us a place to see wildlife and possibly challenge us beyond what we think is possible.

Like most things in life, there are successes to celebrate and challenges to tackle. This year, TFNU organized the first Peak Challenge, encouraging more than 250 trail users of all ages and ability levels to visit each of the four main peaks in the Ogden area. Our annual Author Dinner fundraiser was a success and partnering with GOAL Foundation and Weber County Parks and Recreation, the second annual Northern Utah Trailfest continues to grow. These are all successes to be celebrated that ultimately benefit out trails. Funds raised are reinvested back into the future of our trails.

There are also challenges that must be faced as well to make these valuable paths a reality - it’s more than just a shovel, rock bars and strong backs. The planning process can take multiple years and includes working with our various partners - state, local, county, federal and private landowners so that the proper permits can be obtained. We also work with engineers in order to design the plans that will create sustainable trails and protect our precious mountains and its wildlife.

TFNU’s impact in Northern Utah is more than creating trails for the communities to enjoy. We focus also on education and accessibility for all. Throughout the year, we emphasize to our community to remember our unofficial motto ‘Be Nice. Say Hi’ and encourage good trail etiquette that allows for all trail users to have the opportunity to have a great experience while recreating. We are involved in conversations and work with partners to create trails that are accessible to everyone, no matter their modality. We look to our TFNU Members and those that attend our Trail Mixers to provide feedback on what we are involved in that they enjoy, what they would like to see, and how we can improve what we are doing all year.

TFNU has been established since 1995 (then Weber Pathways) and for 28 years, we have been advocating for our trails and trail users alike to maintain trails and build new ones. Our organization operates on grants and donations, we are not funded by any city, county, or other entity, which means that support from donors is incredibly valuable and not taken for granted. Approximately 25% of all annual giving to non-profit organizations happens in the last few months of the year, and into the first month of the next year.

As we enter into this new year, 2024, I ask that you consider making a donation to TFNU, knowing that our goal is to build trails that create a culture where all have places to walk, run and ride as they enjoy nature. Together, with your donation, we can continue to grown and to cultivate our trail community that will continue to provide opportunity for escapes from technology, places to provide physical and mental well-being, and challenge us in new ways. I would like to extend my heart felt gratitude to everyone that is able to make a contribution this year.

Hope to see you on the trails!