Much to Cheryl and the Land Trust Board’s delight, Gil Olsen, our administrative assistant, has taken charge of the Treks program. The Treks Through Time comprise the Land Trust’s largest fundraiser and one of its major avenues for public outreach and education.

As many of you know, the treks are designed to introduce Nevada County residents and others to the special natural wonders of our area. Assisting Gil in setting up these wonderful adventures for Land Trust members and others is a dedicated committee of seven individuals, including Susan Kane, Kristin Aguilar, Ellen Huebner, Marie Ellerby, Dennis Edwards, and Cathy Jones. The committee is still looking for someone to help with research and marketing. "Perks" include working with motivated and creative committee members, going on treks for free (space available), meeting knowledgeable experts in different fields, and learning more about the rich heritage of our area.

The committee is hard at work right now, brainstorming new treks and lining up repeat performances of old favorites for next year. The committee hopes to have the entire 1999 schedule complete by the end of this year, with brochures available in February so that you can plan ahead for the year.

In 1998, the Land Trust offered more than 50 different treks to 475 participants. Unfortunately, the Spring/Summer schedule suffered a number of postponements due to unusually cold and wet weather.

One such postponement was a hike along Doolittle Trail. That trek has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 12, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Well-known authors and photographers Hank Meals and Susan Lamela, who have a new and updated version of their popular Yuba Trails guidebook coming out soon, will lead the hike on the Doolittle Trail and Omega-Fall Creek Toll Road. Participants will climb the historic Doolittle Trail 2,000 feet to a segment of the Omega-Fall Creek Road where the views of the South Yuba Canyon and Monumental Ridge are spectacular!

Hank and Susan will draw attention to several beautiful 19th century rock retaining walls as well as prehistoric artifacts and other tidbits about the geology, history and anthropology of the area. This trail has likely been in use for thousands of years. The round trip hike will be 6 to 7 miles. Adults and children 15 years or older, in good physical condition, are welcome.