As another trail season comes to a close, we pause to reflect on the powerful moments, meaningful conversations, and small acts of stewardship that defined the work of our Trail Ambassadors this summer.
Our Trail Ambassador program continued to flourish with the help of Melanie Morone and Emily Carney, both returning to VVMTA for their second summer. We were lucky to have them and knew that they would help support education initiatives, provide additional stewardship, and improve user experience at trailheads throughout the summer.
Below, we share highlights and insights from a season spent on the ground — in boots, with wag bags, and always with a smile — helping our community better understand what it means to be a responsible trail user.
A Summer in Review
May & June: From Closures to Community
The summer season began quietly, with ambassadors posted at closed trailheads to educate visitors about seasonal wildlife protections. Respecting these closures is critical for elk and other wildlife, and thanks to our community’s support, most users were understanding and appreciative.
By late June, gates reopened, and ambassadors were back on open trails — greeting hikers and bikers, sharing trail conditions, and gently reminding everyone to leash their dogs and pack out their trash. Creative “trail odes” penned by ambassadors Emily and Mel even brought humor and poetry to the task of education.
July: Sunshine, Stewardship, and Shared Trails
With wildflowers in full bloom and visitors arriving from around the world, July was one of our busiest months. Ambassadors logged thousands of encounters across beloved trails like Pitkin, Piney Lake, Grouse Lake, and Lost Lake — answering questions, sharing tips, and encouraging visitors to “Respect the Vail Valley.”
Conversations ranged from backcountry permit rules to wildlife etiquette, and many visitors expressed gratitude for the ambassadors’ presence. Memorable moments included moose sightings, family chats about wilderness ethics, and even a few lighthearted debates about dog behavior on trail.
August & September: Trash-Free Trails and a Culture of Care
As summer reached its peak, one issue stood out: trash. From microplastics and snack wrappers to abandoned dog waste bags, litter remained a persistent challenge on local trails. Mel’s blog, “Trash-Free Trails Start With Us,” became a rallying cry for stewardship, reminding us that even small actions — like carrying an extra bag or picking up a stray wrapper — make a big difference.
October: Finding Presence and Stewardship on the Trail
As cooler weather returned and the trails grew quieter, Mel closed out the season with “The Art of Hiking Slow.” This reflection reminded us that stewardship isn’t just about rules — it’s about presence. Moving slowly invites deeper connection with the land and reveals opportunities for care that might otherwise go unnoticed.
From spotting erosion and social trails to picking up that last granola wrapper, every small action contributes to the long-term health of our trail systems. This mindful approach embodies the Trail Ambassador spirit: observe, educate, protect, and inspire.
With Gratitude to All our Trail Stewards
As we conclude our 2025 season, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Emily and Melanie who made this summer so impactful. Their dedication went far beyond handing out wag bags and trail maps — they were storytellers, educators, caretakers, and friends to every person they met on the trail.
Together, they picked up thousands of pieces of trash, answered countless questions, shared vital stewardship messages, and helped trail users see themselves as part of the landscape — not just visitors passing through. Their presence turned ordinary trail encounters into opportunities for connection and care.
A special thank you goes out to our volunteer ambassadors — Ellen Miller, Michelle Wolffe, and Stacey Robberson — whose passion, time, and tireless commitment to our trails inspire us all. Your leadership and generosity have left a lasting mark on this community.
Finally, thank you to everyone who stopped to chat, asked a question, packed out a little extra trash, or made a promise to Respect the Vail Valley this season. Because of you — our ambassadors, volunteers, and trail users — we’re building a culture of stewardship, one step, one conversation, and one trail at a time.
Thank you for loving your trails and Respecting the Vail Valley.
Natalie Neuwirth, Trail Stewardship Coordinator
How YOU Can Support our Trail Ambassador Program:
Donate now to support our Trail Ambassadors with:
- Informational Materials: We want to provide our Trail Ambassadors with materials that they can use to support education in and around the community. This can include access to trail apps, maps, and handouts.
- Trailhead Materials: Trail ambassadors handed out hundreds of wag bags, dog leashes, dog poop bags, and more. These not only help to improve user experience, but also encourage trail stewardship.
- Respect the Vail Valley Campaign: This campaign requires funding to spread its messaging both locally and beyond.
- Signage: We are constantly looking for ways to improve messages to expand to a broader audience. Your donation can provide more signage at trailheads with updated and improved maps, wildlife closure information, and updated messaging.
