Giving Thanks for our SHT Community
November 27, 2024
Back row, left to right: Jody Nonnemacher, Annie Nelson, Tracy Olson, Ben Mason, and Richard Lutz. Front row, left to right: Lisa Luokkala, Barbara Budd, and Tamer Ibrahim.
Fall trail maintenance projects have wrapped up and volunteers have gathered to celebrate our shared efforts, and now – for a brief moment – we rest, reflect and plan for the future. As we approach the shortest days of the year, it is good to look for the light and there is much light to be found when it comes to the Trail and our community.
We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support of the constitutional amendment to continue lottery funding for the environment. The amendment didn’t just pass, it broke records in receiving more votes than any amendment in Minnesota history. Minnesotans made it very clear, we want to prioritize our environment and access to the outdoors. The SHTA is so grateful to be a recipient of these funds at important junctures in our Trail’s development and, now, renewal.
SHTA is also incredibly grateful for a year of amazing partnerships, particularly new and expanding programs and initiatives that helped share the Trail with more people, including our guided hike collaboration with BIPOC Twin Ports Outdoors, shared-identity trail projects with Unruly Women, and coalition-building with the Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance – just to name a few. The Trail is a place everyone is welcome, and the SHTA is committed to keep it that way.
The days are long and the months are short during Trail season, but we are so amazed that a record number of volunteers gave their time to the care and maintenance of the Trail and the Association. Our volunteers are truly superheroes.
From all of us at the SHTA, thank you for being part of the SHT community and continuing to shine brightly on Superior Hiking Trail!
In deep gratitude,
Lisa Luokkala, Executive Director
I am so grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication of our volunteers! Adopters, project volunteers, cooks, ambassadors, and more. In 2024, 500 volunteers contributed a record-breaking 9,500 hours of service to make the SHT a more sustainable resource for all of our users. And best of all are the smiles and great stories each of you share with me and each other. Thank you!
Barbara Budd
Volunteer and Education Coordinator
I am grateful for the contractors and volunteers alike that have done so much on the Trail this year. The completed work was, once again, amazing. I enjoy pointing out these improvements to trail users that come into the Trail Store throughout the season. Thanks so much!
Jody Nonnemacher, Trail Store Manager
Upon reflecting on the past year, I am truly grateful for the hard work and dedication of so many people who helped to make our Trail, and the projects completed in 2024, a reality: our agency partners, paid contractors, and of course, our amazing volunteers! Thank you!
Tamer Ibrahim, Trail Operations Director
I’m thankful for the blazing work parties that have taken place to update old blazes so no one gets lost in the woods. Thank you for all the work you have done!
Richard Lutz, Trail Stewardship Director
I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Superior Hiking Trail Association team, and am looking forward to getting to know more of the supporters and volunteers that help the Trail thrive!
Megan Wylder, Development and Communications Associate
Our trail community is as awesome to me as the best Superior Hiking Trail vistas, truly. One of the greatest joys of being SHTA staff is having a front-row seat to the generosity and dedication of our SHT community. Thanks to our community, I have no doubt that the Superior Hiking Trail will continue to be one of the best trails in the country. Thank you!
Annie Nelson, Development and Communications Director
I am so thankful for all of the ambassadors, volunteers, contractors, trail users, and staff who put unwavering dedication and energy into our Trail! The SHT thrives as a sanctuary for adventurers and it wouldn’t be the incredible place that it is without the love that you all give to the Trail.
Ben Mason, Climate Impact Project Coordinator
I am so grateful for the community of people who come together to create, maintain and enjoy the Superior Hiking Trail, ensuring it thrives for generations to come. It is truly an honor to serve beside and support this amazing SHT community!
Tracy Olson, Administrator