Giving Thanks for the SHT Community
November 24, 2025
SHTA staff hiking Bean and Bear Loop. Back to front: Ben Mason, Justin Otsea, Jody Nonnemacher, Megan Wylder, Mackenzie Foley, Tracy Olson, Tamer Ibrahim, Lisa Luokkala, and Barbara Budd.
As we enter the shortest days of the year, and the pace on the Trail and in the office is slowing to a gentle saunter instead of a sprint, we reflect on the memorable moments of our 2025 trail season. Each year brings new opportunities for exploration and growth, alongside new challenges for our organization to address.
I would like to start by expressing our deepest appreciation for our federal partners who provide technical support and critical funding to not just the Superior Hiking Trail, but to so many long-distance trails across the country. It is true that you don’t often know what you have until it’s gone. While this is one challenge we wish we didn’t have to face, SHTA is incredibly grateful for our colleagues at the Forest Service, National Park Service, and Corps Programs who play a critical role in the success of our trail systems – to all the federal employees who have given their time and talent to the care of these national treasures – thank you!
From the growth of the Trail Ambassador program to our record-breaking volunteerism on the Trail, our volunteers continue to be a source of inspiration and joy during our 2025 season. Their commitment to the Superior Hiking Trail and to their fellow trail community is infectious. We are boundlessly grateful when it comes to our volunteers!
I can’t fail to mention my deepest thanks to our dedicated staff and board of directors, often doing the less glamorous work behind the scenes to keep the Association strong so that it can continue its mission to maintain, protect, and promote the Superior Hiking Trail. We are so lucky to have an amazing team of talented individuals advocating for the SHT each and every day!
From all of us at the SHTA, thank you for being part of the SHT community!
In deep gratitude,
Lisa Luokkala, Executive Director
“Laughter, stories, hugs, introductions. The sights and sounds of volunteers, old and new, greeting each other at work parties. ‘Ah hah!’ ‘I never knew…’ ‘I feel so proud.’ ‘That looks great!’ The words of volunteers, old and new, as they learn about ways to maintain the Trail they love, and do the tasks that keep it in great shape. These are the things that inspire me, that fill me with joy, and give meaning to the work I do. I am grateful for every volunteer who is part of the SHTA community, for including me in the work you love, and for your dedication and deeply amazing service to the Trail. Thank you!”
– Barbara Budd, Volunteer and Education Coordinator
“I’m so grateful for being able to join an organization with such an important mission; maintaining and protecting one of the most important resources we have in the state of Minnesota. I’m looking forward to continuing the legacy of incredible work by volunteers, supporters, and staff throughout the four decades of the Superior Hiking Trail’s existence.”
– Justin Otsea , Trail Stewardship Director
“Magical moments meandering through the northern woods on the SHT – a breathtaking view, spotting clusters of showy lady slippers in bloom, a rest by a rushing river, companionship with fellow hikers. I’m thankful for these moments and the community that makes it all possible.”
– Tracy Olson, Administrator
“As the seasons shift from the golden canvas of late fall to the dark frosty mornings at the onset of winter, I am grateful for this moment of transition. Similarly, I appreciate the opportunity to join the SHTA and larger SHT community. It is clear to me that the Trail brings people together and lets us experience these seasonal changes up close. It truly feels like it is people who make the Trail, but it is the Trail that shapes the people.”
– Mackenzie Foley, Development and Communications Director
“In my role at the SHTA I get to witness the generous support of our wonderful community of donors and members, and it is truly inspiring! Every time I hike on the Superior Hiking Trail I think of all of the people, past and present, who make it possible for this special Trail to thrive, and I am so grateful.”
– Megan Wylder, Development and Communications Associate
“As I reflect on another year gone, I can’t help but think about everything that needs to come together to make a season’s worth of projects and maintenance a reality – the funding, the permissions and collaboration with agency partners and land managers, the hard work of volunteers and contractors, the dedication of SHTA staff and board members, and we persevere through the bugs and the storms and the heat and the dust to pull it all off. It’s a whirlwind, it often feels like magic, and I am grateful for every part that makes the whole. Finally, I would like to echo Lisa’s sentiment about the value of, and gratitude for, our federal agency partners and corps programs. These are people that work tirelessly to preserve the natural and cultural treasures of this nation, for each and every one of us.”
– Tamer Ibrahim, Trail Operations Director
“As I wrap up over 13 years of working with SHTA I am incredibly grateful for all the ways it has enriched my life. Every single staff member I have been honored to work with over these years; you have been professional in your work, met the challenges head-on and cast an amazing vision for this Trail in the present and for the future. All the incredibly helpful and professional vendors and artists I have worked with – amazing. The community of volunteers I have known and worked with over the years – you are so special and vital to this organization. And, of course, the many brave and adventurous individuals who have shared your stories as you visit the Trail Store. You have been so inspiring! I consider myself very fortunate to have been a part of this small-but-mighty non-profit that protects, maintains and promotes this incredible Minnesota gem!”
– Jody Nonnemacher, Trail Store Manager
The future of the Superior Hiking Trail Association is bright thanks to you. Wishing you all many adventures on the SHT in 2026, our 40th anniversary!