In an effort to promote pet adoptions in Macon County, Angela Martin has recently launched an initiative called Barking with Bartram. Angela, whose husband, Brent Martin, is the director of Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy (BRBTC), decided to take an adoptable dog on a hike once a month. The hike, which anyone can join, is promoted via social media and includes a photograph and information about the adoptable dog.
For example, in early November, a Little Tennessee River Greenway section hike included “Carrie,” a red and blue tick hound mix. December’s hike featured “Noble,” a husky and bloodhound mix.
“This all started when I found an emaciated puppy in the road, covered in fleas, right after Helene,” said Angela. “Macon County Animal Services (MCAS) and Appalachian Animal Rescue Center (AARC) are under a tremendous amount of strain because there is such a proliferation of unwanted animals in our county and in the region. We have to use every mode of outreach we can, and Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy has a board of directors that just loves animals. They truly want to help connect active and responsible hikers with dogs in need.”
AARC is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3, no-kill humane society located on Lake Emory Road in Franklin. Its mission is to maintain a shelter for stray and abandoned dogs and cats in Macon County. Many people volunteer to help walk, play with, and feed animals. Ongoing needs include cleaning the facility and donating items (food, bedding, litter, etc.) and funds to continue the efforts of the organization.
MCAS’s mission is “to protect animals and promote their humane treatment.”
“No RSVP is necessary and there are no group limits to participate in Barking with Bartram,” said Angela, “but we ask that you don’t bring a dog so the focus can be the Dog of the Month. It’s a no-pressure way to show support and join forces for dogs in need, get to know them, and support BRBTC, AARC, and MCAS.”
Angela said several dogs are being considered for the January hike, including adoptable dogs named “Sweet Pea,” “Draco,” “Georgia,” and “Canada.” So far, about a half dozen people have participated in the hikes, but Angela said she is hoping more people join her – and, most importantly, that word is spread about the featured dogs and other dogs as well as cats needing permanent homes.
“November’s dog wasn’t adopted by an attendee of our walk, but she was adopted right afterwards and we like to think it’s because she was hyped by us!” shared Angela.
For information about how to get involved with AARC, email [email protected] or call (828) 524-4588. For information about how to get involved with MCAS, email [email protected] or call (828) 349-2106. For information about when, where, and at what time January’s Barking with Bartram hike is scheduled, as well as details for subsequent hikes, visit www.facebook.com/blueridgebartram/ or www.instagram.com/blueridgebartram/.
Volunteerism recognized at Christmas gathering
BRBTC relies on a dedicated group of volunteers to keep its north Georgia and North Carolina segment of the Bartram Trail cleared and accessible for hikers. And, with late September’s hurricane-force winds and excessive rain, blow-downs on the trail have been extreme.
However, several volunteers have put in hours of work, according to Brent Martin. A few individuals were presented an award for volunteerism at a Dec. 6 recognition gathering at Lazy Hiker in Franklin. They include the husband-and-wife teams of Paul and Jane Williams as well as Bill and Eileen Velicky.
Another award was given to Erik Hernandez, of Tilted Chair Creative Agency, who was not present at the event. “Erik lives in Franklin and he and his company donated staff time to laying out the newsletter, helping us with systems integration, and building our fall fundraising campaign,” noted Brent.
“We have been volunteering since around July 2023, and it was prompted by a desire to give back to trail maintenance after becoming aware of the importance of the work over years of hiking and backpacking, especially on long sections of the Appalachian Trail,” said Paul Williams. “After our last extended hike in 2023, we looked for nearby opportunities, despite our extensive time on and love of the Appalachian Trail, and decided to volunteer on the Bartram Trail. This was partly driven by a desire to support a smaller trail, as the AT already receives a high level of support.”
Paul said he and his wife, Jane, focus on “cutting back encroaching growth and deadfall or digging to improve the trail bed. Cutting can entail using pruners, small hand saws, motorized brush cutters, and pole saws, or supporting the sawyers operating chain saws. We enjoy the satisfaction of keeping the trail a pleasure to hike for other hikers. When we hike through a section where a lot of work has taken place yet the results are not obvious to the casual hiker it is satisfying, since the focus should be on enjoying the trail experience.”
Bill Velicky, who settled in Franklin a year ago with his wife, Eileen, after living “much of the previous 30 years overseas working in other countries,” said they “fell in love with the incredible Bartram Trail system … of absolutely gorgeous hiking on wonderfully maintained trails” and decided to help out.
“We found out that we could become part of the community that maintains the trail,” he added. “We love being part of this community in which Brent and all the conservancy volunteers are living out William Bartram’s spirit of wonder, awe, and respect for this precious natural environment that we are so blessed to be a part.”
Pointed out Brent, “The Blue Ridge Bartram Trail is more than just a hiking path — it’s a connection to history, a place where people can experience the same natural beauty that William Bartram documented over 200 years ago. But it takes a lot of work to maintain that experience. Every year, our team of volunteers, along with local residents, put in countless hours to keep the trail accessible and safe.”
He added that BRBTC is always needing local residents and outdoor enthusiasts to join the effort to preserve the trail. “The Conservancy offers multiple ways to get involved, from donating to the preservation fund to participating in volunteer trail maintenance days.”
To give, to inquire about volunteering, and to learn about upcoming events pertaining to BRBTC, visit blueridgebartram.org/.