GHT Foundation Honors Schroeder with First Volunteer of the Year Award
By Gary Ridderbusch
The Great Headwaters Trails Foundation (GHTF) recognized the Volunteer of the Year and several other individuals for outstanding service to the organization during its board dinner at Trees For Tomorrow in Eagle River on Tuesday, March 25th.
In addition to introducing board members and special guests, GHTF President Laura Van Valkenberg and Secretary Mike Robillard reviewed the history of the organization that has a mission “to develop and support a system of family-friendly, community bicycling and walking trails connecting the towns and serving the residents and visitors of eastern Vilas County.”
Van Valkenberg noted that GHTF does not own completed biking and hiking trails, but provides ongoing support for promotion, development and enhancement of the eastern Vilas County non-motorized trail network. She also stressed that it takes a large pool of volunteers to complete those goals.
To that end, GHTF presented Carlton Schroeder with the organization’s first Volunteer of the Year Award. Schroeder, a retired engineer who now lives in Sugar Camp, received a framed certificate and was presented a new bicycle helmet with the GHTF logo on the side. His certificate said, “In recognition of your exceptional dedication, hard work, and passion for developing and building bicycle and walking trails that support GHTF’s mission. Your tireless efforts and uplifting spirit are inspiring.”
GHTF board member Gary Meister presented the award to Schroeder. Meister told the audience that early in GHTFs history, there was an effort to establish a silent sports advocacy organization called Vilas Area Silent Sports Association (VASA). As part of that initiative, the group hosted a community information meeting and that’s when he met Schroeder.
“At that meeting, a man introduced himself as a retired engineer,” Meister recalled. “I could hardly wait for the meeting to end so I could talk to him — because I knew immediately how much GHTF could benefit from an engineer’s perspective.
“Since then, Carlton has not only brought his engineering expertise and insights, but he has also provided engineering designs and serves as our liaison when working with engineering firms and agencies like the DOT,” said Meister. “He essentially translates the technical language for the rest of us, making complex projects much more manageable.
“But that’s not all. We consider him our volunteer civil engineer—but he wears many hats. Carlton is also an outstanding GHTF ambassador and volunteer coordinator,” said Meister. “He constantly connects us with valuable resources, explores new trail-building alternatives, researches materials and designs, and ensures we stay at the cutting edge of engineering best practices. And that’s just a brief overview of what he has done for GHTF. We’re incredibly lucky to have him.”
Van Valkenberg and Robillard also presented several service awards at the dinner.
Tim Wright was recognized for six-plus years service as GHTF president. The certificate said, “In grateful appreciation for your outstanding leadership, dedication and service as president of the Great Headwaters Trails Foundation, Inc. Your vision, commitment and efforts have played a vital role in advancing our mission.”
Mark Olson was recognized for six-plus years service as GHTF treasurer. The certificate said, “In recognition of your dedicated service as treasurer of the Great Headwaters Trails Foundation, Inc., we express our deepest appreciation for your commitment, leadership and financial stewardship.”
Ann Currie, Jeff Currie and Gary Meister were recognized for their roles in founding GHTF.
Ann Currie’s certificate said, “In recognition of your role as a founder of GHTF and your many years of dedicated service as co-president, secretary, and steadfast advocate, we honor your invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to our mission. Your vision, leadership and dedication have left a lasting legacy, shaping the future of our trails and strengthening the communities they will connect.”
Jeff Currie’s certificate said, “In recognition of your role as a founder of GHTF and your many years of dedicated service as president and executive director, we honor your invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to our mission. Your leadership and vision have left a lasting legacy, shaping the future of our trails and the communities they will connect.”
Gary Meister’s certificate said, “In recognition of your role as a founder of GHTF and your many years of dedicated service as co-president, vice president, secretary, and steadfast advocate, we honor your invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to our mission. Your vision, leadership and dedication have been instrumental in advancing our mission and have left a lasting legacy, shaping the future of our trails and the communities they will connect.”
About GHTF
Van Valkenberg explained the goal of the GHTF is to help create more than 40 miles of 10-foot-wide hard surface walking and biking trails connecting all the towns in eastern Vilas County, including Eagle River, Conover, Phelps and Land O’ lakes. Once complete, the trail system would connect to the existing 55-mile Heart of the Vilas Trail asphalt biking-walking trail; the 13-mile Three Eagle Trail, the 11-mile Conover-Phelps Trail; and the 12-mile Wilderness Trail System in Land O’ Lakes.
The GHTF is currently working with the River Trail Commission to connect the communities of Eagle River and St. Germain with the proposed 10-mile River Trail that would get bikers to the popular Heart of Vilas Trail that extends to Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters and Mercer in Iron County.
The city of Eagle River and towns of Cloverland and St. Germain have formed a multi-jurisdictional River Trail Commission to head up development of the River Trail, which would run parallel to Highway 70 and along the scenic Wisconsin River at several locations. The town of Lincoln has been invited to join the commission, but the town board had has declined to participate. The GHT Foundation is assisting the commission with the development of that trail.
Since GHTF was incorporated in 2010, it has become a 501(c)(3), recruited many volunteers, worked with local and state entities for trail development, and raised more than $2 million to improve their communities with safe off-road biking and hiking trails.
The GHT Foundation raises its funds through donations and events. Two popular events include the 14th annual Ride with Leinie on the Conover-Phelps Trail set for July 26th and The SepTimber Ride on the Three Eagle Trail scheduled for September 13th.
Van Valkenberg said GHTF is always looking for new volunteers. Anyone interested to learn more about GHTF can call (715) 303-4483 or visit www.ghtrails.org.
GHTF president Laura VanValkenberg, left, and GHTF board member Gary Meister, center, presented the first GHTF Volunteer of the Year Award to Carlton Schroeder, right. Schroeder, a retired engineer, was presented a certificate and new bike helmet for his service to the organization.
—Photo By Gary Ridderbuch
The Great Headwaters Trails Foundation (GHTF) Board includes, front row from left, president Laura Van Valkenberg, Nancy Schuller, Diane Gunderson, Mark Olson, and treasurer John Gustavson; back row, secretary Mike Robillard, Neal Adams, Cheryl Adams, Cheryl Todea, Gary Meister and Joe Panci.
—Photo By Gary Ridderbusch