March Member Hike 

On an unusually warm and clear spring day in March, I had the opportunity to take some of our newest Members on a guided hike through Red Rock Canyon Open Space. We met at the Sand Canyon Parking lot for some brief introductions and then hit the trail. We hiked along the Contemplative Trail (one of the most aptly named trails in our city) to enjoy the surroundings and discuss trail work. We stopped at several points along the trail where RMFI and our volunteers have completed projects over the last several years. I took this as a fun opportunity to nerd out about all things trails.  

I was pleasantly surprised by the reaction from the Members. They were stoked to get into the nitty gritty of how RMFI maintains and improves trails. We discussed the different types of fencing we use, and why we use specific types to achieve certain results. We dug into the intricacies of rock work, down to the type and size of rock we use for different structures. Members asked tons of great questions and even brought up some ideas and concepts that I hadn’t ever considered. I live and breath this stuff, but having RMFI Members echo my enthusiasm—that felt wonderful!  

And the best part—we topped it off with a few cold ones just down the road at Fossil Craft Beer Company!  

If learning about trails and conservation sounds like a fun way to spend your happy hour, please consider signing up to be a RMFI Member. There are tons of perks to membership: discounts around town at local breweries and outdoor gear shops; sweet RMFI swag; and Member exclusive events like the Trail Walk and Talk we just hosted.  

I hope to see you on a member hike soon! 

Carl Woody 
RMFI Program Director 

Learn more about membership and sign up here on our website.