MLK, an Environmental Leader
January 18, 2021
“We’ve played havoc with the destiny of the world. Somewhere we must make it clear that we are concerned about the survival of the world.” -MLK
BlackCycling.com found this 1967 photo of MLK on his bike. “Yes the Civil Rights leader took time out to get some cycling in. If he did it you can too!”
----
Today is MLK Day. It is a day to honor Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy and reflect on his enduring contributions to our nation. King’s mission was to ensure justice and equality. He was central to advancing civil rights through nonviolent activism in the 60s, and his words have echoed ever since, especially this year amidst the urgency of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Kingdom Trails shares King’s vision of racial, social, and economic parity, as our mission is to foster the health of our community and regional economy. Exploring our own commitment to diversity and inclusion, and today studying and honoring King’s teachings and his life, we were astounded to learn the powerful impact he has had on environmental justice, a concept Kingdom Trails is deeply passionate about.
Martin Luther King blazed trails for the environmental movement. In a 1951 sermon, “O That I Knew Where I Might Find Him,” King said, “Probably many of us who have been so urbanized and modernized need at times to get back to the simple rural life and commune with nature... We need sometimes to get away from the man-made lights of the city and place our eyes on that eternal light which man can never invent. We need sometimes to close our ears to get away from the noisy tunes of the man-made streetcars and subways and open our ears to the melodious voices of the birds and the whistling sounds of the jostling wind.”
Kingdom Trails builds trails to connect people. We believe that providing public access to the outdoors and trails to recreate, will enable people to lift their spirits, clear their minds, nurture their bodies, and cultivate a sense of responsibility and stewardship for both our community and the natural world.
---
Sources & Resources
“O that I Knew Where I Might Find Him!” Sermon, Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. The Ecological Thinker, Drew Dellinger https://drewdellinger.org/martin-luther-king-jr-ecological-thinker/
Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Environmental Protection Agency’s Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/attorney-general-eric-holder-speaks-environmental-protection-agency-s-martin-luther-king
What the Environmental Justice Movement Owes Martin Luther King Jr, Paola Rosa-Aquino https://grist.org/article/what-the-environmental-justice-movement-owes-martin-luther-king-jr/
EAST BURKE, VT – October 27, 2025 – Kingdom Trails, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of recreational trails in the Northeast Kingdom, today announced it has received a monumental gift of $100,000 from Bear Den Partners, the owners of Burke Mountain, and Kingdom Trails’ single largest private landowner. This unprecedented corporate donation is the largest in Kingdom Trails’ history and signifies a powerful commitment to the economic vitality and future of recreation in the Northeast Kingdom. The $100,000 investment comes as both organizations continue to expand their collaborative efforts to enhance outdoor tourism and provide world-class experiences for visitors and local community members alike. This funding will be immediately directed toward critical trail maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable trail development projects across the network, allowing Kingdom Trails to build important new connections and keep the trails in top shape. “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and vision demonstrated by the leadership at Burke Mountain,” said Georgia Gould, Interim Executive Director of Kingdom Trails. “This is more than just a donation; it’s an unprecedented investment in the future health of our trails, our organization, and the entire Northeast Kingdom community. This investment ensures we can not only maintain the current quality of the Kingdom Trails experience but also pursue long-term sustainability and innovative projects.” The gift came during an evening of music and celebration of Kingdom Trails’ Landowners hosted by Bear Den Partners at the Burke Mountain Hotel. The event brought together the landowners, community members, and friends who make Kingdom Trails possible. The evening featured a powerful joint performance by national touring artists Adam Gardner of Guster and Stephen Kellogg, whose music captured the warmth, connection, and spirit that define the Northeast Kingdom. The relationship between Burke Mountain and Kingdom Trails has been instrumental in positioning the region as a premier mountain biking and outdoor destination. Burke Mountain’s contribution emphasizes a shared goal of drawing visitors to the region while ensuring responsible stewardship of the natural resources. “Burke Mountain is a proud neighbor and partner to Kingdom Trails,” said Jon Schaefer, CEO of Bear Den Partners. “We understand that the trails are a critical driver of our local economy and an important amenity for our guests. Making this $100,000 commitment was a clear decision—it ensures the longevity of this incredible network and helps secure the Northeast Kingdom’s reputation as a top-tier outdoor destination for generations to come.” The organizations encourage the public and corporate partners to view this as an inspiration for collective responsibility in protecting and preserving the trails that define Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom experience. Kingdom Trails extends its sincere gratitude to Bear Den Partners for their integral support of this investment and their dedication to the future of the trails. About Kingdom Trails Kingdom Trails is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of a 100+ mile network of non-motorized multi-use trails in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Utilizing a land-use agreement model with 106 private landowners, Kingdom Trails provides recreational access that promotes healthy lifestyles, economic vitality, and sustainable use of resources. About Burke Mountain Located in the heart of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Burke Mountain Resort is an independent, four-season destination owned by Bear Den Partners. Burke delivers 178 acres of world-class skiing and riding in the winter, and lift-served mountain biking and hiking in the summer. Burke’s bike park is adjacent to the world-renowned Kingdom Trails network, a mecca for mountain bikers. Year-round, Burke and the Burke Mountain Hotel host events and activities that reflect the culture and community of Vermont: down-to-earth, uncorporate and driven by the spirit of the mountain and the people who ride it. For more information, visit SkiBurke.com or follow on all major social platforms including Instagram , Facebook and YouTube .
To view newsletter with live links, click here
October 18th, 2025 from 7-10 PM
