Summer Season Closing Letter from Abby
October 29, 2020
Winter is around the corner.
Dear Friends,
I usually begin my end of season letter with thanking everyone for joining us this season.
However, I know this is not the case. Not everyone was able to visit and for that we are truly
heartbroken. Please know you were missed. I hope you and your families stayed healthy and
you enjoyed other beautiful places to recreate and lift your spirits, clear your minds, and fortify
your body. I thank all for riding with gratitude and respecting our priority to take care of our
staff, landowners, and community members, but most of all each other.
In spite of these challenging times, I continue to be amazed by the outpouring of love,
especially for our Darling Ridge conservation campaign
with the Vermont Land Trust
to
permanently protect 269 acres of land at the heart of our trail network. We are nearing the
finish line, now fundraising for Kingdom Trails’ Land Protection and Stewardship Fund to
support the future care of this incredible land and the world-class recreation trails that
invigorate people and communities. Thank you to all those who have contributed and to those
who are planning to contribute still.
Yet, the biggest thank you is to our Landowners. They play a key role in vitalizing our region,
providing a quality experience, and a healthy outlet for all. 2020’s trail development, by our
hardworking crew and steadfast volunteers, focused on establishing safe connections to keep
trail users off the roadways and increase family friendly trail access. With more miles of trails,
KTA welcomed more landowners, bringing our total number to 100! I am in awe at how our
neighbors share the foresight of what trails can bring to their community
And to end on the happiest of notes! My husband and I welcomed our first baby into the world
this summer! Baby boy Wilder joined us July 9th, (sharing my birthday!) weighing 7 lbs 13 oz, as
healthy as could be! He has already been rippin’ trail as we walked White School every day of
my maternity leave. We are beyond thrilled as this is truly why we moved to the area. This is
where we wished to grow and raise our family, surrounded by these trails and this community.
A dream come true!
Thank you all for your support of Kingdom Trails and our community. We can’t wait for the
snow to fly and our amazing crew begins to groom again as we understand the outdoors is a
refuge, a safe place to gather, and an essential source of renewal. Until then I hope all
continues to be happy and healthy!
I am so grateful,
Abby Long
Executive Director
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 .
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