On Saturday, July 30th, Massachusetts trail advocates will come together in Gilbertville for the Golden Spike Conference. The conference will allow local trail enthusiasts to learn from an excellent line-up of presenters and connect with advocates from across the state. Golden Spike Awards will also be given to key advocates whose work has advanced our statewide trail network. Thanks to the hard work of Craig Della Penna and the Norwottuck Network, the Golden Spike Conference is gearing up to be a “don’t miss” event for Massachusetts trail advocates.

The program will cover regional trail news and other rail trail topics. Attendees will be welcomed by Cynthia Henshaw of the East Quabbin Land Trust, Galen Mook of MassBike, and Rob Kusner of the Norwottuck Network, all three organizations are working to support trails across Massachusetts. Bruce Donald of the East Coast Greenway Alliance will provide a regional trail update. Golden Spike participants will also enjoy a presentation by Matt Kierstead about the historic interpretation signage along the Empire State Trail in New York and a keynote address by Peter Karnick, the co-found of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and founder of the City Park Excellence at the Trust for Public Land. 

The conference will end up with a series of walking and biking tours. The biking tours will traverse the Mass Central Rail Trail and are being supported by MassBike. Pete Sutton, MassDot’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator will lead a ride on the Mass Central Rail Trail sections east of Gilbertville. Denis Ouimette will lead a ride exploring the Mass Central Rail Trail sections south and west of Gilbertville. You can learn more about the conference at www.gs2022.org and registration closes on July 25th.

MassBike is hosting a Golden Spike After-Party at Lost Towns Brewing directly following the walking/bicycling tours. Conference attendees can join for a meet & greet with MassBike supporters and influential advocates from across the state. Tickets include one “full pour” of beers and light refreshments. Space is limited to 40 guests, so be sure to RSVP.

If you are looking for ways to stay up to date on the latest trail news in Massachusetts, make sure you’re subscribed to the Norwottuck Network Rail Trail Newsletter. You can sign up here to get the latest updates on not only the Mass Central Rail Trail but trails across Massachusetts and beyond.