Recent Articles from BRMC Newsletters

Trail Talk

At the time I write this article, I've been the caretaker for less than two months. As many know, the Nafzigers were the caretakers prior to me. I was fortunate enough to have worked with Jeremy Nafziger at a company in Fairfax for nearly three years and have known his family for almost as long. Knowing the Nafzigers and being a member of Bull Run Mountains Conservancy enabled me to have insight into this position that I think few had. I heard firsthand about Jeremy's experience as a 'possum (and other creatures) for the Halloween Safari. I was told of the horror of clearing the trails after a hurricane. I saw the effects of Jeremy's encounters with poison ivy. Did any of this discourage me from applying to be the caretaker? No. I think the benefits of this position far outweigh temporary inconveniences. I'm fortunate to no longer have a workspace restricted to an 8x8 cubicle; my workspace now spans hundreds of acres in the Bull Run Mountains.

Along with the benefits, I'm also bound by many tasks and responsibilities. The most interesting task to date was my involvement in the annual Halloween Safari. My job description clearly states that I will be involved in this event… in some way. About 10 days prior to the event my boss Michael Kieffer asked, "Hey John, how'd you like to be one of the animals for the Halloween Safari?" Notice he didn't ask if I would be an animal? My two options were clearly: like it or don't like it. Truth be told, I did like it. For those who were among the record 333 safari participants, you may remember me as the raccoon.

I've had the privilege to meet many trail users. Many I talk to are frequent trail users, some I see almost daily. "Oh, so you're the new caretaker" is a phrase I'm sure I'll hear for months to come. Every weekend we have batches of new hikers. They speak as though they have discovered a private oasis, and in a way, they have. Nothing is more rewarding as a caretaker than to see people hiking the trails and enjoying nature, this mini-oasis we know as Bull Run Mountains Conservancy.