08/31/2026
Too bad there was no broad, community mandate for the Legacy Trail. 😂
This is a long read but worth it.
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Of course this pic showcased the ‘Hilltop Junior Board’ field trip. 5 local high schools with (2) student board members each and 125 students participated in the unique educational program.
With the Towns written endorsement and eventual MDAQMD $156k grant for the elite program, students would participate - hands on - trail visioning, planning, design, management and specialty subsets like: conservation, geology, flora & fauna, docent guides, event hosting, marketing, social media, economic development, fund raising and more.
Local diverse professionals signed on - enthusiastically - to donate their time and mentor these excited students. Think of it ? Community donated trail design and management in partnership with the mayors town. Perfect.
Save money, educate kids, mark Apple Valley for an innovative educational program, and watch the grant money pour in.
We began monthly meetings with the students…6 months before the land acquisition grant award! Think of it.
The high deserts most unique parcel poised to give back once again to the next generation; connecting them to their roots and padding their college applications with tangible, Apple Valley cultural Soul.
Sadly, the mayor allowed this award winning, grant magnet program to be cancelled by staff in 2017. MDAQMD $156 grant award flushed with it.
Students hearts broken, their time wasted.
Some will see this post as sour grapes, others will scratch their heads like us and wonder about Town leadership and their disconnect from this community, starting with the mayors office.
We see it as a badge of honor and look forward to another day when the mayor is cured from amnesia or new representative leadership arrives.
2015-06-10 - During an official hike, supporters of the Apple Valley Legacy Trail explored the area while discussing the possibility of establishing a Town Landmark for cultural preservation.
