Volunteer Spotlight

Join an Appalachian Trail Maintaining Club and you’ll never know where the path will take you! A longtime hiker and camper, Cindy Radich joined the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club (SATC) in 2009 because she wanted to take care of the trails she loved to hike. Sixteen years later, she’s still maintaining a section of the A.T. with the Club — and much more. Cindy now serves as SATC’s Communications Chair and the Club’s representative to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s (ATC) Regional Planning Committee, and has also been a board member and the Club President. 

“Every volunteer nonprofit organization needs to have somebody like Cindy Radich,” said Mark Press, SATC president. He noted that, even after so many years of service, Cindy cheerfully takes on whatever needs to be done to keep things running smoothly. Mark also recognizes that Cindy has been with the Club long enough to offer valuable insight into Club processes, yet is humble enough to recognize when change is needed and encourages others to embrace it. 

In her work as the Communications Chair, Mark shared that Cindy “brings the organization to life” through her entertaining and informative weekly newsletter, which includes everything from Club updates to general topics of interest to a digital jigsaw puzzle featuring a recent photo of members and volunteers. SATC Trailmaster Jeff Buehler added that Cindy also maintains the SATC website and has significantly improved it over the years. 

Trail maintenance has been a constant in Cindy’s volunteer journey. She maintains a two-mile section of the A.T. with a friend and finds volunteering on-trail to be rewarding, even with the dirt, sore muscles, and blisters that sometimes accompany a satisfying day of maintenance. “No matter what, it’s always a positive experience,” she said. She also enjoys the opportunity to hear hikers’ stories while she's taking care of her section.  

“When we’re out doing trail work, someone will stop and ask, ‘You do this for free?’” Cindy said with a laugh. “They see us out there sweating with tools, and you can see the light bulb go on when they realize there are everyday people who keep the Trail in good shape.” 

For anyone hesitant to volunteer because they lack experience, Cindy reassures them that there’s a place for everyone on the Trail.  “Many people have never worked on a trail and they think they need special skills,” she said. “But if you’ve ever trimmed a bush in your yard, you can help trim back vegetation along the Trail.” The trip leaders ensure there’s a role for every volunteer, and experienced members are always happy to mentor newcomers. 

 Cindy emphasized that all are welcome, “because the Club enjoys having a lot of help!”