Hike-a-Thon raising money for Genoa-Foothill trails

The Carson Valley Trails Association kicked off its "Hike for Health" Hike-a-Thon on Earth Day and Saturday at the Fay-Luther Trailhead.

The Hike-a-Thon, a fundraiser for the Genoa Foothill Trail System project, offers participants the opportunity to engage in a healthy, outdoor activity and to learn about trails in the Carson Valley and the surrounding area. Participants may sign up individually or as teams. A $5 registration fee is required (registration fee waived for participants age 15 and under). Participants have the option of securing pledges for the miles they hike, or making a lump sum cash donation. Participants will hike or walk wherever they choose from April 22 through June 6. A grand finale celebration will be held on Saturday, June 6, 8 am to 4 pm at Mormon Station State Historic Park.

The assocaition will offer weekly "Hikes with a CVTA Expert" beginning April 22 and continuing through June 6. Participants in these hikes must register for the Hike-a-thon. To view a detailed list of these hikes, information about places to hike on your own in Carson City and the Carson Valley, or to download the Hike-a-Thon registration packet, visit the CVTA website: www.carsonvalleytrails.org, or contact Chic Moxley, 775-265-0766, or Melissa Granat, 775-783-1764.

The Genoa Foothill Trail System will be located in the foothills of the Carson Range west of the Town of Genoa, and to the north and south, from Adams Canyon to the Kingsbury Grade. CVTA is working in partnership with Douglas County, the U.S. Forest Service, the Nature Conservancy, The Tahoe Rim Trail, The Town of Genoa and private landowners to complete this project. Environmental studies are expected to begin this spring. Final construction and opening of the trail system is expected in 2012.

The Carson Valley Trails Association is a nonprofit, volunteer based organization working with partners to provide access to public lands through a recreational trail system for present and future generations to enjoy. More information about CVTA and the Genoa Foothill Trail System project is available online: www.carsonvalleytrails.org.