More than 60 Vine Trail enthusiasts filled the room at Yountville’s beautiful new Community Center July 28th. All ages — from toddlers to octogenarians — came out, eager to hear how they could help the Coalition’s efforts to build a dedicated walking, hiking, biking trail from Vallejo to Calistoga.

Executive Director Chuck McMinn introduced the Vine Trail’s new Operations Director, Shannon Kuleto, before presenting an informative overview of the Vine Trail’s vision, master plan and pledge to accomplish its goals of open, inclusive and voluntary cooperation; with no vineyard land taken out of production (see the slideshow here).

Chuck’s presentation continued with a detailed update on the status of Vine Trail design, funding and construction. The Yountville mile, which began construction in April, is mere weeks away from completion in September! (see photos of Yountville Vine Trail construction progress here)

EVERYONE CAN HELP

Vine Trail Marketing Chair Gwen McGill then highlighted the many areas where the Vine Trail offers volunteer opportunities, and attendees gathered in smaller groups to offer their help, including (but NOT limited to) Marketing (especially creating business partnerships or training as a speaker to talk up the Vine Trail to clubs and groups), Engineering, Grant Writing, Capital Campaign, Administration/Database assistance, Membership Outreach, or staffing an event table (such as at Farmers Markets, Cheers! St. Helena, etc) to raise awareness and sign people up.

If you were unable to make this rally but would like to join us, please send a note with your name, contacts and possible areas of interest to Shannon Kuleto shannon@vinetrail.org. We are looking for an ace volunteer coordinator, too, by the way!

Most important for an all-volunteer grass roots coalition is simply SPREADING THE WORD. Become a member (donate securely here on the website).  Join our Facebook nonprofit group page “Napa Valley Vine Trail.” Invite us to present to your community or professional group. And ask your friends to do the same! The stronger our network, the greater–and sooner–our success!