Throughout the month of April, the Burke County Chamber of Commerce brought the community together through the 2026 B.I.G. (Burke Impact Group) Challenge — a countywide call to serve, volunteer, and make a meaningful impact.
From litter sweeps to creative community projects, individuals, businesses, and organizations stepped up in a big way. The month concluded with a Community Celebration on May 5, recognizing the people and projects that made a difference.
Burke River Trail Association was honored to be part of this effort — both in action and in celebration.
Impact in Action
BRTA received the “Impact in Action” Award for hosting the most volunteer events during the month of April. These efforts were led by our dedicated Litter Gitters and supported by volunteers across multiple Trail Towns.
Each cleanup, each hour volunteered, and each bag of litter collected represents something bigger — a shared commitment to stewardship, safety, and pride in our community.
A Vision for the Future
The Storybook Trail at Royal Park in Hildebran was awarded “The Visionary” — recognizing a project that brings imagination, literacy, and outdoor activity together in a meaningful way.
This project was made possible through strong local partnerships, including support from the Kiwanis Club, whose investment helped turn an idea into something families can experience together.
The Storybook Trail reflects what Burke River Trail is all about — creating spaces that connect people not just to places, but to each other.
Showing Up as a Partner
BRTA was also proud to serve as a table sponsor for the Community Celebration event, sharing our work and connecting with others who are investing in Burke’s future.
Events like the B.I.G. Challenge reinforce what we see every day:
When people come together with a shared purpose, small actions add up to something powerful.
More Than a Trail
At BRTA, we often say the trail is more than a path — it’s a pathway to place, purpose, and possibility.
The B.I.G. Challenge is a perfect example of that in action.
It’s not just about what was accomplished in April — it’s about the momentum, the partnerships, and the belief that together, we can build something even greater for Burke County.
Thank you to the Burke County Chamber, all participants, and every volunteer who made an impact.
Photo Credit to Pat Appleson