🌿 Trailblazers in the Making! 💪
What an organization. What a great help. What a day! Thirty incredible young people from Morganton CORE — Carolina Outdoor Recreation & Education — joined Burke River Trail Association (BRTA) and Friends of the Valdese Rec for two days of trail building at Valdese Lakeside Park. With shovels in hand and smiles all around, they worked hard, laughed even harder, and made a real impact on the growing Burke River Trail network. CORE empowers youth through transformational outdoor experiences — hiking, camping, climbing, canoeing, and now… trail building!
We were thrilled to see the CORE philosophy in action. These students showed what teamwork, grit, and joy in the outdoors really look like. Under the leadership of Director Whisper, CORE creates opportunities for youth to challenge themselves, build confidence, and connect with nature in meaningful ways. Their enthusiasm and positive spirit were contagious, reminding all of us why youth engagement is so important to the future of outdoor recreation and conservation.
This partnership beautifully supports BRTA’s focus on Conservation — educating communities about the environment, wildlife, and responsible recreation. Through educational crafts, group hikes, and now trail workdays, we’re helping the next generation become true outdoor stewards. Morganton CORE’s visit wasn’t just about moving dirt — it was about moving hearts, inspiring leaders, and proving that our future trail builders and conservation champions are already here.
👉 Learn more about Morganton CORE at morgantoncore.com
