Locals issue challenge to shortcut the long path to new trails

Sheridan County residents can help develop new opportunities to hike, bike and ride horseback while experiencing the beauty of the Bighorns as residents Sarah Wallick and Aaron Denberg issued a $10,000 Challenge Match this WyoGives, a statewide day of giving scheduled for Wednesday, July 15.

According to a SCLT press release, Wallick and Denberg, of Big Horn, have stated they will match every dollar donated to the Sheridan Community Land Trust on WyoGives Day up to a total of $10,000. The resulting $20,000 in donations will be used for the development and construction of new trails and parking areas at Red Grade Trails.

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, SCLT director of marketing and development Chris Vrba told listeners about WyoGives Day.

SCLT executive director Brad Bauer explained the $20,000 would be combined with more than $80,000 community members have previously raised. 

The goal is to reach a $100,000 local match required for an opportunity to receive a $500,000 Community Enhancement Grant from the Wyoming Business Council. If approved, that grant would build 11 miles of new trail and two parking areas in 2021.

“To be able to build that in one season is nothing short of a game changer,” Bauer said. “It’s a game changer for people who want to hike, bike, and ride horses in the Bighorns.”

Bauer explained that SCLT had intended to use its Spring In Bloom event to reach the $100,000 goal; however, like many gatherings, that event was canceled. 

“Now, more than ever, the ability to get outside and experience the peace, beauty and wonder of nature is important not just for our physical health – but our mental health as well,” Bauer said. 

Bauer described the project as a “game changer” for safety along Red Grade Road as the trails help keep non-motorized traffic off the road and on safe, sustainable trails, the press release said.

For this game changer to become reality, Bauer urged residents interested in new opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the Bighorns to answer the challenge issued by Wallick and Denberg and donate on Wednesday, July 15.

To participate in the $10,000 WyoGives Challenge Match, please visit https://sheridanclt.org.
To see all of the Sheridan County nonprofit organizations participating in the inaugural WyoGives Day of Giving, please visit https://www.wyogives.org/.