Now in its fifth successful year, the Mad River Valley Chamber's StewardMRV program is resulting in consistent improvements in the care and appearance of local recreation sites.
This chamber initiative paired 31 local volunteers with 29 Valley parks, trails/trailheads and swim holes who steward these sites and help foster an attitude of stewardship at these popular destinations.
The result, according to chamber executive director Eric Friedman, is clean, neat, well-managed recreation sites that are inviting to visitors and residents alike. More importantly having the sites clean helps send the message that keeping them clean matters, he said.
“This group of volunteers – quiet heroes of The Valley – each take responsibility by committing their time and energy to making sure these spaces stay in top condition. Their work ranges from collecting litter to maintaining signage, handling waste removal and portalets, managing trailhead information, and educating visitors about Leave No Trace practices. Their commitment reflects the spirit of this region: community-driven, deeply rooted, and fiercely proud of the natural beauty that surrounds us,” Friedman said.
“We cannot thank our volunteers enough,” said Tom Spencer, stewardMRV program director. “This is an amazing group of people who take pride in their surroundings and their role in preserving them. The success of StewardMRV is a direct result of their dedication.”
Spencer and Friedman agree that the goals of StewardMRV have always been simple and powerful: to keep recreation sites clean, safe, and sustainable – and to foster a culture of stewardship across the entire Valley.
From the beginning, the program has aimed to inspire not just volunteers but the wider community to take part in the care of shared spaces.
And it’s working.
“In year five, we’re finding less and less trash at the sites,” said Pam Lerner, the steward at Blueberry Lake since the program’s inception. “That tells me people are getting the message. They’re packing out what they bring in, respecting the land, and taking ownership of the places they love.”
“This decrease in waste is more than a clean-up success – it’s a cultural shift. The ethos of stewardship that StewardMRV hoped to cultivate is clearly taking hold,” Spencer said.
“But the message remains: this work belongs to all of us,” he added.
“We invite everyone in the Mad River Valley to be part of the process,” said Spencer. “Even small acts – picking up litter, talking to friends about respecting trail rules, or simply modeling good behavior for our kids – contribute to something bigger. If we all work together, we can keep the places we cherish pristine for generations to come.”
As StewardMRV looks ahead to its sixth year, the hope is to expand participation, deepen community connection, and continue to lead by example. In a time when many outdoor destinations face mounting pressures, the Mad River Valley stands out as a model of what’s possible when a community truly cares.
