Copperhill, Tennessee, resident Clare Sullivan was named Volunteer of the Year at the Benton MacKaye Trail Association’s (BMTA) Annual Meeting and Hike Fest held November 2-5, 2023, in Tellico Plains, Tennessee.
“I fell in love with the mountains as a child,” said Sullivan. “I grew up in central Kentucky and visited relatives in the Southern Appalachians of Kentucky. I used to play in the creeks and I remember every Decoration Day we would pick flowers as we climbed the mountains.”
Her interest in outdoor recreation grew during the years she attended YWCA’s Camp Otonka. By the age of 17, she was a counselor in training, then a counselor at the camp.
“I had a cousin who had Down syndrome. That gave me a special interest in special education,” said Sullivan whose first job was as a teacher at the Florida School for the Deaf.
When her husband, Ed, was transferred to Atlanta; Clare became a teacher at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, later moving over to administration. She spent the final 11 years of her career as a Director at Georgia PINES (Parent Infant Network for Education Services).
When the Sullivans’ thoughts turned to retirement, their goal was to live in a place their grandchildren would like to visit. They had instilled a love for the outdoors, hiking and camping in their children so the Southern Appalachian seemed like the perfect choice.
The Sullivans became “part-timers” in the North Georgia Mountains from 2009 – 2015, and joined the Over the Hill Hiking Group. They learned about the BMT when attending a Blue Ridge’ Arts in the Park Festival.
The more Clare hiked, the more she saw the need for more trail maintenance.
“My expertise level was … I knew how to pick up sticks but I was scared to death I would be the only woman on a work trip,” Clare said as she described her apprehension about going on a BMTA maintenance trip. It turned out she wasn’t the only woman on the trip. Margaret Meadows and Debbie Tuten, each of whom had a wealth of trail work experience, took her under their wings. Trip leader George Owen’s personal attention/instruction for each worker fostered Clare’s confidence for doing more trail work in the future.
Becoming section maintainers was next on the docket for the couple. Section 11e (USFS Road 221 to US Highway 64) was available. As avid hikers in the Ocoee area, the Sullivans were familiar with the section.
“The section was perfect for us,” said Clare. It’s a stunning section and just 15 minutes from our home … unfortunately, parts of it were in need of attention.”
As hike leaders, Ed and Clare were certified in first aid/CPR. For maintenance, Ed added crosscut and chainsaw certifications while Clare added a crosscut certification.
As BMTA’s Secretary for several years, Clare learned the acronyms and lingo of the Forest Service, the history of BMTA, National Forest policies, etc.
While Vice President, Clare has coordinated two of BMTA’s Annual Meeting and Hike Fests and is looking forward to coordinating next year’s meeting at Unicoi Lodge in Georgia.
A member of the National Scenic Trail (NST) Committee, Clare believes the designation will boost the economies of communities near the trail. It also will raise awareness of the trail and its outstanding qualities – the natural splendor of the forests, creeks and mountain views offer hikers a unique wilderness experience.
“The BMT imparts a peaceful serenity that is good for the heart and good for the soul,” Clare concluded.