Saturday, May 28, 2011

Access Update: Dead Tree Wall and Summit Crag Rock Climbing Closures Lifted

The temporary rock climbing closure of the Dead Tree Wall and Summit Crag climbing areas on Old Rag Mountain has been lifted. The Peregrine Falcons are no longer nesting in this area.

Thanks to everyone's cooperation. Climb hard!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Keepin' The Hits Coming - Ilchester Cleanup Recap

Thank Goodness for Good Weather
Hot off the heels of last month’s epic Rockfest 2011, Mid-Atlantic Climbers enjoyed beautiful weather Saturday May 7th at the first ever Adopt-a-Crag at the Ilchester Crag in Patapsco State Park.

Twenty-five volunteers came together and scoured the hillside beneath the cliff, removing a ton of broken glass and trash. Not content with this, volunteers then trekked down to Bloede's Dam and up Hilltop Road for more; finding such gems as a car door, a filthy mattress and creepy children's toys.

Ilchester Group Cleanup Ilchester Street Cleanup

Where and What is Ilchester?
Located just outside of Ellicott City, Ilchester is a popular after work spot. And its preeminent route, Blue Rose 5.8+ is a classic sandbag that is famous in the DC area for spitting people off. Unfortunately, the same accessibility is what has lured late-night partiers, trash dumpers and weak-sauce grafitti 'artists' to the cliff.

So Why are Climbers Picking Up Trash?
Events like this are a way for the climbing community to show Patapsco State Park and other land managers that climbers invested in the outdoor resource. It helps to establish a positive relationship between the park and our user group.
Ilchester Cleanup Group Shot

Mid Atlantic Climbers would like to thank our sponsors: Earth Treks and Osprey, our team leaders and of course, everyone who gave up a morning of climbing to give back to the community.!

Friday, May 6, 2011

ROCKFEST Recap


It was amazing; 33 MPH wind, 18 hours of rain, 2 tornado warnings. Despite these extreme conditions, Rockfest 2011 was a great success. As one enthusiastic volunteer put it, "Rockfest, not just a service day but an adventure." Rockfest 2011 ranks as one of the most memorable events in Mid-Atlantic Climbers history.

In the Field 2

Nearly 50 volunteers arrived Friday evening and Saturday morning, dressed to the nines in rain gear, committed to the cleaning up Shenandoah National Park. Together we managed to brave the weather and scour 12 ares for trash. Teams spread out to cover overlooks and parking areas along Skyline drive, as well as various high traffic spots on the White Oak Canyon, Little Stony Man and Stony Man trails.

In the Field

Thanks to all our amazing volunteers, our more than 20 sponsors and a special appreciation to Mark from REI, the Solid Rock Climbers for Christ crew, Leave No Trace and Chuck from Long Trail Brewing Co. Your encouragement, support and dedication really shined.

Good Spirits

Service projects like these are not only good for the environment but also for relationship between park users and land managers - ensuring continued access for climbers and non-climbers alike.

Best wishes,
The Mid-Atlantic Climbers

PS - We've got more events already in the pipe, so be sure to stay informed through our blog, Twitter and Facebook.