Geoffrey Skinner- President
I’m excited to be part of the Trails Council because I’m passionate about trails and stewardship of our public lands. I’ve been working on trails since about age 7, when I began creating a network of paths through the oak and blackberry thickets bordering my family’s Sebastopol apple orchard.

I’m a librarian by trade, but I have over twenty years of serious volunteer trail stewardship experience – primarily with the Trail Center in Palo Alto, CA. At various times, I was a crew member, project supervisor, trail planner, crew leader trainer, newsletter editor, website manager and Board president (among other roles). Every activity has been great, but trail planning and layout has been my favorite, whether I’m rerouting a problematic section or planning a brand new trail. From solving drainage problems to inspiring volunteers to take pride in a well-built trail, I love figuring out how to create the best experience for trail users. Both my wife, Joan, and our son, Galen, share my love of the outdoors. Our wedding featured a short ramble, our honeymoon was a long backpack trip in Yosemite, and Galen went on his first backpack trip in Portola State Park at six months. I look forward to using my skills and experience to work with Rob and the Board in connecting volunteers with Sonoma County’s many opportunities for trail stewardship.
Email: president(at)sonomatrails.org

Ken Wells- Vice President
Ken Wells has been a trails advocate since 1987, and has been serving on the SCTC Board (mostly as President) since 1993.

His public advocacy started with his role as President of the Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers in Santa Clara County in the ’80′s, when he also helped start the International Mountain Bicycle Association.

After serving on the Board of the Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club in Seattle and as his professional career led him to Sonoma County in 1992, he joined the SCTC.

One of the significant contributions Ken has provided to Sonoma County trails, in addition to leading meetings, trail work days and training others in trail building skills, was his participation on the Annadel Trails TQM Team in the mid ‘90’s, which came to be known as the “A-Team”. During the A-Team’s many meetings, Ken’s leadership and diplomatic skills guided their work and in March 1997, the A-Team’s Final Report was accepted by Maurice “Bud” Getty, District Superintendent.

This Report provided the basis for significant subsequent grant funding to remove and re-route trails causing environmental damage in Annadel State Park. Ken’s significant service and major role was recognized by the State with a Certificate of Special Commendation.

And as Ken says, to keep everyone’s trail experience a positive one, JUST SAY HELLO!

Email: vp(at)sonomatrails.org

Stephen Smith- Treasurer

I come to the Trails Council from a love of backpacking and a burgeoning desire to develop my philanthropic side. I grew up in small town Virginia on the Chesapeake Bay and my first memories of the outdoors include fishing and swimming in the bay and hiking the Appalachian Mountains of western Virginia and North Carolina. My introduction to backpacking was a life changing week long trip through the Carson Iceberg Wilderness with a 68 year old man, his son and, three grandchildren. The age ranges of the group spanned almost six decades. In the middle of the trip we encountered a trail work crew and I can remember a sense of awe at how they were accomplishing such seemingly insurmountable work. Our last two days consisted of slow travel and route finding on poorly marked and maintained trail. It was here that I realized the importance of both a presence of trails and the maintenance of them.

I have been employed by REI in Santa Rosa for almost six years and I helped to set the sails for the REI Stewardship Program several years ago. Many our first projects were grunt work pulling French Broom at what is now the new entrance to Hood Mountain Regional Park. When I pulled up to the completed parking lot for the first time, I had only my 6 year old black lab to share the moment with, but I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and satisfaction. I hope my work with the Trails Council can help to spread this feeling across the county.

When first given the opportunity to join the Board of Directors of the Trails Council, there was no doubt that I wanted to become a part of this organization. In addition to my desire to learn about trail science, I am currently working on a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics at Sonoma State University. The position of treasurer has been an excellent opportunity to watch the development of a small organization. I have been with the Trails Council since September of 2006 and I am very excited about the potential of our organization.
Email: treasurer(at)sonomatrails.org

Georgiana Hale- Secretary

Email: secretary(at)sonomatrails.org

Jen Picard- Membership Coordinator

Email:

Cheryl Wallace, Member at Large
I am married to a wonderful guy and have a beautiful little girl, Laurel, to whom I have the privilege of being a full time mom. We currently live in Windsor. I’ve lived in Sonoma County for the past 20 years or so, with the exception of a couple of years in Colorado Springs. I’ve been mountain biking for about 19 years and have recently been doing a lot of hiking with Laurel. Dean and I decided to help with the trail work, because over the years we’ve watched the trails in Annadel deteriorate, and felt it was time to give back to the park which we’ve spent so many hours enjoying. As for how and why we became involved with the Trails Council- it just seemed like the next step to take (and the free dinner and drink were a good incentive too). I’m hoping to help with whatever I can in order to bring more awareness of the Trails Council and the trails so we can make them all better for everyone.

Rob Helms- Executive Director
Just down from the street of my child home there was just enough space to explore and get into trouble. We called this place “the trails”.

Trail Stewardship Program: Crew Leaders
Coming Soon.