Serving members better with updates to BTA memberships

The Buckeye Trail Association’s membership program offers an opportunity to support the BTA, shape its future, access exclusive member benefits like free camping, and be part of Ohio’s trail community. Many of those benefits have a deep value for members, connecting members and forming friendships between those who hike or volunteer together, and bringing members together to work towards a shared purpose.

Over the past several years, the BTA has taken an in-depth look at the details of how its membership program is working on the ground. To better support volunteers, maintain the trail, and improve member services, the volunteer-led Board of Trustees recently approved making updates to BTA’s membership structure, including some important changes.

None of the changes that were approved will impact membership benefits. Members still have unique access to:

• enjoy a subscription to The Trailblazer digital magazine, delivered quarterly
• access free camping at Pretty Run and Beall Farmstead
• apply for the $500 BTA Scholarship
• vote in annual Board of Trustee elections
• run for a seat on the Board of Trustees
• enjoy discounts to items in the BTA Trail Shop AND select BTA events
• participate in trail-related events around the state
• and a whole lot more!

Here are the updates that will take effect moving forward

• Multi-year memberships (2- and 3-year) are being discontinued.

If you have a current multi-year membership, it will remain active until its planned expiration date. We appreciate multi-year members longterm support, and want to reassure you that nothing is changing for you right now.

• When your current multi-year membership expires, future renewals will switch to a one-year term.

Multi-year members were not receiving the same level of proactive communication due to limitations in our software, and this change will ensure we can keep dedicated members in the loop more effectively.

• Annual membership rates are increasing: $35 for individuals and $50 for households.

This increase allows the BTA membership program to keep pace with inflation, and keeps us relatively well aligned with other long trail membership programs around the country.

These changes will help the BTA serve members better by providing consistent service, communications, and benefits — ensuring your membership remains valuable and relevant as operational costs rise.

If you have any questions about your membership, or how to access your member benefits, please feel free to reach out to us at membership@buckeyetrail.org.

Thank you for supporting the Buckeye Trail as a member!

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There are many ways to get involved with the Buckeye Trail Association — on the ground and behind the scenes. Volunteers, members, and donors power our work in different ways, and all are critical to the Buckeye Trail’s future.