Fwd: Trail Mail, July-August 2026
Gary Gross
Begin forwarded message:
From: Friends of the Little Miami State Park <trailmail...@shared1.ccsend.com>
Date: July 28, 2026 at 4:54:54 PM EDT
To: grog...@outlook.com
Subject: Trail Mail, July-August 2026
Reply-To: trai...@flmsp.org
July-August 2026
Trail Mail
Annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
By: Tiffany DeChant-Hunt, Manager, Little Miami State Park Manager
What an incredible day at our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic!
On Saturday, July 25, we had the privilege of celebrating the amazing volunteers who give so generously of their time, talents, and hearts to Little Miami State Park.
Whether it’s maintaining the trail , welcoming the trail users, building community, or quietly pitching in wherever needed, your dedication makes a lasting difference every single day. Because of you, our park remains a place where people can connect with nature, make memories, and enjoy one of Ohio’s greatest treasures.
We simply couldn’t do it without you.
On behalf of the entire park staff, thank you for everything you do. Your passion, hard work, and love for Little Miami State Park inspire us, and we’re so grateful to have each of you as part of our park family.
Here’s to another great year of serving our community together!
Thank you, volunteers—you truly are the heart of Little Miami State Park.
Credit: William Abernathy
Safe Trails: Dual Threats
by Erick Wikum
July is dishing up dual threats—heat and wildfire smoke—that deserve your careful attention when planning your adventures on the Little Miami Scenic Trail. These threats can make for an uncomfortable or unpleasant experience. At worst, these threats can cause serious damage to your health. Here are some important tips to address these dual threats.
Tips for dealing with heat:
1. Pick your times: Avoid the hottest part of the day, typically late afternoon. Instead, choose to use the trail early in the morning or in the early evening.
2. Hydrate: Drink water or sports drink before, during, and after exercising. Carry more fluids than you will need just in case or to assist a fellow trail user in need.
3. Know the signs of heat-related illnesses: Understand symptoms that occur with heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke by reviewing this Mayo Clinic article. Dial 911 if you suspect you or a fellow trail user are experiencing heat stroke.
Tips for dealing with smoke:
1. Know before you go: Check the local Air Quality Index (AQI) by entering your zip code at www.airnow.gov or using a weather app before spending time outdoors.
2. Adjust your activities: When the AQI is between 101 and 150, conditions are unhealthy for sensitive groups (e.g., asthmatics). If you are a member of a sensitive group, avoid outdoor activity. If you are healthy, reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.
3. Avoid outdoor activities: When the AQI exceeds 150, conditions are unhealthy for all individuals and you should avoid outdoor activities altogether. See this second Mayo Clinic article to understand adverse health effects of wildfire smoke.
Discretion is the better part of valor. When extreme temperatures or poor air quality arise, choose an alternative, indoor activity and wait until acceptable conditions return before venturing out on the trail again.
LMST Trail of the Month,
February 2026
This article in the February 2026 issue of Rails to Trails escaped our notice until today.
Ohio’s Little Miami Scenic Trail: February 2026 Trail of the Month
Read the full article here for an interesting discussion of what the trail has to offer, both in the Little Miami State Park and beyond to Greene County. The article includes a the history of its development, showing how successful the efforts of a few dedicated volunteers to create a lasting and beautiful resource for our area.
Something to Investigate
By: Editor
An article came across my desk that piqued my interest. The author reported some insurance concerns with his bikes and, particularly, his e-bike. All 3 bikes were stolen from his car while traveling.
The bikes were covered by his Homeowners insurance policy, although subject to the deductible for actual reimbursement. The e-bike, because it had capability of speeds in excess of 20 mph, was not covered by the Homeowners policy. It was specifically excluded due to the speed capacity. Instead, it needed to be insured under the author's Auto policy as a type of motorized vehicle. Because the author had not listed the e-bike on his/her auto policy, the theft of the e-bike was not covered at all.
With the cost of bicycles increasing, each bicycle owner may want to have a conversation with their insurance agent to know whether their gear is correctly insured for physical damage or theft. For those who operating e-bikes or with children operating e-bikes or motorized scooters, you may want to have additional conversation with your agent about protecting your liability from the operation of the vehicles.
Trail Hotline
Trail Hotline: (513) 212-6958 - Report downed trees or other non-emergency safety issues. A text message with a photo is most helpful.
When you see a problem, call the hotline and report it. The hotline now feeds directly to 2 people so the response can be quick.
A jacket on a morning ride in July.
How did that happen?
Friends of the Little Miami State Park
Trail hotline: 513-212-6958
Connect with us
Friends of the Little Miami State Park | 9378 Mason Montgomery Rd. Suite 395 | Mason, OH 45040-8827 US
