MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT) has welcomed Carl Robinson as its new executive director.
Originally from Arizona, Robinson and his family have called Middlebury their home for the past seven years. Prior to moving to Vermont, he received his B.S. in Parks and Recreation Management with an emphasis in Outdoor Education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.
While in Flagstaff, Robinson worked as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Coconino County Department of Parks and Recreation, where he helped lay the groundwork for a community trail network (Flagstaff Loop Trail), contributed to neighborhood parks development, and developed sponsorship/fundraising for events.
In earlier work with the nonprofit Flagstaff Biking Organization, Robinson collaborated with National Forest Service, town and county officials, and citizens to expand and improve trail systems in the Flagstaff area.
A long-time bicycle mechanic and outdoor enthusiast, Robinson owns Chain Reaction Bike Repair in Middlebury and has established strong ties to the local trails and outdoor recreation community.
With this background, MALT officials said Robinson is a perfect fit to lead the organization in its goal to create trails, maintain public access, and conserve the special places for the purpose of preserving scenic landscapes and promoting educational, recreational opportunities.
Robinson said he is excited to increase and enhance community use of the TAM and participation in MALT programs, as well as to develop new programs. One of the exciting new projects is working with the North Country Trail organization to connect a trail from Lake Champlain Bridge to the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area with the TAM as the centerpiece.
For more information, visit www.maltvt.org or call 388-1007.