Uwharrie Trailblazers Leadership
David Craft
Born, raised and Scouted in Greensboro. I hiked the Uwharries at a young age and kept coming back. I hiked the entire trail as a Scout in the late seventies and early eighties. I returned in the late nineties to help with the 50 miler and found a large section of the trail almost gone. So, here I am. I have acted as the Committee Chair of the Uwharrie Trailblazers since it's inception in 2012. Let's finish this trail, Onward!
jared Byrd
Born and raised in rural southern Randolph County, Jared spent a lot of time outdoors. Growing up, he tagged along with his grandparents, Mike and Judy Chisholm on many hiking, backpacking, canoeing and camping trips with the now-defunct Uwharrie Trail Club. Jared works full time for Randolph County Emergency Services, therefore when someone was hurt or lost in the Birkhead Wilderness, his knowledge of the Birkhead Wilderness allowed him to assist the search and rescue team to quickly get them out. Jared joined the Uwharrie Trailblazers in 2015.
jim Plant
I began life a Yankee; probably the worst kind, a Connecticut Yankee. That all changed in the mid 1970’s upon moving to North Carolina to work in a family business. For 30 years I was in the glove business; manufacturing gloves, importing gloves and selling gloves. What was an ex-glovemaker to do? I loved hiking, paddling, bicycling, birding, wildflowers, mushrooms and just about everything to do with being outside, surrounded by nature. That was all fun but I was naturally drawn to doing volunteer work and land conservation. So, when David Craft asked me if I’d be interested in helping start up Uwharrie support group; well that was right up my alley. I was already treasurer of another organization, so I already had all the financial statement forms and ledger set up. It was an easy transition.
kim Andersen
A native North Carolinian from Rockingham, NC State graduate, and Wolfpack fan for life, Kim is a retired archivist and historian who has been camping and hiking all her life. The Uwharries have been special to me from the first time I camped in them many years ago, and when my sister began spending more and more time on Badin Lake a while back she heard about the thru-hike and invited me to come along. I did and I was hooked! I look forward to learning all about the Uwharries in the years to come and hopefully helping to make positive contributions to the trails.
steve chase
A Rhode Islander transplanted to Pittsboro, NC, Steve has been doing trail work with the Uwharrie Trailblazers and other groups for quite a while. See “From Saunterer to Sawyer: The Path to Giving Back” - Steve is a US Marine, 2X Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker, Wilderness First Aid/CPR & Certified Sawyer…still learning!
matt mcarthur
dave Gardener
Dave was looking for a place to take Scouts hiking & backpacking and came across the Uwharrie Trail and found out it was started by an Asheboro Troop lead by Joe Moffitt. Looked up Joe in the phone book, went and visited him and has been a big fan of the Uwharrie Trail ever since. Dave is a regular at workdays and drives from Cary to join the fun.
A retired IBMer, Dave likes to volunteer at a lot of places that keeps him on the go. He enjoys hog hunting at Howell Woods and bear hunting in Hyde County but hasn’t had any success in the latter.
JOE WHITE
I am a Guilford County local and have never lived outside NC. I have spent a lifetime in the Uwharries and hold the area dear to my heart. I love being part of the conservation effort with the Uwharrie Trailblazers. I am one of the trail bosses and help arrange workdays.
gifford Del Grande
Growing up in NJ makes one quickly value open space and our public lands. I’ve been a resident of Asheboro for over 15 years…It’s home to me and my family. I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors. Having the Uwharries practically in my backyard puts me in a fortunate position. Spending time in the forest exploring, especially off trail is a great way to recharge the batteries. Hooking up with the Trailblazers a few years back has opened me to a whole new group of diverse friends. I’ve learned a ton from the UTB members, forest service staff and SAWS. As a UTB trail boss, I try to pass on that knowledge during our work days. Seeing the trail fully reconnected is an absolute passion. Aside from my UTB interests, I am also an assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 527 as well as a board member at Mt. Shepherd. I am employed with Asheboro based, AEC Narrow Fabrics.
