80-Mile Foot Trail 

The Wellington Wildlands, the last remaining roadless wilderness area between Jacksonville and Grants Pass, is a vital section of the planned Applegate Ridge Trail (ART) system that will finally link Grants Pass to Jacksonville to Ashland, an 80-mile foot trail that will be the host for future events and recreation. 

David Calahan. Photo by Jes Burns.

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Tribute to David Calahan,
​an Applegate idealist and visionary

Karen Giese and Audrey Eldridge had their first encounter with David Calahan in 2014 when they answered one of the many calls to action that come across one’s inbox. This one was a request to plan and implement a fundraiser for Applegate Trails Association (ATA). The appeal was so beautifully written, explaining the mission of ATA and why this event was needed, that it compelled them to volunteer to help. Little did they know what they were in for! However, it ended well and brought in needed funds and raised awareness of ATA’s organization. This is just one example of how David was able to share his vision and find willing partners to help with the missions he organized.

To say David’s enthusiasm and willingness to share his love and knowledge of Applegate Valley’s wilderness, the incredible trail systems, both in place and planned for the community, and especially the call to protect Wellington Wildlands, was engaging does not scratch the surface. He connected hundreds of people to these lands and trails with education and passion. He helped them understand the complicated dance between federal land management and the need to protect the valuable recreational resources of our valley and mountains. And he walked his talk, leading many guided hikes through the Applegate, including his last one during late fall of 2019, where he took a few brave souls racing through an unmarked trail originating at Wellington Butte and ending at his house.

David’s vision, combined with that of the board members of ATA, has planned, installed, and maintained a trail system that is a true Applegate Valley gem. In his last few years, he extended his vision to preserve the Wellington Wildlands. Many of you are likely among more than the 1,000 area residents who saw the movie Saving Wellington (filmed by long-time Applegate Valley residents Greeley Wells and Ed Keller), perhaps at a community meeting hosted by David as chair of the Wellington Wildlands Council. He would traditionally talk at length about the challenges for Wellington during those meetings —to the complete engagement of the audience. At the end of such events, David would still be in deep conversation with those who were not ready to stop learning about Wellington Wildlands, even as the venues were closing. His commitment for preserving this area was shared by many, as can be evidenced throughout the valley by the “Save Wellington” lawn signs.
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David, we are thankful for all you gave: for your passion you shared to preserve the wildlands of our area, and for being that charismatic and synergistic force of nature you were. You have blazed many trails, both physical and metaphorical, that will be used for generations. We are profoundly grateful for all that you have done—for us, for the environment, for the earth.

​Wellington Wildlands Council
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