It is for that reason that the Bike & Boat program stands among his personal favorite accomplishments.
"That's been around for about 12 years and is going strong, and kids, many of whom are urban residents and may never have had an opportunity to experience nature, get a chance to do that," he said. "For many of the kids, it's their first introduction to the environment, and to be able to paddle on a river that was once polluted by industry but now is clean, and then mountain bike on a towpath is a great way to get acclimated to the environment and understands its needs.
"Of course, the Trexler Nature Preserve has been a great project. I mean, it's 1,108 acres and we created 20 miles of trail and gave it better access to the public, along with getting the [green] Trexler Environmental Center built."
Gettings was also the prime mover on the Hike the Highlands and Walk for Wellness hikes, taking the hikes himself while doing the photography for the cards. Doing those trail maps and helping start the Get Out Lehigh Valley walks have all been joys.
"Many people think of getting outside as being a spring to mid-fall thing, but that is so short of a span," Gettings said. "If you're out in nature in the winter or in the late fall, you get to experience nature in a whole different way. I think that if we can get people acclimated to more year-round outdoor activities, their health would benefit greatly."
Staying busy
Gettings' plans for his "retirement" are more ambitious than most people's plans for an entire career.
"I've been involved with Trexler Nature Preserve since 2004 and will remain as the liaison between Wildlands and Lehigh County for promotion, publicity, with the volunteer groups and taking care of the trails," he said.
"I'll be active with Get Out Lehigh Valley. We'll be doing things every month this year with it in partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network. I'm working on Get Out Lehigh Valley and Hike the Highlands Trail Maps. Those are intended to give people an easy way to hike the outdoors.
"And, I'm staying involved with the Lehigh County Agricultural Preservation board and The Seed Farm."
Gettings' work with farms goes back to Rodale, the original organic advocates. He shot more than 200 covers for Organic and New Farm magazines.
If you don't know Tom Gettings in person, then do yourself a favor and get to know him through all his contributions to our local environment.
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