This month, T.R.A.C.K.S. is proud to recognize Nick Lund as our Local Hero of the Month. With his infectious smile, endless enthusiasm, and servant’s heart, Nick has been one of the most influential leaders in our organization’s history. Serving as T.R.A.C.K.S.’ 6th and 8th President, Nick devoted 16 years to helping build not only an incredible trail system but an incredible community. During his leadership, membership grew from approximately 125 members to over 650, and T.R.A.C.K.S. evolved from an ad hoc committee of the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside into a thriving 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving communities throughout the White Mountains. Nick’s vision and determination helped secure nearly $100,000 in grant funding for trail improvements and community projects.

Under his leadership, the White Mountains’ Trail System earned designation as an Arizona Premier Trail System. T.R.A.C.K.S. received the National Award for Community Service from American Trails, and the White Diamond Emergency Responder Project was completed, dramatically improving emergency response times on our trails. His leadership also brought professional trail-building training to our volunteers and helped create or improve many of the trails we enjoy today, leaving a legacy that will benefit generations of outdoor enthusiasts. But if you ask Nick what he’s most proud of, he won’t mention the awards, grants, or recognition. Instead, he’ll ask you to tell others about T.R.A.C.K.S., the White Diamond Project, and our amazing volunteers. He truly believes that every accomplishment belongs to the people who have donated their time, energy, and passion to make our trails exceptional.

Nick-isms: The stories that make us smile. 

“Have brochure... will travel!”

Nick never met a stranger. Whether he was at the grocery store, a restaurant, a gas station, or on the trail, chances were good he’d strike up a conversation. Within minutes, that person would hold a T.R.A.C.K.S. brochure and hear about the White Diamond Trail System. Nick has probably recruited more members and supporters through casual conversations than any marketing campaign ever could!

The Ticket That Became a Trail Talk

One day Nick was pulled over for speeding by an Arizona Highway Patrol officer. Most people would have been nervous — but not Nick. Before long, he had the officer talking about hiking, mountain biking, T.R.A.C.K.S., and our beautiful White Mountains. Somewhere between discussing the trails and sharing his passion for the outdoors, the ticket disappeared. Only Nick could turn a traffic stop into a recruiting opportunity!

Powered by Gelato 

Nick may be an avid cyclist, but his friends know another one of his passions—gelato! During a month-long cycling adventure through Europe, Nick enjoyed gelato every single day... and sometimes twice a day! His philosophy seemed to be, “If you rode the miles, you’ve earned the gelato.“ We can’t prove that gelato makes you ride faster, but Nick certainly gave it a good test!

His Greatest Pride

Ask Nick what he’s most proud of, and he won’t talk about awards, grants, or recognition. Instead, he’ll tell you about the volunteers. He lights up when talking about T.R.A.C.K.S., the White Diamond Project, and the amazing people who donate their time to build and maintain our trails. Nick has always believed that the volunteers are the true heroes.

Always Wearing a Smile

If you’ve ever met Nick, you know his smile is contagious. His positive attitude, kindness, and enthusiasm have welcomed hundreds of new members into the T.R.A.C.K.S. family. He has a unique gift for making everyone feel like they’re part of something special.

One last Nick-ism...Nick’s Formula for a Perfect Day: 

• Great friends

• A beautiful trail

• A pocket full of T.R.A.C.K.S. brochures

• A conversation with a complete stranger

• And, of course... a double scoop of gelato!

Thank you, Nick, for showing us that the best trails aren’t just the ones we build—they’re the friendships we make along the way.