Volunteers Needed For Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s 2013 Biennial

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Cullowhee 2013 Biennial, hosted by the five southern maintenance clubs of the Appalachian Trail, is currently seeking volunteers to assist during the event scheduled for July 19 through 26 at Western Carolina University. Volunteers are needed to lead hikes, register guests, support workshops, distribute information, and assist with parking, camping, and reception coordination.

Volunteer shifts range from four-hour shifts to full-day commitments and are welcome anytime during the week. All volunteers will receive a t-shirt and are invited to attend a special volunteer reception on Monday, July 22.

“Volunteers have always been critical to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s operations, and these events are no different. We need volunteers to make it a success,” said the event Steering Committee Chair, Lenny Bernstein.

The event will feature hundreds of organized hikes on the Appalachian Trail and other western North Carolina trails. Attendees will also have the chance to learn about hiking, gear, history, and Trail maintenance techniques, as well as have the opportunity to meet new people who are passionate about the Trail and its management.

The ATC was founded in 1925 by volunteers and federal officials working to build a continuous footpath along the Appalachian Mountains. Stretching from Georgia to Maine, the A.T. is approximately 2,180 miles in length, making it one of the longest, continuously marked footpaths in the world. Volunteers typically donate more than 220,000 hours of their time doing Trail-related work each year, and about 2 to 3 million visitors walk a portion of the A.T. each year.

For more information about the ATC’s Cullowhee 2013 or to volunteer, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/2013biennial.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies