SOCIAL MEDIA

Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Showing posts with label Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Show all posts
· ·

ATC Submits Brief to Supreme Court Providing Perspective on Upcoming Case

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

No comments
On December 9, 2019, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) submitted a brief to the Supreme Court providing its unique and historically based perspective on Cowpasture River Reservation Association, et al. v. United States Forest Service, an important case involving the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). This brief highlights the importance of preserving the cooperative management system, which maintains and conserves the Trail. Confirmed by the National Trail System Act of 1968 (NTSA), this system is essential for protecting not only the Trail itself, but also the realm of surrounding lands, environments and hiking experiences that have characterized the A.T. for nearly a century.

In this case, the Court will determine whether the U.S. Forest Service — or any land management agency aside from the National Park Service — can issue Mineral Leasing Act permits for pipelines to cross the A.T. Regardless of the final ruling, the ATC urges the Court to make a decision that ensures the cooperative management system remains intact, and that pipelines and other infrastructure are permitted in a way that preserves the A.T. realm. The ATC’s primary concern is the protection and enhancement of the Trail.

The A.T. cooperative management system is comprised of individual governmental agencies, Trail Maintaining Clubs, communities along the Trail and the Conservancy itself all united by a common purpose: to use their areas of expertise to ensure that the A.T. is protected for future generations. It is imperative that all members of this system are able to work together to achieve this goal.

To read the full brief provided to the Supreme Court, click here.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on the Cowpasture decision in early 2020. The ATC will continue to inform its members, volunteers and A.T. lovers worldwide whenever there are important updates.







Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Read More
at
· ·

'Kick Your Boots Off' with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy During Trail Celebration

Thursday, October 23, 2014

No comments
Celebrate the iconic Appalachian Trail (A.T.) with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) on Thursday, Nov. 6 and show your support for the hikers and the thousands of volunteers that the organization serves regionally in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. The fundraising event “Kick Your Boots Off,” hosted at the Isis Restaurant and Music Hall in Asheville, begins at 6 p.m., with music starting at 7 p.m.

“Kick Your Boots Off” will feature fun A.T.-themed activities, an adventure-based giveaway and live music from the bands Pleasure Chest as well as Blind Boy Chocolate and the Milk Sheiks. Attendees are encouraged to dress for comfort and style, as there will be prizes for the best dressed among the hiker chic.

“This fun event will offer a great chance for members of the outdoor community to connect with one another,” said Morgan Sommerville, the ATC’s regional director. “Come meet regional Appalachian Trail Conservancy staff and volunteers all while learning more about our efforts to protect the world’s most famous long-distance hiking trail!”

Event Overview:
“Kick Your Boots Off” fundraiser
Date: Thursday, Nov. 6
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m.; music begins at 7 p.m.
Location: Isis Restaurant & Music Hall, 743 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC
Cost: $15 in advance

Tickets for the event are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and $65 for VIP admission, and can be purchased here.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Read More
at
·

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Reports Record Number of Volunteer Hours in 2013

Monday, February 17, 2014

No comments
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) announced last week that volunteers devoted a record number of hours last year to maintaining and protecting the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) for hikers to use. For the federal fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2013, close to 6,000 volunteers reported approximately 245,500 hours, donating time equivalent to what is completed by 118 full-time workers.

Since the ATC began reporting volunteer hours in 1983, volunteers have contributed 4.9 million hours to the A.T., and the past 10 years have seen a 33 percent increase in volunteer hours. In 2013, volunteers contributed to a wide variety of projects, including maintaining the A.T. corridor, monitoring and removing invasive species, supporting teachers in the Trail to Every Classroom (TTEC) program and assisting A.T. Communities near the Trail. Volunteers were also crucial to the success of the ATC’s Biennial, with many individuals leading hikes, registering guests, distributing information and assisting with parking, camping and reception coordination.

ATC volunteers represent A.T. Trail Clubs and Trail Crews; Visitor Center and regional office volunteers; and participants in additional ATC programs, such as TTEC and the Appalachian Trail Community™ program. Though Trail maintainers are perhaps the most visible, volunteers also participate in many other activities, from outreach to local, regional and Trail-wide management efforts.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy exists because of the generosity, talents and support of our volunteers – they are the very soul of the Appalachian Trail,” said Ron Tipton, executive director of the ATC. “The record number of volunteer hours reported for fiscal year 2013 illustrates a continued dedication to the preservation and management of the Trail.”

For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Read More
at
· ·

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Launches “I Am The Appalachian Trail” Video Contest

Friday, August 2, 2013

No comments
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is currently accepting submissions for the “I am the Appalachian Trail” Video Contest, a nationwide search for the best fan-made video about the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). The grand prize winner will have their video screened in movie theaters during the 2014 ATC Membership Drive.

The video contest asks participants to answer the question: “How are you a part of the Appalachian Trail?” Contestants will submit video shorts, no longer than three minutes, emphasizing the many ways that they are connected to the Trail. Whether as a hiker, volunteer, teacher, artist, or simply someone who loves the Trail, the contest will explore how people are a part of the A.T.

The creators of the top three videos with the most votes will each win a one year membership to the ATC and be featured in an issue of A.T. Journeys, the official magazine of the ATC. The grand prize winner will have their video featured in theaters during the 2014 ATC Membership Drive and shared with thousands of followers across ATC’s social media sites. The contest winner will also receive a custom ATC ENO hammock, courtesy of ENO™.

The public will vote for their favorite video through ATC’s Facebook page. Submissions are being accepted until Sunday, September 15th, and voting will take place from Monday, September 16th to Friday, November 8th. The winners will be announced on Monday, November 11th.

Last year, Hector Reyes Miller of Dorado, Puerto Rico won the contest with a captivating video that highlighted life lessons he’s learned on the A.T. Miller’s video was shown in theaters during the 2012 membership drive and at the ATC's Leaders in Conservation Awards Gala in Washington D.C.:



For the complete list of submission guidelines, rules, and regulations, please click here. To vote or submit a video, visit www.facebook.com/ATHike.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
Read More
at
· · ·

Friends of the Smokies and Appalachian Trail Conservancy Help to Protect Backpackers and Bears

Monday, July 15, 2013

1 comment
This summer while enjoying a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, backpackers can continue to keep their food and packs out of reach of bears, protecting both themselves and the bears. For a third year the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) has made backpacker safety and wildlife health a priority, providing $1,110 from its specialty license plate funds to help reduce black bear access to backpacker food along the Appalachian Trail.

“Both groups share an interest in safe backcountry experiences, keeping wildlife wild, and working with partners,” said Stephen Woody, treasurer for the Friends of the Smokies Board of Directors. “Plus, with a backpacker on the A.T. plate and a black bear on the Smokies plate, it’s hard to think of a better project for us to work together on.”

Using the grant funds from the ATC, GSMNP staff and wildlife interns have repaired cables at the Mollies Ridge shelter and Cosby Knob shelter, which had become damaged by the elements and use over time. With proper and vigilant use by backpackers, the repaired storage system will continue to increase both visitor and bear safety by helping reduce the number of bears raiding shelter areas in the park. According to Bill Stiver, wildlife biologist with GSMNP, “as backpackers continue to hang their food, the cables protect hikers and campers,” Stiver continued, “Not to mention keeping the bears from learning to depend on human food.”

Friends of the Smokies and the ATC have also partnered to renovate many of the backcountry shelters along the A.T. in the Smokies and to support several other efforts to address trail maintenance and hiker safety.

Friends would like to thank both ATC and Friends’ license plate owners whose ownership helps support projects like these in GSMNP. “It’s all about preserving and protecting two great national park units, visitor experience and their natural resources,” said Holly Demuth, North Carolina director of Friends of the Smokies. “We do best when we work together.”


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
Read More
at
·

Appalachian Trail Biennial to Feature Music, Culture, and Trails at WCU

Monday, July 1, 2013

1 comment
The 2013 Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Biennial Conference organizers invite the public to attend live music, dancing, presentations about hiking trails, and a Cherokee storyteller from Sunday, July 21 to Thursday, July 25 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Events each evening begin at 8 p.m. Nightly tickets are $7, and children under 12 are admitted free.

Sunday, July 21, Called Again author, Jennifer Pharr Davis, who holds the record for speed hiking the estimated 2,180-mile Appalachian Trail will talk about her experiences during the 46 day journey, marked by teamwork, positive attitude, and endurance. A contra dance is scheduled concurrently in the Reid Gym. Delia Clark of Vermont is calling the dance with music performed by Asheville-based band Appalachian Storm.

On Monday, July 22, author Danny Bernstein will present a slide show of her 1,000-mile hike of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Her presentation features the beauty, vibrancy, and history of this end-to-end route, captured in her book, The Mountains-to-Sea Trail Across North Carolina. Also on Monday, string band Southern Exposure will play Appalachian mountain music, influenced by Celtic, Caribbean, and American cultures.

Buncombe Turnpike will play traditional and contemporary bluegrass on Tuesday, July 23. Jim Kern, Sr., founder of the Florida Trail, the Florida Trail Association, the American Hiking Society, and Big City Mountaineers is also scheduled to talk about essential elements for founding a successful outdoor non-profit.

Wednesday, July 24, Pleasure Chest, named for a 1950s era cooler, will play high energy rock ‘n roll blues with some honky-tonk soul, and Darcy Douglas will present a slideshow about the 288-mile Benton MacKaye Trail that runs from north Georgia to Davenport Gap at the north side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Eddie Swimmer, an accomplished Cherokee dancer, storyteller, and public speaker will present an evening of entertainment on Thursday, July 25.

Unless otherwise noted, all presentations will be held in the Forsyth Auditorium and musical performances will be held in the Grand Room of Hinds University Center.

The full schedule of the 2013 A.T. Biennial Conference, July 19-26, includes 137 organized hikes, 70 workshops, and excursions to some of the region’s best activities. Registration is open for one-day, weekend, or week-long admittance. Admission to the entire week’s evening events is $15 with conference registration.

For more information on the Biennial Conference or to register, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
Read More
at
· ·

Trail Crew Provides Opportunities to Volunteer on the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies

Monday, April 15, 2013

No comments
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is currently seeking volunteers, 18 and over, to help maintain the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail Crew (S.W.E.A.T.) this season. These positions are designed for experienced hikers who have a desire to work hard, live in the backcountry and have a great time with new friends.

The ATC’s S.W.E.A.T. Crew is a mobile crew, carrying all food, tools and camping gear into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The crew focuses on the difficult Trail problems that occur in the backcountry with the tools they carry in and the materials that they find. Each crew works six days in the field repairing the Trail, building steps, and clearing the A.T. All food, lodging, equipment and transportation to and from the work site is provided.

“Joining the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s SWEAT crew is a great opportunity to give back to the Appalachian Trail, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime,” said Andrew Downs, regional director of the ATC.

Members of the S.W.E.A.T. crew arrive at ATC base camp the day before their crew session begins to meet the professional Crew Leaders, prepare for the work trip and check out any gear they need. The next day the crew enjoys a family-style breakfast and loads up in an ATC vehicle and drives to a nearby trail-head in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After a challenging hike in, often up to 10 miles long and over 2,500 feet in elevation gain, the crew establishes the campsite they will work out of for the next five days. The crew repairs, reconstructs and maintains some of the most remote and beautiful sections of the A.T. often working at elevations of over 6,000 feet for the entire work week.

2013 S.W.E.A.T. Crew Calendar:

SESSION -  DATES
Session 1:  6/8 - 6/13/2013
Session 2:  6/17 - 6/22/2013
Session 3:  6/26 - 7/1/2013
Session 4:  7/8 - 7/13/2013
Session 5:  7/17-7/22/2013
Session 6:  7/26 - 7/31/2013
Session 7:  8/4 - 8/9/2013
Session 8:  8/13 - 8/18/2013

For more information about ATC’s S.W.E.A.T Crew program or to volunteer, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/crews.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
Read More
at
· ·

Volunteers Needed For Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s 2013 Biennial

Thursday, January 24, 2013

No comments
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
Read More
at
·

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Seeks Volunteer Community Ambassadors

Sunday, December 9, 2012

No comments
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) seeks to fill fifteen volunteer positions as Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Community Ambassadors. These Ambassadors will support the A.T. Community™ program and their designated communities with outreach, education, local projects, events and initiatives in 2013. Applications are being accepted through December 20, 2012.

Launched in 2010, the A.T. Community™ program recognizes and thanks communities for their role in promoting the A.T. as an important community, national and international asset. The program also assists communities with local initiatives such as sustainable economic development through tourism and outdoor recreation, while preserving and protecting the A.T. experience.

Ambassadors played a key role on the local community level to bolster volunteerism and stewardship of the Trail. They coordinate and support events in their local community, reach out to non-traditional hiking audiences, and/or recruit local citizens to work on maintenance, management and conservation projects on the A.T.

This year’s Ambassadors did everything from providing a series of classes and workshops for local residents, to leading hikes, including an African American History Hike in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, which drew interest from across the region.

These positions offer volunteers the chance to gain experience in volunteer recruitment and coordination, play a key role in A.T. cooperative management partnerships, and make a difference in their own communities.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is excited about expanding its volunteer base by providing A.T. Ambassadors to designated A.T. Communities™ who help increase local stewardship of public lands and support healthy lifestyles for community citizens,” stated Julie Judkins, Community Program Manager of the ATC.

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. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the completion of the A.T.

For more information or to apply contact Julie Judkins at 828-254-3708 or email jjudkins@appalachiantrail.org.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
Read More
at
· ·

"Why Do You Love the Appalachian Trail?" Video Contest

Friday, July 20, 2012

No comments
To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the completion of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is hosting a video contest to find out what people love most about the A.T. The contest entitled “Why Do You Love the Appalachian Trail?” is currently accepting submissions until September 2, 2012. The grand prized winner will receive several prizes including the opportunity to have their video screened in theaters during the ATC’s membership drive this fall.

With over 2-3 million people hiking the A.T. each year, the ATC is providing the opportunity for the public to share what they enjoy most about the A.T. with the rest of the world.

Videos must be no longer than three minutes and must answer the question, “why do you love the Appalachian Trail?” Each participant can only submit one video and must adhere to the ATC’s Leave No Trace™ principles.

The ATC’s Facebook fans will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite videos. The top three videos receiving the largest number of votes will be awarded prizes. The grand prized winner will have their video screened in theaters at this year’s “Discover the Appalachian Trail” fall membership drive.

Videos will be accepted until September 2, 2012. Voting period begins on September 4 and will run until October 5. The top 3 videos will be announced on Monday, October 8.

PRIZES

Prizes will be awarded for the three videos receiving the highest number of votes.

First Place:
* Custom ATC hammock, courtesy of ENO™
* Video screened in front of audiences at this year’s Discover the Appalachian Trail: 2012 fall membership drive
* Featured in A.T. Journeys (Official magazine of the A.T.)
* Video featured on the ATC’s YouTube Page
* One-year membership to the ATC

Second Place:
* ATC themed tote bag
* Glow-in-the-dark water bottle
* Featured in A.T. Journeys (Official magazine of the A.T.)
* One-year membership to the ATC

Third Place:
* ATC themed hat
* Featured in A.T. Journeys (Official magazine of the A.T.)
* One-year membership to the ATC

For more information or to submit a video, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/videocontest.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
Read More
at
·

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Seeks Trail Crew Volunteers

Friday, June 29, 2012

No comments
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy(ATC) is searching for volunteers, ages 18 and older, to help maintain sections along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). No previous Trail experience is necessary - just a desire to work hard, live in the backcountry and have a great time among new friends.

For more adventurous volunteers, the Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail Crew (S.W.E.A.T.) leads volunteers into the backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to work at the highest elevations along the A.T. Volunteer opportunities are available now until August 18th.

Konnarock, the ATC’s flagship crew, recently completed the first half of their season and are searching for additional volunteers to work from July 5th through August 13th. The Konnarock Crewtackles projects involving trail construction from the A.T.'s southern terminus in Springer Mountain, Georgia to Rockfish Gap in central Virginia. Trail construction involves working with a team of volunteers, using hand tools and working eight-hour days.

The Mid-Atlantic Crew is also searching for volunteers this fall. Based at an old farmstead in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the Crew works on the A.T. from Rockfish Gap in Virginia to the New York-Connecticut state line. This is an eight-week program running from August 30ththrough October 22nd.

For both the Konnarock and Mid-Atlantics Crews, volunteers arrive on the Wednesday afternoon before their work week for a dinner and mandatory orientation session and work a five-day week in the field, from Thursday through Monday.

The ATC’s all-volunteer trail crews are led by paid trail crew professionals who teach volunteers trail stewardship and Leave No Trace skills during the multi-day adventure. The ATC provides food, tools and the equipment necessary to get the job completed. Multi-week volunteers arewelcome to stay at our various base camps between sessions.

Trail Crews tackle projects such as relocation, reconstruction, and bridge and shelter construction along the A.T. The all-volunteer crews are active every year, from May through October, on projects located from Maine to Georgia. Trail Crew projects, which may last for a week or more, are planned and completed in cooperation with Trail-maintaining clubs and agency partners such as the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. The ATC’s Trail Crew program is supported by La Sportiva and Mountain Khakis.

To learn more about the ATC’s Trail Crews, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/crews.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Read More
at
· · · ·

REI Awards Appalachian Trail Conservancy $20,000 Grant to Support Volunteer Leadership Development

Saturday, June 16, 2012

1 comment
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) announced yesterday that it has just received a $20,000 grant from REI, a national outdoor retailer, to support the ATC's Volunteer Leadership Meeting held this August.

Ninety leaders from the ATC's 31 Trail Club affiliates will attend the two day meeting to focus on volunteer leadership development. Participants will learn about volunteer recruitment and retention, Trail history and culture, and the role of technology and social media. The event will take place from August 10 to 12 at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

REI has provided support to the ATC for nearly a decade. Annually, REI dedicates a portion of its operating profits to support and participate in outdoor volunteerism — working with hundreds of nonprofit organizations in communities across the country.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is proud to have supporters like REI to help further train and develop the future leaders and stewards of the Appalachian Trail,” said Mark Wenger, executive director of the ATC.

REI stores in Georgia and Virginia have conducted many Leave No Trace workshops for volunteers. Last year the Asheville REI store hosted the Radical Reels Tour, donating all proceeds to the ATC. REI staff has also assisted several times with the ATC's Trail to Every Classroom program training.

“At REI we are committed to living active lives in the outdoors and caring for the places where we recreate,” said Ray Dinterman, REI retail director. “In partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, we bring our stewardship ethic to life by working side-by-side with our members, employees and entire communities maintaining one of our country’s most treasured resources, the Appalachian Trail.”





Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Read More
at
· ·

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Launches “Lodging Give Back” Program

Monday, January 30, 2012

1 comment
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) recently announced a new program that offers travelers the opportunity to help support the Appalachian Trail by staying at select lodges. The program, called “Lodging Give Back”, was announced on January 20th at the Bavarian Inn and Restaurant in Shepherdstown, WV, during the retirement celebration of David Startzell, ATC’s Executive Director. The Bavarian Inn will serve as the first establishment to offer this “giving back” program to its patrons.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with businesses like the Bavarian Inn to help spread awareness and raise support for the Appalachian Trail”, said Amy McCormick, Corporate and Foundation Manager of the ATC.

The program offers the opportunity for hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts along the A.T. to donate a portion of their sales to support ATC’s mission. Patrons will have the option to donate a part of their stay to help support the ATC and maintainer club efforts in order to conserve the footpath, viewsheds, and environmental & cultural resources along the A.T.

Christian Asam, owner and president of the Bavarian Inn, stated, ”The Bavarian Inn is proud to help support the Appalachian Trail Conservancy by showcasing to our guests our commitment to the protection and preservation of the Appalachian Trail.”

For more information about the “Lodging Give Back” program, please contact Amy McCormick at 304-535-6331 x123 or at amccormick@appalachiantrail.org.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Read More
at
· · ·

Appalachian Trail Short Film Festival

Saturday, January 28, 2012

No comments
Over the course of the next several months, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s (ATC) Visitor Center will host a variety of events to raise awareness about the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) as well as the ATC.

All events are open to the public, free of charge, and will be held at the ATC’s Visitor Center, located at 799 Washington St., Harpers Ferry, WV.

The first event of the new year will be the A.T. Short Film Festival. Scheduled for February 11th, the festival is a compilation of short films taken on or about the A.T. If you have a video, or know of a video that you think should be included, you can email a link to: info@appalachiantrail.org by February 1st.

To see the ATC's entire list of events, please click here.

One other AT event of note, but not taking place in Harpers Ferry, is the 2012 Dahlonega Trail Fest in Dahlonega, GA. The event, which celebrates spring on Springer Mountain and the height of the thru hiker NOBO season, takes places from March 16-18. The Fest will include workshops for long distance hikers/thru hikers, day hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, informational workshops and booths by government and outdoor user groups, films, music, vendors, and guided trips to area trails and outdoor venues. Camping will be available as well as AT shuttles. You can check out the website for information on the 2011 Festival and news of the 2012 event.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Read More
at
· ·

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Offers Wilderness First Aid Certification

Monday, January 23, 2012

No comments
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is accepting applications for their Wilderness First Aid Course at the Twin Creeks Science and Education Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg. The public is welcome to take this training opportunity alongside Appalachian Trail Ridgerunners.

This two-day course will be held over February 27th and 28th, and is open to the public at a cost of $150 per person. Overnight accommodations are available at no charge. If you are a day-hiker, backpacker or outdoorsman, this is a great way to be prepared and stay safe. Fast paced and hands-on, the agenda covers a wide range of wilderness medicine topics for people who travel and work in the outdoors.

This course is pre-approved by organizations such as the American Camping Association, the United States Forest Service and other governmental agencies

Recommended for: avid hikers, teachers leading school trips, backcountry guides, canoe trip leaders, private expedition groups, college/university outdoor education programs, hiking club trip leaders, wilderness therapeutic programs, and adventure race safety personnel.

To enroll or for more information, please contact Andrew Downs with the ATC at 828.254.3708 or adowns@appalachiantrail.org.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Read More
at
· ·

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Announces South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant Awards

Sunday, December 18, 2011

No comments
This past Thursday the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) announced 10 South Mountain Partnership mini-grant awards that will help support development of heritage tourism and conservation projects in the South Mountain region totaling more than $204,000. All grants are fully matched by grantees and partnering organizations at the local level, thus leveraging other funding to develop new projects and programming consistent with the South Mountain Partnership goals of preserving and promoting natural and cultural assets.

The grant awards, administered by the ATC and funded by state and federal dollars through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as part of their Conservation Landscape Initiatives program. This year’s projects focus on increased access to community and regional trails, development of new tools to promote tourism, preservation of natural and historical assets, and support for the region's agricultural legacy and local food systems. These many facets of the region's heritage earned the South Mountain region spanning Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and northern York Counties a state designation as one of DCNR’s Conservation Landscape Initiatives in 2008.

You can find more information on the 10 award recipients by clicking here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Read More
at
· ·

REI Hosts Radical Reels Tour As Fundraiser For Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Sunday, August 21, 2011

No comments
Outdoor retail company REI will be hosting the 2011 Radical Reels Tour in Asheville, NC on Monday, September 12, 2011, with proceeds benefitting the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC).

WHAT:
Catch the steepest and deepest in high-adrenaline outdoor sport films when the 2011 Radical Reels Tour comes to Asheville on Monday, September 12. Hurtle down steep untouched powder, feel the cold spray of stomach-dropping kayak first descents, fly high with the world’s wildest BASE jumpers, and much more in extreme mountain sports.

Growing out of the famous Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, the Radical Reels Tour showcases nine short films that capture some of the most progressive talent in action sports including: mountain biking, skiing, whitewater kayaking and other mountain sports.

Hosted by REI to benefit the ATC the Radical Reels Film Tour screens on Monday, September 12, 7 PM. Tickets are on sale now at REI only: $15, $17 starting on September 11. Event proceeds will benefit the ATC, www.appalachiantrail.org. For tickets and information please contact: REI at 828-687-0918 or cfu@rei.com. One night showing only and limited seating at Carolina Cinemas Asheville, 1640 Hendersonville Rd, doors open at 6 PM. Prizes will be given away at the screening.

The Radical Reels Tour kicked off in the winter of 2004 in a limited number of special locations, and now visits about 26 states and provinces.

For more information on the Radical Reels tour, including tour locations and dates: www.radicalreels.com. Some of the films include strong language that may not be appropriate for children under 14 years old.

WHO:
Whether you’re a professional mountaineer, a weekend warrior, or an armchair adventurer, Radical Reels will inspire and exhilarate you. Some of the films include strong language that may not be appropriate for children under 14 years old.

WHERE:
Ticket purchase:
REI Asheville
31 Schenck Parkway
Asheville, NC 28806
828-687-0918

Film showing:
Carolina Cinemas Asheville
1640 Hendersonville Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806

WHEN:
Monday, September 12, 2011 at 7 PM. Tickets now on sale at REI Asheville.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Read More
at
· · · ·

ATC’s Rocky Top Trail Crew is Heading Into the Smokies Park With Open Positions

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

No comments
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s (ATC) Rocky Top Trail Crew is searching for horse packers and crew volunteers this Fall to help maintain the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The ATC will provide food, tools, equipment and professional Trail Crew leaders to aide volunteers.

The Rocky Top Crew, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, works exclusively on the 35 miles of the A.T. through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is open to horse use.

Beginning on September 5, 2011, volunteers can participate in one of the six packing days or one of five week long sessions. Crew members arrive on the afternoon before their work session for dinner and orientation. Crew members working more than one session may stay at the base camp during their days off.

Here's the Fall 2011 Schedule:

Week 1: 9/5-9/12
Week 2: 9/16-9/23
Week 3: 9/27-10/4
Week 4: 10/12-10/19
Week 5: 10/23-10/30

Horses take supplies to volunteers on six separate packing days. Any equestrians who hike the Trail are welcomed to bring their horses along and help the Crew maintain the A.T. in the Park.

The experiences of working together, learning new skills, and backcountry living makes for an unbeatable combination of fun. No experience is necessary, but you must be 18 years or older to participate.

This unique partnership between hikers and trail riders keeps this section of Trail open and in good shape. Join our partnership today and protect the A.T.

For more information or to register, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/crews or contact Andrew Downs at (828) 254-3708.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Read More
at
· · · ·

REI Awards the ATC a $20,000 Grant for Appalchian Trail Community Program

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

1 comment
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is pleased to announce that it has received a $20,000 grant from the REI, a national outdoor retailer committed to connecting people with nature. The funds will go towards recruiting and training Appalachian Trail Community™ Ambassadors, in support of the Appalachian Trail Community™ program.

The Appalachian Trail Community™ program is designed to recognize communities that promote and protect the A.T. Towns, counties, and communities along the A.T.’s corridor are considered assets by A.T. hikers and many of these towns act as good friends and neighbors to the Trail. The program serves to assist communities with sustainable economic development through tourism and outdoor recreation, while preserving and protecting the A.T. To date the ATC has approved 11 communities for designation and plans to designate another three in the upcoming year.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is excited to have the opportunity to expand and support our Appalachian Trail Community™ program,” stated Julie Judkins, Community Program Manager of the ATC. “Thanks to organizations like REI, we are able to increase capacity and resources to our trailside communities.”

The Appalachian Trail Community™ Ambassadors initiative was announced at the ATC’s 2011 Biennial Conference on July 1-8, 2011. Ambassadors will coordinate a series of Trail-related volunteer stewardship events over the course of one year. Ambassadors will connect community citizens and potential new volunteers with ongoing and new ATC and affiliated Trail-Club events, functions, and volunteer opportunities such as invasive-exotic plant monitoring and control, or trail crews. They will act on behalf of the A.T. at community meetings, events, and assist in support of ATC initiatives.

REI has provided support to the ATC for nearly a decade. Annually, REI dedicates a portion of its operating profits to help protect and restore the environment, increase access to outdoor activities, and encourage involvement in responsible outdoor recreation. For more information about REI, visit www.rei.com/stewardship.

“REI applauds the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s commitment to preserving one of the nation’s most treasured trails,” said Angie Perez, REI’s Northeast District Outreach and Events Administrator. “This program complements our vision of connecting individuals, families and entire communities to nature through volunteerism and outdoor stewardship.”


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Read More
at
· ·

ATC’s Konnarock Trail Crew is Heading into the Woods with Open Positions

Monday, June 20, 2011

No comments
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s (ATC) Konnarock Trail Crew is currently searching for volunteers to help maintain the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) from Rockfish Gap, VA to the Trail's southern terminus at Springer Mountain in GA. The ATC will provide food, tools, equipment and safety gear needed for volunteers to get into the backcountry and complete some much needed work on the Trail.

Konnarock is the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's flagship crew program, founded in 1983 and named after its original base camp in southwest Virginia. The crew is hosted by the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area at its Sugar Grove Work Center.

Crew members arrive on Wednesday before their work week in time to get settled in, eat dinner, and attend an orientation session that evening. An early morning on Thursday (7 a.m.) starts with a hearty breakfast followed by any last minute preparations and departure to the project site.

Volunteers work a five-day week in the field, from Thursday morning through Monday night. Volunteers working more than one session are welcome to stay at the base camp between sessions.

A.T. Professional Trail crew leaders will provide any necessary training on Trail construction. This past year the Konnarock Trail Crew has completed such projects as relocating and restoring 1.5 miles of Trail in North Carolina. In the upcoming weeks the crew will tackle such projects as relocating an eroding section of the A.T. on the North Carolina/Tennessee border and continuing to work on a five mile Trail relocation in Virginia.

Summer Trail Crew Schedule:

Week Seven - Thursday 7/7 to Monday 7/11
Crew 1 – Roan Highlands Relocation continues in NC/TN.

Crew 2 – New River Relocation continues in Virginia.


Week Eight - Thursday 7/14 to Monday 7/18
Crew 1 – Jenkins Trail Rehab in Virginia – Define tread, install rock steps and checkdams.

Crew 2 – Flint Gap to Shelton Graves Relocation in North Carolina - Construct sidehill to move Trail to a more sustainable grade.


Week Nine - Thursday 7/21 to Monday 7/25
Crew 1 – Dripping Rock Relocation continues in Virginia.

Crew 2 – Flint Gap to Shelton Graves Relocation continues in North Carolina.


Week Ten - Thursday 7/28 to Monday 8/1
Crew 1 - Roan Highlands Relocation continues in NC/TN.

Crew 2 – Flint Gap to Shelton Grave Relocation continues in North Carolina.


Week Eleven - Thursday 8/4 to Monday 8/8
Crew 1 – Thunder Ridge Relocation in Virginia – Construct sidehill to move Trail to a more sustainable grade.

Crew 2 – War Spur Relocation in Virginia – Construct sidehill to move Trail to a more sustainable grade.


Week Twelve - Thursday 8/11 to Monday 8/15
Crew 1 - Roan Highlands Relocation continues in NC/TN.

Crew 2 – War Spur Relocation continues in Virginia.


The experiences of working together, learning new skills, and backcountry living makes for an unbeatable combination of fun. No experience is necessary, but you must be 18 years or older to participate.

For more information or to register, visit appalachiantrail.org/crews or contact Alice Davis at 540.953.3571 or adavis@appalachiantrail.org.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Read More
at
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)