Appalachian Trail Conservancy Launches �Lodging Give Back� Program

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
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Appalachian Trail Short Film Festival

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
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Appalachian Trail Conservancy Offers Wilderness First Aid Certification

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
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Appalachian Trail Conservancy Announces South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant Awards

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
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REI Hosts Radical Reels Tour As Fundraiser For Appalachian Trail Conservancy

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

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

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

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

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
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Join the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to Remove Invasive Exotic Plants

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is seeking volunteers to participate in two invasive exotic plant workshops on Friday June 3 and Saturday June 4, 2011. The second workshop coincides with 2011 National Trails Day, which encourages all Americans to get outside, experience, appreciate, and help to protect our valuable natural resources and recreational opportunities.

The workshops, hosted by the ATC and the Southern Appalachian Cooperative Weed Management Partnership (SACWMP), will educate hikers and the general public about the threats of invasive exotic (IE) plants, how to identify and inventory IE species, and how to remove these plants, protecting native biodiversity along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

On both days, volunteers will target multiflora rose, Japanese stiltgrass, Chinese privet, autumn olive and other weeds which are known to occur around Stecoah Gap. There is no charge for the event, and participants will receive free guidebooks for the identification and control of invasive exotic plants as well as a SACWMP T-shirt in appreciation for their efforts.

Participants should meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Stecoah Gap parking area on NC 143 (7 miles east of Robbinsville, NC). Each morning will begin with a brief educational workshop that includes distribution of guidebooks and other materials useful for the identification and management of IE plants. Afterward, the group will work along the Appalachian Trail and NC 143 to control any IE plants that are encountered using manual and chemical controls. Volunteers are only asked to participate in one of the workshops, but are encouraged to attend both days if possible.

The ATC will provide all equipment needed for the workshop and control projects. Volunteers are asked to bring lunch, two quarts of water, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots or shoes, durable pants and long sleeve shirts. Carpooling is available from the Forest Service Building in Asheville (160A Zillicoa St.) leaving at 8:15 a.m. Friday and Saturday, returning to Asheville by 6:00 p.m.

Individuals or groups interested in volunteering or requiring more information should contact Julie Judkins with the ATC as soon as possible by e-mailing jjudkins@appalachiantrail.org or calling (828) 254-3708.


Jeff
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