Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Earlier this month, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s work to save disappearing red spruce forests was highlighted at the American Conservation Film Festival! ?? A short film highlighting our restoration efforts was screened, showcasing the importance of these high-elevation forests and the species that depend on them. Following the screening, the ATC’s Director of Landscape Conservation, Katie Allen, spoke with the audience about our ongoing work to restore red spruce forests, sharing insights into the challenges these ecosystems face and how collaborative conservation efforts are helping to ensure their future. The festival’s commitment to conservation extended beyond the screen. Attendees had the opportunity to take direct action by picking up a free spruce sapling at local restaurant, Alma Bea, thanks to a special giveaway tied to their festival ticket. ?? Want to learn more about how the ATC and our partners are working to preserve red spruce forests? Watch a video about our work: https://lnkd.in/eRySy9Yr

Anchors aweigh! ?? Starting today, the ATC will provide a free daily ferry service to transport A.T. hikers across the Nolichucky River near the former site of the Chestoa Pike Bridge (NOBO mile 344.6), which was destroyed during Hurricane Helene. The ferry service, made possible thanks to donations to the ATC’s A.T. Resiliency Fund, is the official route of the A.T. at this time and will operate between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily through June 15. Thanks to our partners Wahoo’s Adventure Nolichucky, Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club, Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel Cabins & Camping, Unicoi County and Erwin, Tenn.! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/epshHiva ?? Valerie Bradley

ATC Next Generation Advisory Council member, Shoshi Hornum, shares her wish for the next 100 years of the Appalachian Trail in honor of the ATC's centennial. What's your wish for the next 100 years of the A.T.? Leave a comment for a chance to be featured in a future post. ?? #ATC100

? Volunteer Spotlight: Rocko Smucker ? Rocko has spent the last 11 years volunteering with Carolina Mountain Club's Monday crew. With the crew, he clears meadows to open views and repairs the A.T. (and other trails) to help ensure a welcoming hiking experience. On what makes volunteering rewarding, Rocko says, “Working on the A.T. and other trail work – it’s very tangible. If I work all day to improve 15 feet of the Trail, no one can take that away. You can see what you’ve done and that’s a very good feeling.” In addition to working with the CMC's Monday crew, he also maintains a section of the A.T. between Sams Gap and Street Gap (near the North Carolina and Tennessee border). He adopted this section because he enjoys the culture and friendly community. There, he's able to chat with locals who frequent the section and thru-hikers who are passing by. Rocko is motivated to volunteer by his desire to spend time outside, to keep the Trail in good shape for fellow hikers, and to enjoy the satisfaction of hard work. As an added bonus, Rocko notes, “We get brownies every Monday.” Want to follow in Rocko's footsteps and do tangible work (with the potential added bonus of brownie treats)? Learn how to volunteer on the A.T. at: https://lnkd.in/ehEpdJzV.

What's a birthday party without cake? ?? Last week, we hosted 100th birthday celebrations at our Damascus Trail Center and Harpers Ferry Visitor Center. In Damascus, Jessica Dickens created a beautiful cake to honor the Appalachian Trail and the ATC's centennial. In Harpers Ferry, we held a a cake competition where the real winners were the members of the public who got to sample all of the entered cakes. Thanks to all who came out and celebrated with us! ? Remember that the centennial celebration continues all year long. You can find more events and ways to get involved at keepthetrailalive.org.

Keeping our 100th Birthday energy going! ?? For our centennial year, the ATC Trail Store has a new look and limited-edition centennial items in stock. Check out the latest products online at atctrailstore.org and at visitor centers to be a part of this milestone and support conservation efforts from Georgia to Maine.? P.S. ATC Members receive store discounts! Learn more and become a member at https://lnkd.in/dwFN9i9

We made it! Daylight saving time is here. While moving our clocks forward (except in Hawaii and some parts of Arizona) means an additional hour of sunlight in the evenings, Appalachian Trail visitors should still be prepared for winter conditions. Always bring the appropriate gear and check the weather forecast. Plan your day hike: https://lnkd.in/e9g6MsZz ?? Photo by?Joana Barraza

Senator Tim Kaine and ATC Board Member John Knapp share their wishes for the next 100 years of the Appalachian Trail in honor of the ATC's centennial. ???? What's your wish for the next 100 years of the A.T.? Leave a comment for a chance to be featured in a future post. ?? #ATC100

Last week, ATC staff met with 28 Appalachian Trail offices during the annual #HiketheHill advocacy week. These bipartisan meetings covered key topics, including the impacts of the federal funding freeze, staffing challenges within the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior—both critical to our public-private partnership—the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act, and the future of the A.T. We look forward to continuing these discussions with our A.T. representatives and working together to ensure we can #KeepTheTrailAlive for generations to come. ?? Photos show ATC CEO Sandi Marra meeting with Representative Riley Moore and Senator Ted Budd, and Sandi Marra with Kathryn Herndon-Powell meeting with Representative Ben Cline.

Our national trails are at risk. ???The Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail rely on federal support to stay open, safe, and accessible—but recent funding freezes and staffing cuts threaten their future. Without action, critical maintenance could be delayed, sections of the trails could close, and decades of conservation work could be undone.? A joint message from Appalachian Trail Conservancy CEO Sandra Marra and Pacific Crest Trail Association CEO Megan Wargo highlights the consequences facing these two iconic hiking trails and the outdoor recreation economies that depend on them. Learn more about what’s at stake and how you can take action. https://lnkd.in/ezejRBSk