By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
An Enduring Mission
October 14, 2020
This year made it clear that the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is not immune to the impacts of the world. From the spread of COVID-19 to addressing the widespread impacts of systemic racism, the numerous challenges of 2020 have caused the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) to both reaffirm and, in some cases, rethink its work and its approaches.
However, our commitment to protecting, managing and advocating for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) has not changed. The lessons learned from 2020 will strengthen our ability to fulfill this mission, and we thank everyone for their support and input throughout the challenges and opportunities this year has presented.
For the remainder of 2020 (and beyond), we will continue to focus on some of our most essential work and programs as we approach the 100th anniversary of Benton MacKaye’s original vision of “An Appalachian Trail.” It is through this work that we will not only fulfill MacKaye’s vision, but prepare the Trail for the challenges it will face over the next century.
In case you missed them, here are some of the stories from 2020 highlighting the essential work the ATC has focused on to better protect the A.T.
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Bear Mountain: A Legacy of Footpath Protection
Almost 100 years ago, something extraordinary was happening in the mountains of eastern New York that continues to inspire and inform the ATC's work today.
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Protecting the Trail’s Continuous Journey
Creating a continuous footpath from Maine to Georgia was not a one-time event. In order to preserve the Trail's full 2,000-mile journey, continual maintenance and guardianship are essential to ensure the A.T. always remains open.
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Advocating for a Protected Trail
The Appalachian Trail itself only exists and remains protected because of thousands of dedicated advocates.
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Protecting the Trail’s Continuous Journey
Creating a continuous footpath from Maine to Georgia was not a one-time event. In order to preserve the Trail's full 2,000-mile journey, continual maintenance and guardianship are essential to ensure the A.T. always remains open.
Read More
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The Next Generation of Volunteers
The ATC is committed to welcoming, training, and supporting the next generation of Trail volunteers through a variety of programs and opportunities.
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The Dedication of A.T. Volunteers
Month after month and year after year, thousands of volunteers return to the Appalachian Trail to protect and preserve its legacy.
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Partnering for A.T. Landscape Protection
A massive amount of collaboration and shared dedication is required to ensure A.T. landscapes are conserved.
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What Makes an A.T. View Great?
To better address threats to Appalachian Trail locations, the ATC and the National Park Service are taking inventory of the Trail’s irreplaceable views.
Read MoreNow and in the future, we will only succeed in our mission to conserve the A.T. through your support. Thank you for being a voice for the Trail — together, we will guarantee the A.T and the countless benefits it provides will be available forever for all to enjoy.
Your support helps us fulfill our mission to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Header image by Eddie O’Leary