Donna Chapman

July 2020

Donna Chapman serves as a volunteer not only for the New York – New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC, or the Conference) – which is one of thirty-one A.T. maintaining clubs, but she also serves as an extraordinary volunteer for the Harlem Valley Appalachian Trail Community (HVATC) – which is one of over forty designated A.T. Communities©.

Chapman has been an A.T. Volunteer since approximately 2013, her dedication and love for the Trail has given her a reputation of never saying “no” to any task at hand. When the Chair of the Dutchess-Putnam A.T. Management Committee for the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference’s section was stepping down, Donna readily took on the responsibility. Whether she is promoting volunteerism at a local community event, managing projects that target the active engagement of new partnerships, or scouting and leading Trail projects, Chapman is always up for the task. She has also been a key player in contributing to partnerships with organizations like Groundwork USA, The Mission Continues, and her neighboring trail maintaining club- the Connecticut Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Chapman accomplishes this all while working as a full-time Registered Nurse.

Those who know her describe her as “enthusiasm personified” as well as “a giver, and a genuine helper.” Chapman is also known to easily befriend any who cross her path and never misses an opportunity to share her love for A.T. stewardship. Her knowledge of the Appalachian Trail’s Cooperative Management System and her previous experience managing two Volunteer Fire Departments may also contribute to her outstanding diplomacy as a key volunteer leader.