August 26. 2022

Trailway News: Building Deeper Connections

After years of development and collaboration with the Town of Damascus, we are thrilled to officially open the doors of the Damascus Trail Center (DTC) tomorrow morning, August 27, at 10 a.m. If you’re in the area, we hope you will be able to join us for a variety of events, including live music, hiking workshops, games, and more. Whether it’s tomorrow or years from now, for a day visit or a stop along your thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), we can’t wait to greet you!

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Earlier today, we were proud to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the Center with representatives from the Town of Damascus and Virginia, including U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith. Below are just a few highlights from the event.

The DTC and Damascus were greeted by a beautiful sunrise. A gentle rain shower rolled in later in the morning — but it wouldn’t be Damascus without a little rain during the event!

A packed crowd learned more about the Center from a variety of speakers, including ATC President & CEO Sandra Marra (pictured), U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith, and Damascus Mayor Katie Lamb.

At long last, today’s speakers cut the ribbon and announced the official opening of the DTC tomorrow morning. From left: U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith, Commonwealth of Virginia; Michael Reynolds, Deputy Director for Congressional and External Relations, National Park Service; Colin Beasley, ATC Board Chair; Sandra Marra, ATC President & CEO; Molly Theobald, Director of Regional Infrastructure, Appalachian Regional Commission; and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, Commonwealth of Virginia.

Longtime A.T. maintainers and Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club members Bob Peoples (left) and Tim Stewart welcome Sen. Kaine to the DTC.

Guests were able to view the newly-installed DTC exhibits following the ribbon cutting.

We are excited to share the Center’s exhibits and resources with everyone starting tomorrow at 10 a.m. We hope to see you there!


 

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Featured Article: “A Deeper Connection”

Embracing and encouraging a sense of belonging about the A.T., and turning that feeling into action, is the work of the A.T. Landscape Partnership. This kind of cooperation has never happened on this scale.

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Sign Up Now for the Mid-Atlantic Trail Crew

Enjoy the adventure of an immersive volunteer experience on the A.T. as part of our Mid-Atlantic Trail Crew! We’re now accepting applications for multiple sessions from September-November. Spend time in the great outdoors, get in a healthy workout, and help maintain and protect your Trail!

Learn More & Apply

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Trail Updates

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The current Seth Warner Shelter (NOBO mile 1,603.6) has been permanently closed at its current location. A new shelter will be built approximately two miles north of the former Seth Warner site and will be available for camping in the fall of this year.

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The A.T. crossing of Marble Brook in Maine (NOBO mile 2,067.4) has been flooded to approximately waist level due to a beaver dam built downstream. While this flooding is mainly standing water, hikers should use caution until flood waters recede.

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In Other News…

Learn the basics of Trail maintenance – Join a full-day workshop with the ATC and the Piedmont A.T. Hikers to learn and apply new Trail Maintenance standards to the A.T. on Sunday, September 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. near Atkins, Virginia.

What do you think of Trailway News? – If you have not already, please take our survey and tell us what you think about our weekly newsletter. Your input will help us make Trailway News the best it can be!

Join our team! – We’re hiring for multiple full- and part-time positions to further our mission, including Digital Communications Manager and Policy Manager! Learn more and apply today at appalachiantrail.org/careers.


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Happy Trails!

Thank you for your continued support and the love you express for the Trail!

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