January 22, 2021
Trailway News: The Dynamic Forces of Nature
One of our key themes for 2021 is “looking forward by looking back.” This means looking back to the beginnings of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) to examine not only the goals we have accomplished so far, but the directions we must take to truly succeed in our mission to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). We look forward to sharing this journey with you!
Photo by Christopher Randall
Preserving the “Oxygen” of the Trail
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of “An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning,” we will examine some of the key concepts in Benton MacKaye’s landmark article, as well as how these ideas continue to inform the future of A.T. conservation. Throughout February and March, we will examine how MacKaye’s call for protecting resources such as “oxygen in the mountain air along the Appalachian skyline” guides our work in combating the impacts of climate change on the A.T. landscape.
In the News
Executive Order Will Positively Impact the A.T.
On January 27, 2021, President Biden signed an Executive Order to address climate change, enacting policies that will have direct positive impacts on the A.T.
Hydro Flask Grant to Fund ATC Youth Internship Program
Hydro Flask’s $30,000 Parks For All grant will advance the ATC’s education initiatives, helping to develop the next generation of passionate conservationists.
2021 Trail Crew Applications Now Open
The ATC is now hiring for several Trail Crew positions to work on A.T. projects from Georgia to West Virginia. Project work over the season (early March through mid-November) will include routine maintenance, heavy tread repair and rehabilitation, and Trail relocations. The deadline for submissions is February 8, 2021, so apply soon!
Support the A.T. in Style
The ATC worked directly with its partners at Seek Dry Goods to create a collection of A.T. apparel and accessories, all made with eco-friendly organic and recycled materials. 10% of your purchase directly supports the Trail — win-win!
Community Spotlight
Want to be featured in our community spotlight? Follow us on Instagram at @appalachiantrail and use #atcspotlight in your post!
Happy Trails!
Please donate today to ensure the A.T. we all love benefits us today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Lead image courtesy of Christian Jobst
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“Where We Walk” Podcast
This six-part podcast miniseries explores the women who have helped make the Trail what it is today, as well as those who are shaping its future.