June 10, 2022
Trailway News: Just Say “No!” to Invasive Species
When you look at the photo above, what do you see? Unfortunately, those are not just pretty pink flowers lining the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) — those are Dame’s Rocket, an invasive species that impacts the health of ecosystems surrounding the Trail.
This week is PlayCleanGo Awareness Week, which encourages us all to help stop the spread of invasive species while we enjoy the outdoors. To help you protect the ecosystems on the A.T., check out our guide of five prominent invasive species found along the Trail, what you can do to help, and how the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is helping to control (or eliminate) these threats to the A.T. and its hiking experience.
ATC Board of Directors Nominations Deadline Extended
Due to a shift in schedules, the ATC has extended the deadline for Board of Director nominations until July 15, 2022. We are looking for candidates who can add diversity of thought to the current Board and can demonstrate a passion for the A.T. and the mission of the ATC.
Be Prepared for Tick Season
It’s almost time to celebrate summer on the A.T., but with warm weather and tall grass comes the need to take extra precautions against tick bites. More than any other factor, tick-borne illnesses are the greatest risk to your health and safety while hiking the Trail. Check out our tips for minimizing your risks and ensuring the only thing returning with you from the Trail are photographs and memories.
In Other News…
“An Active Retirement on the Appalachian Trail” – Next Avenue profiles longtime Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and ATC volunteer and supporter Jim Fetig, who uses his retirement to give back hundreds of service hours to maintaining and protecting the A.T.
A.T. Hall of Fame Event Announced for October 1 – The Appalachian Trail Museum will hold its 2022 Class of the A.T. Hall of Fame induction ceremony on October 1, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Hosted by ATC Vice President of Regional and Trail Operations Hawk Metheny, the induction ceremony will be a free event, but registration is required due to limited space.
Celebrate the A.T. Tomorrow at Round Hill, Virginia – The third annual Round Hill A.T. Festival takes place tomorrow, June 11! If you’re going to be in the neighborhood, stop by between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. for live music, kids’ activities, trail cooking demos, and to hear some of ATC President & CEO Sandi Marra’s favorite local hikes.
Clayton and Rabun County, Georgia, Celebrate A.T. Community™ Designation Tomorrow – The designation celebration will include live music, family-friendly activities and a variety of booths hosted by local businesses and outdoor recreation/conservation organizations.
Community Spotlight
Happy Trails!
Thank you for your continued support and the love you express for the Trail!