August 6, 2021
Trailway News: The Call of the Trail
Why are we drawn by the wilderness along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)?
The Trail, located within a day’s drive of over two-thirds of the United States population, provides an opportunity to reconnect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.
In this week’s featured article, Mark Ellison measures the depth of the connection we each have to nature and its transformative power.
Photo by Horizonline Pictures
Birdsong That Was There All Along
A walk in the woods is often accompanied by the chirps, chatter and dawning chorus of birdsong. It is nature’s way of providing a soundtrack to our outdoor experiences. The A.T. and its landscapes are an essential migratory corridor for numerous bird species that require protection. Beth Ann Fennelly, Poet Laureate of Mississippi, captures what birdsong means to us and why it’s worth protecting, in her poem – A Wing and a Prayer.
Thank you, Ambreen!
Today, Ambreen Tariq announced she will depart from the ATC Board of Directors. During her tenure on the Board, Ambreen helped expand the ATC’s education and outreach efforts to a broader range of communities and helped guide ATC’s justice, equity, diversity and inclusion journey. She also helped the ATC envision how it can help more people connect to the A.T., invest in its management and protection, and advocate for its future. Thank you for your service to the ATC and the A.T., Ambreen!
Photo by Horizonline Pictures
A.T. Vista Starts Tomorrow!
Are you ready for A.T. Vista 2021? We invite everyone with a love of trails to help celebrate 100 years of A.T. history this weekend! Come out and hike on the A.T. or a trail near you, and share your adventures by tagging posts with #ATVista2021.
You can also check out several online workshops, featuring topics on trail mapping and invasive species.
Don’t Forget…
The 2021 ATC Membership Meeting is Almost Here
Join us on Saturday, August 28, from 10:30 a.m. to noon EDT, for our 2021 Membership Meeting. On the day of the meeting, you can view it on our YouTube page or on our website at appalachiantrail.org/2021meeting.
Join the Emerging Leaders’ Summit
Less than a week until the 2021 Emerging Leaders’ Summit! Dozens of inspirational speakers, including Climate Cardinals Founder Sophia Kianni and award-winning spoken word poet Amal Kassir, will be leading virtual workshops focused on building community, impacting change, and creative expression.
Town of Elkton, VA –
A.T. Community™ Designation
Help celebrate the Town of Elkton for its official designation as the 50th A.T. Community™ on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. EDT! The designation ceremony will feature remarks from Elkton’s Mayor, the ATC, and Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC).
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.