Gorham Designated an Official A.T. Community™

GORHAM, N.H. (Oct. 6, 2020) – Join the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), the Town of Gorham, New Hampshire, and the Appalachian Mountain Club to celebrate the official designation of Gorham as the 48th Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Community™ on October 15, 2020, at 6 p.m. The ceremony will be held virtually and is free and open for all to attend.

“It is an honor to be engaged in the partnership of managing the Appalachian Trail and this celebration of designating Gorham as an Appalachian Trail Community,” said Derek Ibarguen, forest supervisor for the White Mountain National Forest. “Gorham truly is an outdoor recreation destination and we’re pleased the Androscoggin Ranger District is part of the community.”

As part of the celebration, the Town of Gorham will hold a raffle for all attendees for a chance to win a Hydro Flask backpack and a $50 gift certificate to the White Mountain Cafe & Bookstore.

Known by many as the “Gateway to the White Mountains,” Gorham, New Hampshire, will celebrate its A.T. Community™ designation on October 15.

The ATC’s A.T. Community™ program proudly recognizes communities along the 2,193 miles of the Trail. The program encourages residents and visitors to learn more about the fantastic outdoor recreation and volunteer opportunities available in the surrounding area, including on the A.T. and throughout the White Mountain National Forest.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is thrilled to celebrate Gorham as a community partner that promotes and protects the Appalachian Trail,” said Julie Judkins, Director of Education and Outreach for the ATC. “Gorham has been a long-time partner supporting place-based service learning in schools, growing outdoor recreation and conservation planning, and encouraging healthy lifestyles for its community members.”

Those interested in participating in the ceremony can register to attend by visiting www.appalachiantrail.org/gorham-designation.

Event Program:

• 6 p.m. – Music from Paul Cormier & Fleur de Lis and Proclamation Signing
• 6:10 p.m. – Remarks from honored guests:
  • Denise Vallee, Town Manager (emcee)
  • Mike Waddell, Board of Selectmen Chair
  • Hawk Metheny, ATC Regional Director
  • Chuck Henderson, Representative for Senator Shaheen
  • Jeff Schall, Planning Board
  • David Govatski, Author and former USFS staff
  • Derek J.S. Ibarguen, Forest Supervisor, US Forest Service, White Mountain National Forest
  • Wendy Janssen, Superintendent, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service
• Keynote Speaker:
  • Community Connections of People and Place, by Author Jeff Ryan

The A.T. Community™ program was created by the ATC to recognize communities that promote and care for the Trail. Working with a growing network of Trailside community partners, the program supports communities that play a role in advocating the A.T. as a significant local and national asset and as an international icon. The program assists communities by generating awareness and stimulating outdoor recreation while preserving and protecting the A.T. For more information about the A.T. Community™ program, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/explore/communities.

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The ATC was founded in 1925 by volunteers and federal officials working to build a continuous footpath along the Appalachian Mountains. A unit of the National Park System, the A.T. ranges from Maine to Georgia and is 2,193 miles in length. It is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. The mission of the ATC is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. For more information, visit www.appalachiantrail.org.

Media Contact: Julie Judkins
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Email: jjudkins@appalachiantrail.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ATHike
Web: www.appalachiantrail.org

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