About the Collaborative

Empowering Communities, Conserving Landscapes, Building Resilience

The Appalachian Trail Community Conservation Collaborative (ATCCC) is an exciting new initiative led by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) dedicated to amplifying local voices and supporting community-led conservation efforts while strengthening economies and sense of place in Pennsylvanian communities.

Building on a century of trusted partnerships and programs like the A.T. Community Program and South Mountain Partnership, this initiative seeks to bring together community teams made up of local leaders representing a diversity of community expertise from conservation, agriculture, tourism, government agencies, humanities and more to co-create solutions that address community needs and conservation benefits such as the protection of natural resources, support outdoor recreation economies, and sustain the Appalachian Trail Landscape for future generations.

The Collaborative is a diverse collection of towns, small cities, townships, and boroughs that form a patchwork of cultural, economic, and ecological connections anchored by the Appalachian Trail and the gateways to many of Pennsylvania’s unique places. We partner with communities across the Appalachian Trail Landscape, including trailside and designated A.T. Communities, to help preserve the natural and cultural treasures of this unique corridor – ensuring this iconic landscape thrives for generations to come.

Community Teams Apply Here

A Community-Driven Project for Conservation & Engagement

Our mission is to empower local leaders by providing access to essential planning tools, technical assistance, funding resources, and dynamic networks for peer learning. Together, we work to sustain the A.T. as a living corridor rich with biodiversity, clean water, scenic beauty, and vibrant local history—while fostering economic vitality and climate resilience.

Why Community Involvement Matters

Many communities are eager to balance economic growth with conservation and stewardship goals, and some may be interested in exploring how to expand into the outdoor recreation economy. The Appalachian Trail is much more than a footpath; it is a source of pride and connection; an opportunity for the communities to become partners in stewardship of what makes this landscape unique. By centering the voices and leadership of those who live near the Trail, the Collaborative ensures conservation efforts are locally driven, inclusive, and sustainable. We are committed to building partnerships and advancing solutions that reflect unique community values and priorities.

How We Support Communities

Info Sheet

Technical Assistance & Training

Expert and customized guidance to help communities plan, fund, and launch conservation projects tailored to their needs.

Planning & Data Tools

Access to leading-edge GIS planning tools like ATLAS IT and the Appalachian Trail Visual Resource Inventory.

Funding Navigation

Support to secure public and private funds for community projects.

Peer to Peer Learning and Networking

Connection with a statewide network of community leaders, partners, and experts for shared learning and innovation.

Visibility & Recognition

Opportunities to showcase conservation achievements regionally and nationally through ATC’s landscape conservation partnerships.

The A.T. Landscape

The ATCCC is an open invitation to communities within or partially within the Appalachian Trail Landscape in Pennsylvania to form community teams and apply. The Collaborative will help you to build community-led conservation projects and action plans and will provide customized technical support and peer exchange, and more – see all of the benefits in the General Information for Communities & Partners. Check out the map below to see if your community is in the A.T. Landscape (within the black line) and learn how to join the Collaborative below!

ATCCC Boundary Map

Join the Appalachian Trail Community Conservation Collaborative

Now accepting community applications

Applications will be reviewed as received and up to the October 31, 2025 deadline.

All communities interested in joining the Appalachian Trail Community Conservation Collaborative must submit a community application by October 31, 2025. The purpose of this application is to provide an opportunity to share more about your community and your motivations to joining the Collaborative and to help us be better prepared to meet your expectations. Click here to preview the full application as a PDF. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and acceptance into the Collaborative will remain open until 15 communities are committed to the project.

Apply

Resources

Watch Past Webinars

Additional webinars may be provided. All webinars will be recorded and posted to this website.

More Information

 

Together, we can ensure that the Appalachian Trail’s landscapes—and the communities that care for them—continue to prosper and inspire, now and into the future.

 

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