"The Register" Blog

by Leanna Joyner, ATC Senior Director of Partnerships and Trail Operations

2024 Federal Land Managers Meeting Summary

The Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests hosted the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Federal Land Managers Meeting in May, 2024. The group discussed strategies to better enable cooperative management and support continuous improvement. Among the topics discussed were opportunities to better align at all levels within agencies, to increase capacity within and across agencies, maintaining communications, and a lot more.

by Jessie Johnson, ATC Volunteer Engagement Specialist

Club Round-up: Training Opportunities

This month, we’re highlighting a selection of diverse training opportunities offered by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and several A.T. maintaining clubs that provide staff and volunteers the chance to improve their trail maintenance skills, enhance their leadership capabilities, and reduce risk.

by Sara Haxby, ATC Volunteer Program Manager

A Cooperative Management Case Study

The solar eclipse in April, 2024 brought tens of thousands of footsteps in a matter of hours along a fragile alpine ecosystem as people chased the path of totality. Thanks to an inspiring example of cooperative management in action, an informal task force protected the resource, and witnessed the beauty of the solar eclipse.

by Jessie Johnson, ATC Volunteer Engagement Specialist

Leveraging the Power of Groups

Have you ever wondered about hosting groups to volunteer on your section of the Appalachian Trail? Partnering with groups can raise awareness of your group’s mission and current needs, attract a greater diversity of volunteers, and serve as the catalyst for beneficial long-term relationships. Learn about how to leverage these partnerships to best serve both the group and your club’s needs.

by Cosmo Catalano, Stewardship Council member

Stream Crossings Task Force Update

Ever wonder why some stream crossings have bridges and others do not? A task group has formed to examine stream crossing policies and provide guidance.

by Caitlin Miller, ATC Information Services Manager

Climate Change and A.T. Maintenance, Part 2: Wildfires

2023 was a season of extremes on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). As detailed in part one of this series, severe flooding along the northern section of the Trail impacted maintenance for multiple clubs. In part 2, we explore how longer fire seasons in the Southeastern U.S. impact the A.T. experience, Trail maintenance and management.

by Greg Ritson, ATC Technical Trail Specialist

Season in Review

Greg Ritson looks back on his season as Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Technical Trail Specialist.

2023 Volunteer Highlights

Celebrating 2023 Appalachian Trail Volunteer Impacts

As we close in on a century of protecting, managing, and advocating for the Appalachian Trail, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and 30 Trail-maintaining clubs have been working to engage and inspire a new generation of Trail stewards. These accomplishments represent just a fraction of the impact made by volunteers throughout the 2023 federal fiscal year. 

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

Recent A.T. Club Achievements for October 2023

Appalachian Trail-maintaining Clubs and their volunteers accomplish incredible feats every year. Here are a few recent highlights!

by ATC Volunteer Program Staff

Club Conversations

ATC organized roundtable discussions this year as an opportunity for A.T. Clubs to share in a community of practice on the following topics: volunteer recruitment, leadership development, celebrating anniversaries, club funding structures, privy management, and facility inspections. Get the highlights… 

by ATC Volunteer Program Staff

Climate Change and A.T. Maintenance

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, studies have shown that extreme weather events such as large storms are likely to become more frequent or intense due to climate change. Like many places around the world, the Appalachian Trail has been subject to damage due to the recent storms. 

by ATC Staff

Protect What You Love Most About the A.T.

Whether you love connecting with nature, connecting with friends, or connecting with your local community, you can find an opportunity to protect the Trail that fits your interests and availability.

Talk the talk and walk the walk as an A.T. Volunteer

Decoding the Appalachian Trail: Volunteer Edition

In this blog post, we’re decoding A.T. volunteering so everyone can feel welcome. There is a place for you — and all your unique skills — as an A.T. volunteer.

by Sara Haxby, ATC Volunteer Program Manager

Updates from the Spring 2023 Stewardship Council Meeting

Updates from the Spring 2023 meeting of the Stewardship Council.

by ATC Volunteer Program Staff

Meet Greg Ritson, Technical Trail Specialist

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is excited to introduce Greg Ritson as ATC’s Technical Trail Specialist for the 2023 season. Greg Ritson will be traveling along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) providing a variety of workshops centered around skills needed to care for the Appalachian Trail.

By ATC Staff

New Look for Appalachian Trail Volunteers

Can you see yourself as an Appalachian Trail (A.T.) volunteer? This was a guiding question when the ATC Volunteer Relations team began the careful process of updating the imagery associated with the A.T. Volunteer brand.

by ATC Volunteer Program Staff

Recruit More A.T. Volunteers

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is helping clubs and other partners recruit volunteers to support the Trail. Here are six recommendations for partners to maximize the opportunity.  

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

Recent A.T. Club Achievements

A.T. Clubs and their volunteers are always hard at work caring for the Trail. Here are a few stories of their recent accomplishments.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

Welcoming New Volunteers

Getting someone to express an interest in volunteering on the Appalachian Trail is the first step to their volunteer engagement journey. Ensuring they follow through on their commitment is the next step, and what you do as a volunteer coordinator matters.  

By Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

Club Happenings

Clubs from across the Trail share their successes and challenges when it comes to a variety of projects that they are working on in support of the Appalachian Trail.

by Leanna Joyner, ATC Program Director for Volunteer Relations

A.T. Volunteers Get a Makeover

A.T. Volunteerism has long been represented by the iconic image of a hiker with a steely jaw set to the horizon. To better reflect today’s Trail volunteer community, the “A.T. Volunteers” brand is getting a makeover.

by Leanna Joyner, ATC Program Director for Volunteer Relations

Is Volunteerism Rebounding from COVID-19?

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, A.T. Volunteerism reduced by half. Find out what the ATC learned about minimum essential volunteerism and the expansion of volunteerism in 2022.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

The Volunteer Community and Human Connections

The volunteer community on the A.T. does not stop at the Trail’s edge. The experiences shared by A.T. volunteers are known to foster life-long friendships and memories, as well as a support system that extends beyond the footpath to the heart and the home.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

Protecting Life on the Trail, Large and Small

The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is more than a simple footpath — it is a sanctuary for humans and wildlife alike. Learn how you can help protect this conservation corridor.

by Cosmo Catalano, Stewardship Council Member

Campsite Siting Guidance Update

A committee of the ATC Stewardship Council is revising guidance for locating and designing shelters and formal campsites to reflect desired Trail experiences.

Edited by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

Stories of Volunteering on the A.T. for the First Time

Former Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) intern Sean Kurth shares his experience volunteering to maintain the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) for the first time. Also, as first-time boundary monitors and maintainers, Amanda Ramirez and her daughter Yahaira share their experiences. 

By Sean Kurth, Volunteer Impact Coordinator - Fall 2021

Engaging Gen Z Volunteers

If organizations hoping to attract new volunteers employ outreach efforts that Gen Z will see and engage with, the 2020s could see a renaissance in youth volunteering.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

Meet Kris English: Technical Trail Specialist

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is excited to announce the new role of a Technical Trail Specialist. Learn more about Kris and her work.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

Privy Choices: Facts of the Matter

There are more options for toilets to use while out in the backcountry than you may think. Here are some ways that human waste can be managed along the Appalachian Trail.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

Partnerships and Management Efforts at Max Patch

Paul Curtin, Trail Supervisor with the Carolina Mountain Club (CMC), explains how visitor use management challenges have been addressed at Max Patch over the years.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

One Club’s Strategies for Increasing Volunteerism

ATC staff interviewed Jason Gotch, Trail Supervisor for the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC), to learn how the Club is focusing on increasing volunteer engagement for the Trail.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

A Look at Volunteer Impact in 2021

Following a year of change due to a global pandemic, Appalachian Trail volunteers have continued to answer the call of stewardship in ways that were steadfast and adapted to public safety protocols. 

by Cosmo Catalano, AMC Western Massachusetts Chapter, A.T. Committee

Just What is a Local Management Plan?

Guest contributor Cosmo Catalano discusses Local Management Plans and why every A.T. maintaining club needs to have one.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

Partnerships Protect the Trail Corridor

The federally protected lands surrounding the A.T. near Greenwood Lake, NY have experienced a decade long battle against off-road vehicle encroachments onto A.T. lands. A new partnership of municipal and National Park Service law enforcement with Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) staff and club volunteers has developed new strategies for prevention and education.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

Mentoring for Volunteer Retention

Mentoring is more than an exchanging of knowledge; it is a plan that serves to benefit individuals, organizations, and communities.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

Clubs Explore New Ways of Engaging Volunteers

There is more than one way to engage and retain volunteers. Here are a few examples and studies that support a need for diverse strategies in volunteer management.  

by Alivia Acosta, ATC National Service Coordinator

Communicating the Protection of a Beloved Resource

by Sara Haxby, ATC Senior Conservation Coordinator

Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award

The Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award launched in 2003. Over the following eighteen years, more than thirty-five Appalachian Trail Volunteers received this award. One application for a volunteer reported over 11,000 hours accrued. Many of these individuals have been featured in ATC’s Volunteer Spotlight series. We collected some throughlines in this post.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC National Service Coordinator

Elevating Volunteerism: Raising Awareness

The promotion of volunteer stewardship events along the Appalachian Trail has gotten a lot easier thanks to one simple link. Learn about how ATC and partners are working to make volunteering open to all and to make sign-up easy.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC National Service Coordinator

Tool Talk 2: Grubbing

Welcome to the second edition of Tool Talk! This edition will be covering the tools typically used in trail work for “grubbing.”

The New: A.T. Volunteer Experience

The New: A.T. Volunteer Experience

Find out how ATC is making volunteering open to all and easy to do.

Guthook App Map Use for Volunteers

Guthook App Map Use for Volunteers

Georgia A.T. Club volunteer Rick Dicks used some quick thinking and the Guthook app to plan future work for a specific site on his trail section. Read about his recommendation for this tech tool.

Communities of Action: Affinity Groups

Communities of Action: Affinity Groups

Affinity groups expand A.T. awareness and impact. Discover what they are, things they do, and how to partner with the Wild East Women’s affinity group.

Volunteer Management Best Practices: Evaluations

Volunteer Management Best Practices: Evaluations

If you’re not sure where you’re standing, how do you know where to go next? Evaluations, like a good map and compass, help identify your location and help set your bearings. A quick survey after an experience tracks progress toward your goals of engaging new people, gauging the likelihood of their return, and potentially developing them as leaders. Find out how 3 simple questions can make a big difference. 

The Century Past and the Century Ahead

The Century Past and the Century Ahead

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Stewardship Council explored questions around effective shared stewardship for the next century during its fall meeting.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC National Service Coordinator

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

When the English punk rock band, The Clash, released their hit song “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” in 1982 they probably never imagined it would be a helpful mantra during a global pandemic.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator

Tool Talk

At the start of each and every work trip, among the many other things, it is important to stop and take a moment where all event participants can review and discuss the proper techniques of how to carry, use, and store trail tools.

by Sara Haxby, ATC Senior Conservation Coordinator

3 Things to Know About the VSA

Volunteer Service Agreements make it possible for you or me to give back to the Appalachian Trail. At their most basic, they are permission to do work to support the public trust resource that is one of the most world-renowned of hiking trails.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC National Service Coordinator

Re-Engaging During COVID-19

Plenty of change has occurred since the global pandemic began and the A.T. is no exception. Faced with early spring blowdowns, adapted protocols for field work, and new ways of sharing skills with new volunteers, A.T. clubs and partners managed to adopt new practices.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC National Service Coordinator

Trail Tools: Brushing

In this first edition of “Trail Tools” we will be covering a few of the tools you may need when “Brushing” the Trail.

by Leanna Joyner, ATC's Program Director for Volunteer Relations

Volunteerism in the Age of COVID-19

In federal fiscal year 2020 volunteerism was down by 60% from previous years while the total number of hours for the period were reduced by half.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC National Service Coordinator

Volunteer Injuries Call for Safety Front and Center

In Federal Fiscal Year 2020, there were six volunteer injuries, and most of them were slips, trips or falls. Highlighting safety and hazards as a central component to any work trip is known to elevate awareness and good decision making.

by Leanna Joyner, ATC's Program Director for Volunteer Relations

Outcomes from A.T. Volunteer Surveys

ATC’s Volunteer Relations program undertook the most comprehensive qualitative and quantitative survey of A.T. volunteers in the history of the Trail in 2020.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC National Service Coordinator

Building Bridges

How one club was successful in completing a bridge project with multiple partners.

A.T. Volunteers Contribute to Climate Resiliency

A.T. Volunteers Contribute to Climate Resiliency

How a simple footpath is contributing to the fight against climate change.

by Ryan Seltzer, ATC Natural Resource & Land Stewardship Manager

1 Million Feet in 2019

Each year, hundreds of volunteer land stewards monitor the A.T. corridor.

by Alivia Acosta, ATC National Service Coordinator

Tools Beyond a Pulaski

What some clubs are doing to recruit and empower leaders.

by Jacob Chandler, ATC Conservation & Communications Intern

Conservation Corps, Integral to the A.T.

Conservation Corps today are providing work experiences and purpose for the current youth of America similar to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

A Special Edition of The Register

The Register: Special Edition

This special edition of The Register is dedicated to connecting and engaging the spirit of A.T. volunteerism without having to step foot on the Trail.

by Leanna Joyner, ATC's Program Director for Volunteer Relations

A.T. Leadership Academy 2020 Intent to Participate

The A.T. Leadership Academy is a workshop focused on building community and capacity across 14-states through training, tools, resources and practice.

by ATC National Stewardship Coordinator Alivia Acosta

Picture Perfect

Telling the story of volunteerism along the Appalachian Trail takes more than a thousand words. Here are some tips and tricks to capture the perfect picture.

by Leanna Joyner

Trail Club Success in Retention and Recruitment

Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs are engines of civic engagement along the eastern seaboard. Their work doesn’t begin and end with digging in the dirt; it extends to project planning and the ever-essential aspects of volunteer coordination, which involves sociology and human resource management.

by Sara Haxby

2019: Banner Year for Boots on the Ground

A.T. Clubs undertook a number of superior accomplishments in 2019; here’s a look at significant achievements by a few A.T. clubs in 2019.

by Leanna Joyner

Volunteer Numbers Hold Steady While Hours on the Rise

For the 2019 Federal Fiscal Year, 5,867 volunteers contributed 210,923 hours. This is a slight increase of volunteers, just 35 more people than the last reporting period, but an increase of 11,633 hours. Volunteers are holding steady, and the information ATC and its cooperating partners collect and report annually help shape an understanding of trends in volunteerism for the Appalachian Trail.*

Communities are a part of the Trail experience.

A.T. Communities as Partners

Communities are a part of the Trail experience.

by Sara Haxby

Bears and Food Storage on the A.T.

Should there be a trailwide regulation for food storage? If so, what should it be?

by Leanna Joyner

In Defense of the View

Sweeping views & iconic vistas. They make the A.T., but are we poised to protect them?

by Alivia Acosta

Visitor Use Management on the A.T.

The Interagency Visitor Use Management Council releases new guidebook in monitoring and visitor capacity help to find the balance between visitor use and resource protection.

by Leanna Joyner

2019 Summary of Volunteer Accidents and Close Calls

Since October 2018, there have been five volunteer injuries, and at least one near miss. A quick overview is shared here to help cultivate a culture of safety among A.T. volunteers.

by Sara Haxby

REI Funds ATC Stewardship Projects

Making volunteer sign-up easy is just one of the ways REI is helping to support stewardship of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

by Khidhar McKenzie

The Next Generation Joins Konnarock

For the first year ever, ATC offers a shorter version of its flagship Konnarock Trail Crew. Here’s a snapshot of the experience from a participant.

by Alivia Acosta

Hosting a National Public Lands Day

Find ideas for A.T. Clubs and A.T. Communities to join the nation’s largest one-day celebration of public lands by hosting a National Public Lands Day (NPLD) activity.

by Sara Haxby

Visitor Center Volunteers

Volunteers give their time to keep the Appalachian Trail open, accessible, and protected. One way they do that is introducing the Trail to the public, at Visitor Centers along the A.T.

by Alivia Acosta

Safety on the Trail: Visitor Encounters

There’s a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for everything, including encounters with people visiting the Trail. Learn more about personal safety when serving as a volunteer, and some thoughtful ways to be a positive presence for hikers who are also concerned about safety.

by Alivia Acosta

Konnarock Crew Highlights 2018

Accomplishments from the 2018 Konnarock Crew.

by Sara Haxby

Share Your Stories of Dean Sims

Please share your stories of Dean Sims below.

by Alivia Acosta

Lets Talk Trash

The impacts of a well planned trash clean-up event.

by Leanna Joyner

Tips for Safety Sessions

A good tailgate safety session doesn’t need to take long, though it should cover the essentials. This post includes a mnemonic device to help frame your next safety briefing, an easy way to introduce safety talks for volunteers, and a video with sample tailgate safety session topics.

by Brent Botts

Flashback Friday: Hazard Tree Inspections

A Register Flashback with a few ways to assess possible hazard trees on the trail.

by Natrieifia Miller

Why Wilderness First Aid Is Worth It

Being prepared is a virtue of any avid outdoors person. Knowing how to care for yourself or anyone else when an accident occurs is a key part of being prepared. In this article the differences between basic urban first aid and wilderness first aid are laid out, along with some a few additional perks of taking a wilderness first aid course.

by Matt Drury and Natrieifia Miller

Forest Health: Impacts of the Emerald Ash Borer on Trail Maintenance

In this article we explore the detrimental impacts of the emerald ash borer on ash trees and why it is important for trail maintainers and volunteers to be knowledgeable about these, and similar impacts.

by Pete Rentz and William (Bill) Van Horn

Flashback- Chain Saw Pack: One of those nice-and-easy do-it-yourself projects!

Some great tips on creating a chain saw pack for sawyers on the go!

by Natrieifia Miller

Club Round Up: Looking for a Sign?

This post features a look at the process and price of sign management from various clubs across the A.T.

by Natrieifia Miller

Club Round Up: A.T Communities and Clubs Partnerships

Today we’re highlighting some of the successes that happen when our A.T. Communities and A.T. maintaining Clubs come together.

by Robert "Bob" Proudman

Tips on Tons: Tools and Techniques – Simple Machines and Mechanical Advantage (Part 2 of 2)

This Flashback Friday post highlights an article from Bob Proudman in the November 1984 issue of The Register newsletter. The article offers more insights into different mechanisms and tools for moving and handling heavy materials out on the Trail. Header image: Jefferson Rock project: Mid-Atlantic crew 1990s

by Natrieifia Miller

Nantahala Hiking Club Helps Trail Users Do the Right Thing

Nantahala Hiking Club takes action to rehabilitate the highly used White Oak Stamp campsite, implementing techniques that help users make informed camping decisions.

by Amanda Wheelock

Working with New Audiences: Sharing a Chance to Love the Outdoors

Just like the outdoors, things aren’t always sunshine and rainbows when it comes to outreach. But as any avid outdoors person knows, with proper tools and preparation the most can be made out of unideal conditions. Here are some tips for making the most out of opportunities to share outdoor experiences with new adventurers!

by Gannon Coffey

Tips for Silent Sawyers

This Flashback Thursday post highlights an article from Gannon Coffey July 1986 issue of The Register newsletter. The article offers guidelines for using a cross-cut saw.

by Natrieifia Miller

Club Profile: AMC Young Members Engagement

Suzannah Hatch is the AMC Volunteer Relations Coordinator. In the past few years she’s been working to cultivate young member activities through AMC and its chapters. Find out her tips for clubs committed to encouraging younger members involvement.

by Robert "Bob" Proudman

Tips on Tons: Moving Big Heavy Logs and Rocks (Part 1 of 2)

This Flashback Thursday post highlights an article in the November 1984 issue of The Register by Robert D. Proudman. The article provides tips to make moving heavy materials a little less physically taxing on individuals.

by Kayla Carter

An Open Invitation to Give Back to the Land

Kayla Carter, ATC Next Gen Advisory Council Member and Trail maintainer, describes the positive effects volunteering on the Trail has had on her life.

by Robert "Bob" Proudman

Flashback: Hanging Up the Axe

This Flashback Thursday post highlights an article in the June 1983 issue of The Register by Robert D. Proudman. The article provides a step-by-step process for “hanging” or rehandling, an axe. The technique is also useful for rehandling other useful Trail work tools. (Bob is on the left in the picture above.)

by Niasha Hamilton

The Making of an Elite Trail Maintainer: S.W.E.A.T. Crew

The CLC provides valuable training and work experience to 18- to 25-year-olds who are new to the outdoors by offering professional development in the fields of natural resource and trail management. Niasha Hamilton, is a 2016 member of this inaugural program. In this post she gives a brief description of CLC’s week long hitch with the S.W.E.A.T. crew!

by Amanda Wheelock

Promoting Engagement and Future Stewardship through Family Hiking Day 2016

Four approaches to successful family hiking and encouraging new participation with the Trail!

by Thurston Griggs

Flashback: How Can Drought Cause Erosion?

This Flashback Thursday post highlights an excerpt from Thurston Griggs’ article in the November 1983 issue of The Register. The article details how drought can be just as much a problem for creating erosion as consistent rainfall.

by Natrieifia Miller

Club Round Up: Publicity

In this week’s Club Round Up we take a look into different ways various clubs publicize all the great events they host.

by Natrieifia Miller

How MYLES and CLC Helped Me Rediscover My Passion for Conservation

The CLC provides valuable training and work experience to 18- to 25-year-olds who are new to the outdoors by offering professional development in the fields of natural resource and trail management. Natrieifia was not a member of the inaugural CLC program this summer but spent a great deal of time with them throughout the summer. This post recounts the week spent at Purchase Knob Learning Center with MYLES of Science and CLC, performing many different types of field data collection.

by Natrieifia Miller

Jolly Rovers- Moving Rocks: Rock Work Techniques

This is the third installment of our Jolly Rovers series. Learn about the many different techniques used when working with large rock during trail maintenance and construction.

by Natrieifia Miller

Flashback: Trail Musings from 1985

This Flashback Thursday post highlights an excerpt from Bob Leone’s “Trail Musings” article in the November 1985 issue of The Register. The excerpt focuses on maintenance of the Trail and why a minimum of four maintenance trips per year on a section should be a best practice for every trail maintainer.

by Natrieifia Miller

Stone Busters and Hammers: Safety Tips with the Jolly Rovers

Learn the proper technique for wielding stone busters along with hearing a harrowing story that illustrates the importance of being aware of one’s “blood bubble” at all times.

by Ayelen Lucia “Lucy” Crespo

Brushing Up on Our Skills: Wilderness Skills Institute (WSI)

The CLC provides valuable training and work experience to 18- to 25-year-olds who are new to the outdoors by offering professional development in the fields of natural resource and trail management. Ayelen Lucia “Lucy” Crespo, is a 2016 member of this inaugural program. In this post she gives a brief description of CLC’s two weeks during the annual Wilderness Skills Institute (WSI)!

by Morgan Sommerville

Stomp Stobs Flashback!

This Flashback Thursday post comes from Morgan Sommerville from May 1986. He shares not just his personal experience with stobs, but why attention to their removal makes the Trail a better place.

by Natrieifia Miller

Pick Mattock Safety Tips with the Jolly Rovers

The Jolly Rovers give some key safety tips for handling a pick mattock in this short video!

by Natrieifia Miller

Club Round-up: Grants

This week’s Club Round-up focus is on grants. Find out how clubs are using grant resources to fund important projects.

by Natrieifia Miller

Club Round-up: Social Media Spotlight

Our first Club Round-up is here! Our round-up posts feature a variety of club activities, best practices and partnerships. Today’s round-up is an A.T. Club Social Media Spotlight. Check out some examples of clubs who have really made an impact with their social media spaces.

by Natrieifia Miller

Club Round Up – Stories of Partnership

Partnerships are nothing new for A.T. Clubs. They’ve been doing this for decades, but here’s a few stories of recent projects that capture how they’re working with other organizations to implement greater impact.

by Jeremiah "Jay" Roy

Learning from the Pros: CLC on the Konnarock Trail Crew

The CLC provides valuable training and work experience to 18- to 25-year-olds who are new to the outdoors by offering professional development in the fields of natural resource and trail management. Jeremiah “Jay” Roy, is a 2016 member of this inaugural program. In this post he gives a brief description of CLC’s week as part of the seasonal Konnarock crew!

by Leanna Joyner

Opportunities for Training: Volunteer Management

Upcoming training webinars.

by Natrieifia Miller

Konnarock Projects Round Up 2016

The 2016 Konnarock Crew season has wrapped up. Check out this video to see all the great work and fun all the crew sessions had this year!

by Natrieifia Miller

272,000 hours

by Adriana Rodas

Getting to Know You: Conservation Leadership Corps Orientation

The CLC provides valuable training and work experience to 18- to 25-year-olds who are new to the outdoors by offering professional development in the fields of natural resource and trail management. Adriana Rodas is a 2016 member of this inaugural program. In this post she gives a brief description of CLC’s Orientation week!

by Natrieifia Miller

Variation on Rock Waterbars

by Natrieifia Miller

Considering the Batch-Bin Composting System for A.T. Overnight Sites

There are a variety of ways to deal with human fecal waste in the backcountry; here’s a video that explains one approach in high elevation, high use sites.

by Leanna Joyner

Trail Advocacy Webinar

Here’s a best-from-the-Web post from our partners at American Hiking Society. The webinar focus is on lobbying in the home district and on the Hill, and a timely resource for many of our clubs and public land advocates.

by Leanna Joyner

Heroes of the Trail

Both Ron Tipton, ATC’s executive director and CEO and Sandi Marra, our chair, highlight A.T. volunteers as the “spine” and the “foundation for the future of the A.T.”

by Natrieifia Miller

Club Roundup: Advocacy in Action

Club Roundup: Advocacy in Action: Find out how clubs are letting their voices be heard on topics that are important to them.

by Leanna Joyner

Club Leadership Development Opportunities

There are many facets of leading an A.T. club, including volunteer recruitment, development, managing aspects of the Trail with partners, and the essential functions of operating the organization from budgeting to governance. Here are some upcoming tools club leaders can use to build the success of their organizations. Many of these are free and time sensitive!

by Patrick Slaughter

Dipping into Soil Science for Trail Construction Techniques

In this video Chris explains how familiarity with soil types will help in the construction of rolling grade dips.

by Patrick Slaughter

Practical Applications: Lessons from Wilderness Skills Institute