by Leanna Joyner, ATC Program Director for Volunteer Relations

Is Volunteerism Rebounding from COVID-19?

In 2021, 70% of people across the United States said that volunteering would be more important than ever after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study from in Civic engagement from Points of Light. That statistic is proving to be true in 2022 for Appalachian Trail (A.T.) volunteerism.

The A.T. saw a 26% increase in volunteers in 2022 over 2021, demonstrating that A.T. volunteerism is on the rebound from COVID-19. Overall, 990 new volunteers participated at least once this year. Hopefully they are poised to return soon.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and A.T. Maintaining Clubs took a big leap forward in 2022 in promoting volunteer events through the A.T. Volunteer Engagement Platform. There were 2.5 times more events centrally listed for volunteers to find in 2022 over 2021, and 3.75 times as much interest in opportunities.

View the complete 2022 Report on Volunteer Impact.

2022 Highlights

  • 4,728 Volunteers
  • 170,904 Volunteer Hours
  • 243 Events promoted through the Volunteer Engagement Platform

I feel privileged to help with trail work and the Volunteer Engagement Platform tool does a great job of “bird dogging” and finding volunteer opportunities that match my aging skills and abilities, close to home and beyond.” – Bob Huff, Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association