Sherri and Ed Langlais
March 2026
There’s no single path to becoming an Appalachian Trail volunteer. Some volunteers spend their days helping with trail maintenance while others lend their skills behind the scenes, coordinating events, serving in leadership roles, or helping hikers at an Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Center.
And if you like variety, you can support the A.T. the way Sherri and Ed Langlais do – by getting involved in some of everything.
For more than three decades, this husband-and-wife duo has been a steady presence on the Appalachian Trail and in the Monson Visitor Center in Maine. They were introduced to the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) in the early 1990s by a friend and quickly found themselves “hooked” – a common refrain among A.T. volunteers.
Together, Sherri and Ed have maintained various sections of the A.T. for 25 years, taken on numerous leadership roles with MATC, supported trail crews, and stepped in wherever help was needed – from building rock staircases and privies to packing in supplies for the 100 Mile Wilderness. Both have volunteered on MATC’s Trail Crew Committee for over two decades and continue to serve as Gearmasters for the Club’s Ridgerunner program.
Over the years, Sherri and Ed have worked alongside many longtime MATC volunteers and are quick to emphasize that the work of caring for the A.T. is deeply collective and there’s always a need for extra hands. “I am only one of many, along with Ed, and all volunteers need to be recognized,” Sherri said. "And MATC always needs more regular volunteers.”
Sherri currently serves as MATC’s Recording Secretary and also assists visitors at the Monson Visitor Center. From preparing northbound hikers for the 100 Mile Wilderness and Baxter State Park to sharing information with southbounders about southern Maine and New Hampshire’s White Mountains to pointing day hikers in the right direction, Sherri juggles a wide range of needs with “grace and skill,” according to Visitor Center Manager Wendy Weiger.
Ed is known as someone who shows up to do whatever needs done for MATC, both on and off the Trail. “Ed is quick to answer when the Club puts out a call, whether it’s for a sawyer or help with prep work for a privy build,” MATC President Janice Clain said.
According to Janice, what sets Sherri and Ed apart is their reliability, humility, and willingness to do whatever needs doing. “You can always count on them,” she said. “Not just on the Trail, but in their community as well.”
Keep reading for a conversation with Sherri and Ed about their 30+ years of volunteer experiences and why they continue to show up, year after year.
Why is the A.T. important to you?
Sherri: It amazes me every time I walk on the A.T. that it’s been around since 1937. The foresight at that time!
Ed: I want to help preserve what was started back in the 1930s. It is important for recreation – not just for thru-hikers, but for day hikers, section hikers, and other visitors.
What do you enjoy most about your time on the Trail?
Sherri: The people you meet! Whether they are hikers, maintainers, donors, students, committee volunteers, etc. They all have stories, and it is fun sharing and listening with all of them.
Ed: I love the wildness and the beauty of the Trail.
Do you have a favorite memory from your volunteer experience?
Sherri: There are so many! In the 1990s, we had the opportunity to work on rock staircases on the Hunt Trail in Baxter State Park. We had a high line strung from the trail across a ravine and we quarried rock way down. It was amazing, organized, and lots of fun!
Ed: For me, it’s meeting and working with different volunteers on work trips or privy builds.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
Sherri: Everyone should spend some time volunteering. It’s humbling and makes you feel good, and there is a volunteer opportunity for everyone, no matter your skill set.
Ed: It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my lifetime. Don’t miss out on the opportunity.
Ready to get hooked? Check out our Volunteer page to start your journey.
