September 2009
 Every year, A.T. volunteer John Tatara dedicates several weeks to the Appalachian Trail. He has great credentials: he has thru-hiked twice, in ’94 and ’97, and is just 468 miles from completing the Trail for a third time as a section hiker.
His A.T. experience is of great value in the Appalachian Trail Visitor Center. Since 1998, he has been on hand for a month each summer - the peak time for thru-hikers - assisting Trail visitors. “John brings exceptional breadth of A.T. experience to his volunteer work,” says Laurie Potteiger, ATC’s Information Services Manager. Whether giving directions to someone planning a day trip or counseling thru hikers, “his multi-faceted A.T. background enables him to provide information and advice about any part of the A.T.”
In addition to his month at the Visitor Center, John spends a few weeks a year helping to maintain and rebuild the Trail. As a volunteer for the Konnarock Trail Crew since 1992, John works on major projects such as trail relocations and bridge/shelter construction. He also oversees several volunteer maintainers for the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club.
It takes energy and dedication to complete the A.T. (almost) 3 times; John brings those same qualities to his volunteer work. He sees time given to the A.T. as a way to help others just as he was helped. “Though it may sound like a cliché,” he says, “I want to give back” to the A.T. community and “build a more sustainable trail for generations to come.”
ATC Thanks All Appalachian Trail Volunteers
ATC appreciates all the efforts made by Trail volunteers. Learn more about the extraordinary contribution made by other A.T. volunteers:
Regional Volunteer of the Year Awards
Silver and Gold Awards - Awarded for 25 and 50 years of service to the A.T.
If you would like to recognize a volunteer affiliated with ATC, a Trail maintaining club or other A.T. partner contact Jeanne Mahoney at jmahoney@appalachiantrail.org.
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