Volunteer Tools
The significance of the Appalachian Trail is the level of civic engagement to preserve a recreational resource for individual challenges and dreams through the efforts of local citizens. This dedicated group of men and women has demonstrated extraordinary commitment. For more than 80 years, our volunteer force has been highly effective in managing this national resource and cultural icon. Our goal is to effectively sustain the volunteer management tradition of the Appalachian Trail.
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“The body of the Trail is provided by the lands it traverses, and its soul is in the living stewardship of the volunteers and partners of the Appalachian Trail community.”
Benton MacKaye, Founder of the Appalachian Trail
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To date we have recognized 17 volunteers for 50 years of service and more than 200 for 25 years. Over 150 volunteers have also received the 4,000-hour Presidential Award.
We continue to build capacity within ATC, our affiliated Trail clubs, and partner agencies so that we may serve as local connectors in hundreds of communities from Georgia to Maine.
As part of our capacity building and to support and reinforce the work of our essential volunteers, we provide:
Workshops and Trainings: The essential work of the A.T. requires skills, experience, and, sometimes, certification. The wide variety of training programs offered by ATC is ideal for sharing information, honing expertise, and enhancing your volunteer experiences.
The Register: Published quarterly, The Register is a resource for volunteer stewards of the A.T. and for federal and state agency partners. The newsletter includes news and happenings along the Trail, maintaining tips, information for clubs, and details pertaining to monitoring.
Volunteer Injury Packet: A volunteer working on the Appalachian Trail is officially a volunteer of either the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) or the National Park Service (NPS). Working safely is a priority for all A.T. volunteers, volunteer leaders, and agency partners. A.T. volunteers have an admirable safety record, but injuries do occasionally occur. It’s important for volunteers and their leaders to know what to do in advance. This packet provides instructions and necessary forms for responding to an injury.
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