Asheville, NC (July 21, 2014) – The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is seeking volunteers to participate in a work project at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at the Walnut Mountain open area along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) on the North Carolina/Tennessee border. Carpooling to Walnut Mountain is available, and those interested should meet at 8 a.m. at the ATC’s Southern Regional Office parking lot, located by the U.S. Forest Service Office at 160 Zillicoa St. in Asheville, NC.
The primary goal of the work project, which is funded by a grant from the National Forest Foundation, is to improve vistas from the Walnut Mountain open area. The work will expand views of Max Patch and of the French Broad River valley north of Hot Springs, NC. The project offers the opportunity to visit one of the more scenic spots on the Trail and learn about additional A.T. conservation initiatives.
“Come join the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and help maintain the beauty of this popular stretch of the Appalachian Trail,” said Morgan Sommerville, ATC regional director. “Volunteers are crucial to our trail management efforts, and we would love to have your support during this workday.”
During the workday, participants will clear brush with chainsaws, bladed trimmers and hand tools. U.S. Forest Service chainsaw certification is required to operate chainsaws, but non-certified volunteers are also needed to mow smaller brush and move small diameter logs for future trail construction. Additional work tasks include removing invasive exotic plants and maintaining the foot trail.
The ATC will provide all equipment needed for the workday, including personal protective equipment. Volunteers are asked to wear long sleeves, long pants and sturdy hiking boots or shoes. Participants should also bring a lunch and at least two quarts of water. Those who carpool will return to Asheville by 5 p.m.
Event Overview:
Walnut Mountain Workday
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Date: Saturday, July 26
Place: Walnut Mountain, NC (Meet at 8 a.m. at 160 Zillicoa St. in Asheville to carpool)
Individuals or groups interested in volunteering should contact Rhys Brydon-Williams at rbrydon@appalachiantrail.org or by calling 828.254.3708.
About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The ATC was founded in 1925 by volunteers and federal officials working to build a continuous footpath along the Appalachian Mountains. A unit of the National Park Service, the A.T. ranges from Maine to Georgia and is approximately 2,185 miles in length. It is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. The mission of the ATC is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. For more information, please visit www.appalachiantrail.org.
Contact: Javier Folgar
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Tel: 304.535.2200 x117
Fax: 304.535.2667
Email: jfolgar@appalachiantrail.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ATHike
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