REI Awards the Appalachian Trail Conservancy a $20,000 Grant for Appalachian Trail Community Program
This is announcing that REI has awarded the Appalachian Trail Conservancy a $20,000 grant.

HARPERS FERRY, WV, July 21, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is pleased to announce that it has received a $20,000 grant from the REI, a national outdoor retailer committed to connecting people with nature. The funds will go towards recruiting and training Appalachian Trail Community Ambassadors, in support of the Appalachian Trail Community program.

The Appalachian Trail Community program is designed to recognize communities that promote and protect the A.T. Towns, counties, and communities along the A.T.'s corridor are considered assets by A.T. hikers and many of these towns act as good friends and neighbors to the Trail. The program serves to assist communities with sustainable economic development through tourism and outdoor recreation, while preserving and protecting the A.T. To date the ATC has approved 11 communities for designation and plans to designate another three in the upcoming year.

"The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is excited to have the opportunity to expand and support our Appalachian Trail Community program," stated Julie Judkins, Community Program Manager of the ATC. "Thanks to organizations like REI, we are able to increase capacity and resources to our trailside communities."

The Appalachian Trail Community Ambassadors initiative was announced at the ATC's 2011 Biennial Conference on July 1-8, 2011. Ambassadors will coordinate a series of Trail-related volunteer stewardship events over the course of one year. Ambassadors will connect community citizens and potential new volunteers with ongoing and new ATC and affiliated Trail-Club events, functions, and volunteer opportunities such as invasive-exotic plant monitoring and control, or trail crews. They will act on behalf of the A.T. at community meetings, events, and assist in support of ATC initiatives.

REI has provided support to the ATC for nearly a decade. Annually, REI dedicates a portion of its operating profits to help protect and restore the environment, increase access to outdoor activities, and encourage involvement in responsible outdoor recreation. For more information about REI, visit www.rei.com/stewardship.

"REI applauds the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's commitment to preserving one of the nation's most treasured trails," said Angie Perez, REI's Northeast District Outreach and Events Administrator. "This program complements our vision of connecting individuals, families and entire communities to nature through volunteerism and outdoor stewardship."

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy mission 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: 304.535.2267
Email: jfolgar@appalachiantrail.org
Web: www.appalachiantrail.org

Press Release Contact Information:

Ryan Robison
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Public Relations
799 Washington St.
Harpers Ferry, WV
United States 25425
Voice: 304.535.2200