Ambassadors coordinate and support events in their local communities, reach out to non-traditional hiking audiences, and recruit local citizens to work on maintenance, management and conservation projects on the AT. 

This year’s Ambassadors did everything from providing a series of classes and workshops for local residents to leading hikes. These positions offer volunteers the chance to gain experience in volunteer recruitment and coordination, play a key role in cooperative management partnerships, and make a difference in their own communities. 

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is excited about expanding its volunteer base by providing AT Ambassadors to designated AT Communities who help increase local stewardship of public lands and support healthy lifestyles for community citizens,” stated Julie Judkins, community program manager of the ATC. 

Launched in 2010, the program recognizes and thanks communities for their role in promoting the trail as an important asset. The program also assists communities with local initiatives such as sustainable economic development through tourism and outdoor recreation.

Volunteers typically donate more than 220,000 hours of their time doing trail-related work each year on the AT. Applications are being accepted through December 20.

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