Join the A.T. MEGA-Transect
Appalachian Trail Environmental Monitoring
The Appalachian Trail Environmental Monitoring Web site provides a public-accessible clearinghouse for data and information resources related to the A.T. MEGA-Transect and Appalachian Trail Environmental Monitoring. Available through this site is background information on the A.T. Community and the MEGA-Transect, project information and data resources for various environmental and social indicators along the Trail.
View from atop Roan Mountain, Roan Mountain State Park, Tennessee, along the Appalachian Trail. [Copyright: J. K. Henderson, used with permission]
AT MEGA-Transect Program News
A.T. Vital Signs Plan Now Available [
Fri Jun 10 08:21:54 EDT 2011 ]
The long awaited A.T. Vital Signs Monitoring Plan was finished in May. The plan follows the traditional Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Program model for network monitoring plans but is written with a broader audience, including potential research cooperators, in mind. The plan provides historical background on the Appalachian Trail, describes park research priorities, and describes tools and resources that will help researchers get underway more quickly.
Maine Appalachian Trail Rare Mammal Inventory Report Now Available [
Thu Mar 04 09:20:47 EST 2010 ]
The inventory, conducted between 2006 and 2008 has been published and is now available on-line. The study looked for rare mammals throughout the Appalachian Trail corridor in Maine including select rodents and bats.
New Appalachian Trail Environmental Monitoring web site is now on-line [
Fri Sep 04 14:25:07 EDT 2009 ]
The Northeast Temperate Network has released a new website that is devoted to environmental monitoring activities related to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The site is similar to an I&M Network web page, but is designed to serve and distribute information about A.T. focused activities.
Appalachian Trail Environmental Monitoring Newsletter, August 25, 2009 [
Wed Aug 26 09:46:08 EDT 2009 ]
Recent highlights about environmental monitoring along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail
A.T. Vital Signs Coordinator Contributes to Appalachian Trail Resource Management Plan [
Wed Oct 31 13:31:15 EDT 2007 ]
Fred Dieffenbach collaborated with Appalachian Trail Park Office staff by writing the water quality section of the A.T. resource management plan. The section relies on publicly available information from the U.S. EPA to provide baseline nutrient values for lakes and ponds found throughout the Appalachian Trail region. The section is currently undergoing review and is not publicly available. If you would like to review the document, please contact Fred Dieffenbach.
Two Countries One Forest Conference to Explore Opportunities to Conserve the Northern Appalachian/Acadian Ecoregion [
Wed Oct 31 13:25:49 EDT 2007 ]
Two Countries, One Forest (2C1Forest) is holding Conference in Montreal, Quebec entitled: Crossing Boundaries and Connecting Landscapes: Conserving the Northern Appalachian/Acadian Ecoregion. The conference is intended to launch a science-based, systematic approach to conserve and restore the ecoregion. Due to scheduling conflict, the Appalachian Trail Environmental Coordinator cannot attend, but will investigate future collaborative opportunities.
Introduction the the A.T. MEGA-Transect Enters Final Stage Prior to Publication [
Wed Oct 31 13:15:58 EDT 2007 ]
The baseline report intended to introduce the A.T. MEGA-Transect Coordination Team to a broad audience is expected to be published by mid-December. The report is in the final format stage, and will be subjected to a final round of "high level" review prior to publication according to Caroline Dufour.
A.T. Environmental Monitoring Coordinator Attends Appalachian Trail New England Regional Partnership Meeting [
Thu Oct 18 12:20:18 EDT 2007 ]
On Saturday, October 27, Fred Dieffenbach met with trail club representatives from the New England region to discuss key issues related to Appalachian Trail Management. For many at the meeting, it was the first time they had an opportunity to hear first hand about the A.T. MEGA-Transect Program.
A.T. MEGA-Transect Presented at Annual Southern Appalachian Man and the Biosphere (SAMAB) Conference [
Mon Oct 29 12:25:47 EDT 2007 ]
SAMAB held it's 2007 annual meeting in Johnson City, TN between October 22 and 24. The conference was titled the "Summit on the Summits," focusing primarily on issues of concern to the Roan Mountain Massif, an area through which the Appalachian Trail traverses. Fred Dieffenbach participated in a session facilitated by John Peine, USGS, that discussed Information Technology and Data Management in relation to Natural Resource Management. Laura Belleville, ATC Central and Southern Virginia Regional Director, presented a poster detailing the A.T. MEGA-Transect program.
A.T. Environmental Monitoring Coordinator Attends Appalachian Trail Virginia Regional Partnership Meeting [
Thu Oct 18 12:20:18 EDT 2007 ]
On Saturday, October 13, Fred Dieffenbach met with trail club representatives from the central and southern Virginia region to discuss key issues related to Appalachian Trail Management. For many at the meeting, it was the first time they had an opportunity to hear first hand about the A.T. MEGA-Transect Program.
A.T. Environmental Monitoring Coordinator Attends NPS Trail to Every Classroom Workshop [
Wed Oct 17 12:09:22 EDT 2007 ]
On Friday October 12, Fred Dieffenbach attended one day of this year's fall Mid-Atlantic Region Trail to Every Classroom (TTEC) workshop. Teachers from states ranging from North Carolina through Pennsylvania explored opportunities to use the A.T. as an outdoor learning environment. Programs like TTEC are expected to become key elements of the A.T. MEGA-Transect Citizen Science program.
A.T. MEGA-Transect Presented at 2007 Organization of Fish and Wildlife Information Managers Annual Conference [
Mon Sep 24 11:48:04 EDT 2007 ]
On September 18, Fred Dieffenbach and Don Owen jointly presented the A.T. MEGA-Transect during the opening session of the 2007 Organization of Fish and Wildlife Information Managers (OFWIM) Annual Conference. OFWIM is an international non-profit association dedicated to the management and conservation of natural resources through technology and information exchange.
Appalachian Trail Funding Case Statement Completed [
Fri Sep 21 14:04:06 EDT 2007 ]
A multi-tiered funding strategy document was prepared for the Appalachian Trail by Destry Jarvis. The document argues that funding is necessary to adequately support the Trail into the future, and concentrates on 8 specific areas, one of which is funding to support the A.T. MEGA-Transect. The document is not publicly available at this time. For more information contact Fred Dieffenbach.
National Phenology Network Citizen Science Lead Inquires About A.T. MEGA-Transect [
Tue Sep 04 13:56:27 EDT 2007 ]
Dr. Kayri Havens, Chicago Botanic Garden, contacted Fred Dieffenbach to explore possible collaborative opportunities between her group, the National Phenology Network and the A.T. MEGA-Transect. More to come. . .
Eligible Centennial Matching Fund Proposals Announced and AT MEGA-Transect Prominently Highlighted [
Fri Aug 24 09:39:46 EDT 2007 ]
On Thursday August 23, NPS Director Bomar and DOI Secretary Kempthorne announced the proposals eligible for FY 2008 centennial challenge matching funds. The AT MEGA-Transect and the Trail to Every Classroom program were among the projects highlighted in the announcement.
New Appalachian Trail Environmental Monitoring Coordinator Speaks During Long-Trail Festival Opening Ceremonies [
Thu Aug 23 14:28:03 EDT 2007 ]
The new Appalachian Trail Environmental Monitoring Coordinator, Fred Dieffenbach joined the Mayor of Rutland, Mr. Chris Louras and the Executive Director of the Green Mountain Club, Mr. Ben Rose to welcome attendees to the 1st Long Trail Festival. The theme of the festival was "Walking Gently on the Earth," and brought a mix of local musicians and performers together
Appalachian Trail Visitor Use Study [
Wed Aug 08 11:34:14 EDT 2007 ]
The National Park Service has partnered with The Pioneering Research Unit of the USFS Southern Research Station in Athens, Georgia, to design a statistically valid, reliable, and uniform method of collecting and reporting public use data for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
The Appalachian Trail: No one walks alone (multimedia extras) [
Tue Aug 07 12:19:14 EDT 2007 ]
Hikers often seek solitude along the trail, but many people pitch in to ease the difficult journey, giving the path a colorful culture all its own. Stories by Darrin Youker, Photos by Ben Hasty Reading Eagle
The Appalachian Trail: A trail of two views (multimedia extras) [
Mon Aug 06 12:18:20 EDT 2007 ]
Mounting development shrinks the gap between nature and sprawl, leaving the Appalachian Trail in danger. Hikers are not the only ones with reason to worry. Stories by Darrin Youker, Photos by Ben Hasty Reading Eagle
ATC Teams up with World Water Monitoring Day [
Fri Aug 03 14:09:08 EDT 2007 ]
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has partnered with the Water Environment Federation to facilitate volunteer participation for water resources sampling along the entire A.T. during World Water Monitoring Day. Data collected from A.T. volunteers will be extracted from the World Water Monitoring database and analyzed.
Green Mountain National Forest Long-term Ecosystem Monitoring (LEMP) [
Tue Apr 24 09:19:15 EDT 2007 ]
On April 23, 2007 Fred Dieffenbach and Matt Stevens (ATC) met with key members of the Green Mountain National Forest Long-term Ecosystem Monitoring (LEMP) team to investigate potential collaborative opportunities. LEMP is a program that GMNF is creating to more intensively investigate the status of certain specific community types.
State of the Trail -- Introduction to the Appalachian Trail MEGA-Transect Report [
Fri Jul 27 10:44:52 EDT 2007 ]
The AT MEGA-Transect Coordination team has assembled a series of 11 topic specific summaries that will discuss, in general terms, the significance of each from an ecological monitoring perspective. The first round of reviews was completed in late June, and the team plans to complete the report in advance of the 1st anniversary of the 2006 AT Environmental Monitoring symposium.
Rare, Threatened and Endangered (RTE) Species Monitoring Program Review [
Thu Jul 26 09:47:19 EDT 2007 ]
Staff at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy are continuing to work on the RTE program review despite contractual delays. The lead reviewer is in the process of developing a comprehensive program summary document that will be used during the review, and will likely evolve into a monitoring protocol.
Centennial Challenge [
Mon Jul 23 09:44:36 EDT 2007 ]
The Appalachian Trail Park Office (ATPO) collaborated with the Northeast Temperate Network (NETN) and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) to develop a Centennial Challenge proposal requesting three years of funding to support a Director for the AT MEGA-Transect program. ATC has pledge matching funds.
Appalachian Trail Environmental Coordinator Selected [
Wed Jul 18 09:12:34 EDT 2007 ]
Following a long hiring process, the Northeast Temperate Network filled its AT Vital Signs Coordinator position. Fred Dieffenbach has accepted the position, and will officially begin working as the AT Vital Signs Coordinator on August 5. In addition to his duties as NETN Data Manager, Fred has been providing his leadership and expertise to the A.T. MEGA-Transect and other Appalachian Trail inventory and monitoring projects for years. As many of you know, filling this position has been a long (almost two years) process, and when we advertised the position this year we had over 100 applicants. His successful competition for this position is a testament to his broad biological background, enthusiasm for scientifically-based monitoring of the Appalachian Trail, leadership and collaboration skills, and proven ability to manage multiple complex projects. Fred will continue to be based in Woodstock, Vermont, and he will be traveling regularly in order to stay in touch with the A.T. community.
Landscape Change [
Wed Jul 11 09:47:09 EDT 2007 ]
A draft report for this project was received and is currently out for external review.
East Stroudsburg University Small Mammal Study [
Wed Jul 11 09:45:24 EDT 2007 ]
Howard Sandy Whidden, the primary investigator, submitted a draft final report along with a complete data set for this small mammal inventory project. Dr. Whidden is in the process of reconciling the final editorial comments and we anticipate that the final report will be delivered by the end of August.
Vegetation Mapping [
Mon Jul 09 09:47:58 EDT 2007 ]
Over a year ago NatureServe began the process of acquiring as much existing data from the AT corridor as possible. With the exception of a handful of plots from New Hampshire and Maine, the task is complete and has yielded far more data than expected. NatureServe has acquired 410 vegetation plots, 392 of which have been crosswalked to the National Vegetation classification, and have data for 461 vascular plant element occurrences and 309 rare and/or exemplary ecological communities.
Acquiring this data will enable NatureServe to thoroughly evaluate sampling needs to complete the classification, and they hope that this can be completed for natural vegetation over the next two years. Currently, field work is being completed in Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York.
Preliminary Discussions with Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) program [
Fri Jun 15 10:07:01 EDT 2007 ]
Fred Dieffenbach spoke with Dr. Robert Waide, LTER Program Director, about opportunities to collaborate on ecological monitoring projects. Dr. Waide enthusiastically embraced the idea, and agreed to speak with his colleagues at Hubbard Brook and Coweeta Hydrologic Lab, both of which are in close proximity to the Appalachian Trail. Dr. Waide was intrigued by the potential of the AT MEGA-Transect to utilize volunteers for large scale monitoring efforts.
Decision Support System Proposal to NASA [
Fri May 25 10:25:16 EDT 2007 ]
A team of collaborators, lead by Dr. Y.Q. Wang at the University of Rhode Island, submitted a proposal to NASA for funding to develop a data analysis and decision support system for monitoring and reporting ecological health along the Appalachian Trail Mega-Transect (ATMT). If funded, the ATMT decision support system (ATMT-DSS) will use a combination of NASA Earth-Sun System (ESS) data products, in situ field measurements, simulation models, and internet visualization and dissemination utilities to support data interpretation and decision making capacities.
The decision on whether to fund the proposal is anticipated during early 2008.
Water Resources Inventory [
Wed May 16 09:47:49 EDT 2007 ]
The National Park Service Water Resource Division has agreed, in concept, to fund a Level I water quality inventory of the Appalachian Trail. The initial plan is to consider having the USGS conduct the inventory because of their water quality expertise and network of field offices in the states along the Trail. Keith Robinson from the Vermont and New Hampshire Water Science Center has expressed an interest in doing some water quality work along the Trail, and he might be willing and able to coordinate the water quality inventory.
AT MEGA-Transect Status [
Wed Apr 25 09:26:00 EDT 2007 ]
Fred Dieffenbach along with Don Owen (A.T. Park Office) and Laura Belleville (ATC) have been leading the AT MEGA-Transect Coordination Team. A steering committee has been formed that is helping the coordinating team develop a strategy for hiring a permanent director for this program. The various working groups for the MEGA-Transect are working on developing content for Introducing the A.T. MEGA-Transect, a publication and web site that will provide the general public with information about this developing program.
RTE Program Review [
Wed Apr 25 09:28:54 EDT 2007 ]
NETN is funding a review (led by the ATC) of the Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Program that is run jointly by ATC and the ATPO. This program has never had a comprehensive review, and a review is warranted since the program will likely be a flagship program for the A.T. MEGA-Transect. The program review should be complete by the end of the fiscal year, in time for the USGS to begin developing an on-line data entry system for this program (part of the NBII).
WQ Program [
Wed Apr 25 09:30:21 EDT 2007 ]
Like the RTE program, the existing ATC Water Quality program is also in need of a comprehensive review, since it will also likely be a flagship MEGA-Transect program. NETN is currently investigating possibilities for this review.
Other Projects [
Wed Apr 25 09:31:27 EDT 2007 ]
Several other projects are in various stages of conception and implementation. Bill McShea of the Smithsonian is implementing a volunteer-based mammal inventory in Virginia, using wildlife cameras. Ken Stolte with the US Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis program is working to build support for the A.T. as a special project of the FIA program. If he is successful, the Forest Service may be willing to fully fund the installation and monitoring of about 200 plots along the trail, with all of the resulting data (including plot locations) shared with the NPS. Dan Lambert of the American Bird Conservancy is working on a program for monitoring mountain birds in the Northeast; this program could have direct application to monitoring mountain bird species along the trail. Y.Q. Wang is working on a proposal to NASA to incorporate remote sensing capacity into a Decision Support System for the A.T. Finally, the ATPO and NETN submitted a Centennial Challenge pre-proposal to the NPS Northeast Region, that would fund citizen science engagement and educational outreach along the Trail.
AT MEGA-Transect Coordination Team [
Fri Jan 05 08:38:57 EST 2007 ]
Fred Dieffenbach and Brian Mitchell have been actively working with the A.T. Park Office, ATC, USGS, and USFS as the organization of the Mega-Transect is taking shape. The primary leadership group for this effort is the Coordination Team, and this group is currently being led by Fred, Don Owen of ATPO, and Laura Belleville of ATC. I am also serving on this team, as are other representatives from USGS, ATC, and the USFS, as well as Jennifer Shirk (Cornell University) and Mari Omland (for those of you who have not heard, Mari Omland is no longer with the ATC, but she is continuing to be involved with the Mega-Transect). A major focus of recent discussions has been how scientific the monitoring will be along the Trail.
Appalachian Trail Environmental Monitoring Symposium [
Fri Jan 05 08:36:38 EST 2007 ]
The biggest event over the last few months was the Appalachian Trail Environmental Monitoring Symposium, also known as the AT Mega-Transect. The meeting brought together over 60 people from government agencies, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations that have an interest in the Trail. The meeting generated a lot of excitement, including a favorable article that was written by an AP reporter and was picked up by most major newspapers in the US (and a number of international papers) around Thanksgiving. National Geographic explorer Michael Fay has agreed to hike part of the trail sometime in the next few years, and this will be a big publicity boost for monitoring the Trail. In addition, the publicity surrounding the symposium generated a swarm of offers from members of the public who are interested in citizen-based monitoring of the Trail.
Appalachian Trail Vital Sign Report Now Available On-line [
Mon Jan 30 14:21:49 EST 2006 ]
The Northeast Temperate Network coordinated with a series of technical experts to identify and describe a series of eleven ecological vital signs that are important to the long-term ecological health of the Appalachian Trail.
Appalachian Trail News
This news service is discontinued as of September 30, 2011. [
Fri Sep 30 17:05:00 EDT 2011 ]
This news service is discontinued as of September 30, 2011. Please direct any questions about the news feed service to
support@nbii.gov .
New Section Of Historic Trail Approved Along Blue Ridge Parkway - National Parks Traveler [
Tue Sep 27 04:18:54 EDT 2011 ]
New Section Of Historic Trail Approved Along Blue Ridge Parkway National Parks Traveler In April of this year, the land was conveyed to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, which has worked with NPS officials to have the trail section certified. The event is free and open to the public. Members of the Overmountain Victory ...
Recreation trails take hit; work continues to rebuild [
Tue Sep 13 05:08:26 EDT 2011 ]
The closure of the national forest affects part of the
Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail, which were also damaged by the storm. Will Wiquist, executive director of the Green Mountain Club, which manages the Long Trail and the Vermont portion of the
... See all stories on this topic »
Nature Preserves Still Feeling Irene's Impact - Litchfield County Times [
Thu Sep 22 11:22:39 EDT 2011 ]
Nature Preserves Still Feeling Irene's Impact Litchfield County Times Along the entire 14-state, 2200-mile Appalachian Trail , its Housatonic River route through Connecticut marks the longest portion to run parallel to running water. Naturally in the event of excessive flooding, this particular track is in a compromising ... and more »
Connecticut's Appalachian Trail survives the deluge [
Fri Sep 30 13:20:02 EDT 2011 ]
Because of the rainy summer western Connecticut has received, the
Appalachian Trail has eroded along the Housatonic River near Kent. Photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. Photo: Jason Rearick / The News-Times | Buy This Photo Because of the stormy
... See all stories on this topic »
Park service adds new route to power line study [
Sun Sep 25 00:02:32 EDT 2011 ]
The National Park Service has finished its field work and is now compiling the data and writing the draft environmental impact statement for the Susquehanna-Roseland power transmission project, which proposes to build new towers and add a 500-kilovolt line through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
National Park to decide on proposed user fees [
Fri Sep 30 13:19:19 EDT 2011 ]
?Members of the Nantahala Hiking Club have provided feedback to the park service and the
Appalachian Trail Conservancy in regards to the proposed policy,? said Lippy. ?Right now, we're waiting to see how the park service responds to the comments
... See all stories on this topic »
Green Mountain National Forest closure means Southern Long Trail and ... [
Fri Sep 23 10:38:39 EDT 2011 ]
This closure applies to the
Appalachian Trail through Vermont and the Long Trail system from the Massachusetts border to Mt. Ellen in Warren. The Green Mountain Club manages the Long Trail as well as most of the
Appalachian Trail in Vermont in
... See all stories on this topic »
VPR News: Appalachian Trail , Long Trail Remain Closed [
Fri Sep 23 10:38:25 EDT 2011 ]
The Green Mountain National Forest is continuing to access damage to roads and trails within their boundaries. And so the forest and its trails remain closed.
vpr.net/news_detail/91876/
965 Maine acres preserved by Roxanne Quimby - Houston Chronicle [
Wed Sep 07 09:45:18 EDT 2011 ]
Appalachian Trail Closed in Vermont - News and Citizen [
Thu Sep 08 22:08:51 EDT 2011 ]
The closure encompasses the
Appalachian Trail across the entire state of Vermont and will last for days or potentially weeks due to the extensive damage
... www.newsandcitizen.com/.../appalachiantrailclosedinvermont
Nature Preserves Still Feeling Irene's Impact [
Thu Sep 22 13:34:03 EDT 2011 ]
Along the entire 14-state, 2200-mile
Appalachian Trail , its Housatonic River route through Connecticut marks the longest portion to run parallel to running water. Naturally in the event of excessive flooding, this particular track is in a compromising
... See all stories on this topic »
Irene Forces Hikers Out Of White Mountain National Forest - WMUR Manchester [
Mon Aug 29 09:01:18 EDT 2011 ]
Appalachian Trail, Long Trail Remain Closed - Vermont Public Radio [
Mon Sep 05 10:05:48 EDT 2011 ]
965 Maine acres preserved by Roxanne Quimby [
Wed Sep 07 12:05:45 EDT 2011 ]
OLD TOWN, Maine (AP) â?? A foundation established by Maine philanthropist Roxanne Quimby has purchased 965 acres of forestland east of the
Appalachian Trail in Elliotsville Township. The land is made of the Little and Big Wilson streams.
... See all stories on this topic »
Quimby buys another 965 acres [
Thu Sep 08 12:30:21 EDT 2011 ]
By The Mainebiz News Staff Through her foundation, Elliotsville Plantation, Quimby bought the property east of the
Appalachian Trail in Elliotsville Township for an undisclosed price, according to The Associated Press. The land is along the Little and
... See all stories on this topic »
Irene Forces Hikers Out Of White Mountain National Forest [
Mon Aug 29 14:43:41 EDT 2011 ]
About 25 hikers on the
Appalachian Trail were evacuated and invited to a shelter at a community center in Hanover. Members of the community provided food and supplies to host the hikers. Most of them are from out of state.
... See all stories on this topic »
For volunteers, a week on the Appalachian Trail is backbreakingly satisfying - Washington Post [
Fri Sep 02 10:52:37 EDT 2011 ]
VPR News: Appalachian Trail , Long Trail Remain Closed [
Tue Sep 06 21:30:41 EDT 2011 ]
The Green Mountain National Forest is continuing to access damage to roads and trails within their boundaries. And so the forest and its trails remain closed.
vpr.net/news_detail/91876/
Maine scenic byways offer attractions made by Mother Nature - Bangor Daily News [
Mon Aug 29 11:04:51 EDT 2011 ]
AmeriCorps volunteers work to improve Pacific Crest Trail [
Tue Aug 30 05:40:42 EDT 2011 ]
Rocky is accompanied by Moosealacky, a toy moose that also accompanied him on the
Appalachian Trail . Posted: Monday, August 29, 2011 9:30 am | Updated: 10:29 pm, Sat Aug 27, 2011. BROWN MOUNTAIN - Ellen Schneeberger and John Vankat are swinging stone
... See all stories on this topic »
Bold bear now roaming the Cherokee National Forest - WBIR-TV [
Mon Aug 29 14:47:30 EDT 2011 ]
WBIR-TV Bold bear now roaming the Cherokee National Forest WBIR-TV Townsend Police captured the bear last Friday, and handed it over to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. TWRA officials say they released the bear in the Cherokee National Forest on Sunday, so it can still live in the wild but won't harass a ...
Rattle Snakes Program at Appalachian Trail Museum Announced - News Junky Journal (press release) [
Tue Aug 23 12:16:29 EDT 2011 ]
Rattle Snakes Program at Appalachian Trail Museum Announced News Junky Journal (press release) On Sunday, August 28, at 1 pm, he will present a program ? ?Rattle Snakes: Friend or Foe? ? at the Appalachian Trail Museum in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He will discuss the habitats and habits of timber rattlers ...
Appalachian Trail Museum to host rattlesnakes program - Harrisburg ... [
Tue Aug 23 10:57:40 EDT 2011 ]
The thought of encountering a rattlesnake terrifies most people. But to Andy Wolfe, a life-long student of timber rattlers, this reptile is a misunderstoo.
www.examiner.com/.../appalachian-trail-museum-to-host-rattle...
Keeping ATVs, Snowmobiles from Spoiling a Peak Experience [
Mon Aug 22 14:05:13 EDT 2011 ]
By Steve Fagin Standing atop the 4120-foot summit of Saddleback Mountain in western Maine earlier this week alongside a cairn marking the fabled
Appalachian Trail , I gazed at a breathtaking panorama of distant peaks, valleys, lakes and forests ? one of
... See all stories on this topic »
Bears force shutdowns in popular areas - Waynesville Smoky Mountain News [
Thu Aug 18 02:50:06 EDT 2011 ]
Chestnut Mega -Transect | Science for Citizens [
Sat Aug 20 16:19:51 EDT 2011 ]
Web Address http://sfr.psu.edu/public/chestnut/reports/
mega -
transect ... The goal of the Chestnut
Mega -
Transect Project is to document the current status of
... scienceforcitizens.net/project/512/
Appalachian Trail Museum to host rattlesnakes program - Harrisburg ... [
Sat Aug 20 20:25:03 EDT 2011 ]
The thought of encountering a rattlesnake terrifies most people. But to Andy Wolfe, a life-long student of timber rattlers, this reptile is a misunderstoo.
www.examiner.com/.../appalachian-trail-museum-to-host-rattle...
Smokies officials weigh backcountry camping fees - Foster's Daily Democrat [
Sat Aug 20 03:18:48 EDT 2011 ]
Smokies officials weigh backcountry camping fees Foster's Daily Democrat The fee would allow the park to hire rangers dedicated to patrols that improve compliance with park regulations, curb plant and wildlife poaching, and respond more quickly to emergencies, Cobern said. Smokies park staffers are open to public ... and more »
Proposed Backcountry Fee At Great Smoky Mountains National Park Would Be A ... - National Parks Traveler [
Sun Aug 07 06:47:57 EDT 2011 ]
More Property Along Parkway Protected - WLOS [
Mon Aug 15 11:35:06 EDT 2011 ]
Keeping ATVs, Snowmobiles from Spoiling a Peak Experience - TheDay.com [
Sat Aug 13 04:13:12 EDT 2011 ]
Keeping ATVs, Snowmobiles from Spoiling a Peak Experience TheDay.com Federal legislation was crafted to protect the Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a directive for the National Park Service to convey a portion of the acquired land to the state of Maine. This assures continued protection of the Appalachian Trail, ...
Bear 'attack' update: NJ officials say kids' injuries were not caused by animal [
Mon Aug 08 15:31:39 EDT 2011 ]
... Star-Ledger Robert Sciarrino/The Star-LedgerCampsites in Stokes State Park in Sussex County were empty by late Wednesday afternoon as word spread that two boys were injured that morning in a bear attack while camping along the Appalachian Trail . ... See all stories on this topic » The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
Campers' Wounds Weren't Caused by Bear - New York Times (blog) [
Fri Aug 05 01:02:28 EDT 2011 ]
Tennessee Hosting Hybrid Chestnuts - Nashville Public Radio [
Mon Aug 08 06:54:36 EDT 2011 ]
2 campers injured in bear attack in Sussex County [
Wed Aug 03 14:48:43 EDT 2011 ]
The attack occurred in a heavily wooded area of Stokes State Forest in Sussex County near the
Appalachian Trail . A black bear entered an area being used by campers from Montague-based Trail Blazers Camp, state police said. The bear attempted to grab
... See all stories on this topic »
Bear Injures 2 Boys in New Jersey - New York Times [
Wed Aug 03 21:33:27 EDT 2011 ]
New York Daily News Bear Injures 2 Boys in New Jersey New York Times The attack occurred in Stokes State Forest, in Sussex County, near the Appalachian Trail , the State Police said. The bear tried to grab one boy from a tent, causing a minor foot injury, and swiped at another boy, causing a shoulder injury, ... Bear attacks NJ campsite, hurts 2 boys, gets shot Wall Street Journal New Jersey bear attack: Two young boys, including Brooklyn child, get mauled ... New York Daily News Two Children Suffer Minor Injuries in 'Encounter' with Black Bear at North ... Patch.com CNN International - New York Post - newjerseynewsroom.com all 91 news articles »
Two boys hurt in bear attack in Sussex Co. - Cherry Hill Courier Post [
Thu Aug 04 03:12:05 EDT 2011 ]
2 campers injured in bear attack in Sussex County [
Wed Aug 03 16:59:07 EDT 2011 ]
The attack occurred in a heavily wooded area of Stokes State Forest in Sussex County near the
Appalachian Trail . A black bear entered an area being used by campers from Montague-based Trail Blazers Camp, state police said. The bear attempted to grab
... See all stories on this topic »
Charlie's Bunion and early history of the park [
Fri Jul 29 13:09:31 EDT 2011 ]
If so, try the moderate to steep portion of the
Appalachian Trail that leads from the Newfound Gap parking area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Charlies Bunion. Murlless and Stallings in Hiker's Guide to the Smokies (1973) designated
... See all stories on this topic »
NC land trusts win $2.7 million grant to protect Blue Ridge Parkway, other ... - Asheville Citizen-Times [
Mon Jul 18 09:52:25 EDT 2011 ]
Fire burning near Appalachian Trail on Tinker Mountain in Botetourt Co. [
Mon Jul 25 13:47:58 EDT 2011 ]
Appalachian Trail hikers are being detoured around the blaze. By Duncan Adams | The Roanoke Times A fire authorities believe was lightning-caused continues burning on a Tinker Mountain ridgeline on both sides of the
Appalachian Trail and firefighters
... See all stories on this topic »
Volunteers tend Appalachian Trail in Maine [
Wed Jul 27 14:14:05 EDT 2011 ]
By Dan Fayen, Staff Writer Volunteers, from left, Matt Coughlan, Leslie Bean, Jaclyn Doreing, James Calleo, Lauren Rey and Daniel Hill, have been working to place massive steps on the Appalachian Trail on Mt. Old Blue in Andover. ... See all stories on this topic » Lewiston Sun Journal
Wildfire burning near Appalachian Trail on Tinker Mountain in ... [
Wed Jul 27 14:13:58 EDT 2011 ]
One structure is threatened but no evacuations have been ordered. The stretch of the
Appalachian Trail through the fire area will be closed until further
... www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/294061
Appalachian Trail hikers detoured around wildfire on Tinker Mountain in ... [
Wed Jul 27 14:13:35 EDT 2011 ]
Authorities are detouring
Appalachian Trail hikers around a wildfire on Tinker Mountain in Botetourt County. Denny McCarthy with the Virginia Department of Forestry tells The Roanoke Times that the fire has burned about 12 acres and is likely to grow
... See all stories on this topic »
Beat the heat in the Blue Ridge Mountains [
Wed Jul 27 14:13:29 EDT 2011 ]
The famed
Appalachian Trail passes through the forest at this point and the nearby campground offers through hikers a brief respite from the rudimentary camping facilities that one finds along the
Appalachian Trail . While many of today's modern campers
... See all stories on this topic »
WNC Alliance seeks volunteers for invasive plant control [
Mon Jul 25 17:01:04 EDT 2011 ]
The Western North Carolina Alliance, as a partner of the Southern Appalachian Cooperative Weed Management Partnership (SACWMP), seeks volunteers to participate in an invasive exotic plant workshop on the
Appalachian Trail . The focus of the workshop is
... See all stories on this topic »
Appalachian Trail Boundary Crew to Recover Large Tract of Land in Maine [
Sat Jul 23 04:15:50 EDT 2011 ]
Andover, ME, July 23, 2011 --(PR.com)-- For three weeks beginning on July 24, 2011, as part of the
Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Land Protection Program, the ATC and volunteers from the American Hiking Society and Frostburg State University will
... See all stories on this topic »
Historic trail revived [
Sun Jul 24 06:34:27 EDT 2011 ]
By ASHLEY JACKSON - Bulletin Staff Writer A six-mile section of the original historic
Appalachian Trail that was built in the 1920s has been restored at Primland in Patrick County. The trail will be unveiled for the public today at an Old
Appalachian ... See all stories on this topic »
Fire burning near Appalachian Trail on Tinker Mountain in Botetourt Co. [
Mon Jul 25 17:00:21 EDT 2011 ]
Appalachian Trail hikers are being detoured around the blaze. By Duncan Adams | The Roanoke Times A fire authorities believe was lightning-caused continues burning on a Tinker Mountain ridgeline on both sides of the
Appalachian Trail and firefighters
... See all stories on this topic »
Grandfather Mountain trails department offers new opportunities to visitors - Mountain Xpress (blog) [
Fri Jul 22 10:17:43 EDT 2011 ]
Hundreds trek through Frederick County on Appalachian Trail [
Wed Jul 20 09:43:22 EDT 2011 ]
by Courtney Pomeroy, Staff Writer Tom Fedor/The Gazette Volunteer Bill Vantassell from Mount Airy clears obstacles, mainly fallen trees and encroaching plants, along the
Appalachian Trail on Sunday morning near Washington Monument State Park west of
... See all stories on this topic »
Appalachian Trail sees record number of hikers - National ... [
Wed Jul 20 16:53:15 EDT 2011 ]
Every year hikers swarm to the trail to get either that first taste of freedom that once experienced never leaves you, or they are there to get their ?fix.
www.examiner.com/.../appalachian-trail-sees-record-number-o...
Parkway gets conservation funds - BlueRidgeNow.com [
Wed Jul 20 00:56:50 EDT 2011 ]
Parkway gets conservation funds BlueRidgeNow.com The Federal Highway Administration's National Scenic Byways Program recently awarded $2.7 million to the Conservation Trust for North Carolina and 10 local land trusts to advance the permanent protection of natural, historic, cultural and visual ...
Appalachian Trail group gets grant [
Wed Jul 20 08:00:11 EDT 2011 ]
The
Appalachian Trail Conservancy has received a $20000 grant from the REI, a national outdoor retailer committed to connecting people with nature, for recruiting and training
Appalachian Trail Community ambassadors in support of the
Appalachian Trail ... See all stories on this topic »
7182011 $20000 Grant for Appalachian Trail Group Outdoors ... [
Wed Jul 20 16:49:15 EDT 2011 ]
$20000 Grant for
Appalachian Trail Group posted July 18 2011. The
Appalachian Trail ConservancyATC is pleased to announce that it has received a $20000
... www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_205377.asp
Parkway gets conservation funds - BlueRidgeNow.com [
Wed Jul 20 00:56:50 EDT 2011 ]
Parkway gets conservation funds BlueRidgeNow.com The Federal Highway Administration's National Scenic Byways Program recently awarded $2.7 million to the Conservation Trust for North Carolina and 10 local land trusts to advance the permanent protection of natural, historic, cultural and visual ...
Highlights of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Biennial Conference - National Parks Traveler [
Wed Jul 13 04:21:28 EDT 2011 ]
Shenandoah National Park: Roughing it, presidential style, 5 hours north of ... - Charlotte Observer [
Wed Jul 13 13:16:54 EDT 2011 ]
VIEWPOINTS: Birmingham trailhead could create Maine-to-Alabama Appalachian Trail [
Sun Jul 03 12:04:41 EDT 2011 ]
Highlights of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Biennial Conference - National Parks Traveler [
Wed Jul 13 04:21:28 EDT 2011 ]
More rain expected in Asheville [
Thu Jul 07 09:19:47 EDT 2011 ]
2:36 pm Ryan Lenz fords a rain-swollen stream as he hikes on the
Appalachian Trail in this file photo. Rain chances remain good in Asheville today. / The Associated Press Cooler, wetter weather will linger in the Asheville area for the next few days,
... See all stories on this topic »
Mechanicsburg to participate in trail project [
Wed Jul 06 13:37:48 EDT 2011 ]
The Patriot-NewsMichael Douglass and Matt Wood, both of Indiana, hike along the boardwalk on the Appalachian Trail across the Conodoguinet Creek in Silver Spring Township. Council authorized spending up to $1250 to support a grant offered through the ... See all stories on this topic » Patriot-News
New trail lauded in Rangeley [
Mon Jun 27 09:55:23 EDT 2011 ]
Susan Collins, R-Maine, joined, from left, Maine Department of Conservation Commissioner William Beardsley, Appalachian Trail Chief Ranger Todd Remaley and Northeast Region Director of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Hawk Metheny, in a celebration ... See all stories on this topic » Lewiston Sun Journal
JourneyAsheville: Appalachian Trail SWEAT Crew [
Sun Jun 26 13:14:26 EDT 2011 ]
The
Appalachian Trail is marked by 2-by-inch white blazes to keep hikers from getting lost. Deer, bear and wild boar are just some of the wildlife seen on the AT. Meagan from Tampa, Fla., enjoys a stroll in the woods in the evening after a hard day on
... See all stories on this topic »
All Trails Celebration to highlight new multi-use corridor [
Tue Jun 21 03:18:51 EDT 2011 ]
Volunteers from the High Peaks Alliance and Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust did work on the Appalachian Trail where it bisects the new West Saddleback trail. The state's newest multi-use trail corridor, the West Saddleback Connector will be ... See all stories on this topic » Lewiston Sun Journal
Appalachian Trail Museum in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, near Gardners ... - PennLive.com (blog) [
Sun Jun 19 14:02:35 EDT 2011 ]
All Trails Celebration to highlight new multi-use corridor [
Wed Jun 22 11:18:32 EDT 2011 ]
Rangeley is a gateway to many of the best backcountry trails in Maine, including the
Appalachian National Scenic Trail , the new Moose Loop ATV Trail System,
...
Conservation easement protects Asheville-area land visible from Blue Ridge Parkway - Asheville Citizen-Times [
Tue Jun 21 00:20:25 EDT 2011 ]
Alabama's Forever Wild board adjusts to uncertain future on land preservation - al.com (blog) [
Fri Jun 17 10:37:46 EDT 2011 ]
IBM workers lend a hand to community's nonprofits [
Thu Jun 16 10:18:06 EDT 2011 ]
... trail work at Pawling
Appalachian Trail ; trail work at Sharpe Reservation; trail work at Shenandoah section of
Appalachian Trail ; trail work/maintenance projects at Stony Kill; Trolley Museum of New York, interactive display for museum history;
... See all stories on this topic »
Three top hiking trails within two hours drive from Atlanta, Georgia - Yahoo! Sports [
Tue Jun 14 16:39:33 EDT 2011 ]
Sierra Club to talk about expanding national park - Pocono Record [
Fri Jun 10 10:32:01 EDT 2011 ]
Sierra Club to talk about expanding national park Pocono Record The Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverses the length of the park. For more information about the Sierra Club, Sunday's event, or how to become involved, visit online at www.connect.sierraclub.org/Team/Delaware_Water_Gap.
Catoctin Trail earns national recognition [
Sat Jun 11 02:20:33 EDT 2011 ]
Conservation group adds Shady Valley land to bog preserve - TriCities.com [
Mon Jun 13 15:19:42 EDT 2011 ]
Conservation group adds Shady Valley land to bog preserveTriCities.com Interns associated with LEAF (Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future), a Nature Conservancy-run program in which urban youth are exposed to various Nature Conservancy conservation projects, are slated to install the plaque later this summer. ...
Debate pits natural areas vs. farmland [
Thu Jun 09 14:34:17 EDT 2011 ]
A steep overlook near Kirkridge Retreat Center provides a sweeping view of the Minsi Lake corridor connecting some of the nation's most pristine lands: the Appalachian Trail and Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge. But the same deep valley and ... See all stories on this topic » Allentown Morning Call
Sierra Club to talk about expanding national park [
Fri Jun 10 10:34:55 EDT 2011 ]
The
Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverses the length of the park. For more information about the Sierra Club, Sunday's event, or how to become
...
With caution, Coon Cave reopens - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review [
Fri Jun 03 00:00:18 EDT 2011 ]
Caves in Forbest State Forest to reopen for exploring - Farm and Dairy [
Thu Jun 09 01:26:28 EDT 2011 ]
Caves in Forbest State Forest to reopen for exploring Farm and Dairy Beginning in the summer of 2006, the caves were gated from the beginning of October until the end of May due to concerns about a bat disease known as White-Nose Syndrome . The caves remained closed during the last two seasons. ...
Debate pits natural areas vs. farmland [
Thu Jun 09 07:14:38 EDT 2011 ]
By Jenna Portnoy, OF THE MORNING CALL A steep overlook near Kirkridge Retreat Center provides a sweeping view of the Minsi Lake corridor connecting some of the nation's most pristine lands: the Appalachian Trail and Cherry Valley National Wildlife ... See all stories on this topic » Allentown Morning Call
With caution, Coon Cave reopens - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review [
Fri Jun 03 00:00:18 EDT 2011 ]
With caution, Coon Cave reopens Pittsburgh Tribune-Review It is one of three caves within Forbes State Forest that were closed for the past two seasons after the fast-spreading white-nose syndrome , or WNS, was suspected of killing hibernating bats . The others, Barton Cave in Fayette and Lemon Hole in ... and more »
Roan Mountain Gardens renovated, ready to reopen [
Sun Jun 05 02:03:54 EDT 2011 ]
Hikers will also notice improvements to Roan Mountain's grassy balds ? a hiking area through which the
Appalachian Trail passes ? trees, shrubs, invasive blackberry bushes and other plants that have encroached on native species of the balds have been
... See all stories on this topic »
New Maine Trail Connects Two Prime Recreation Areas - MPBN News [
Mon Jun 06 17:37:48 EDT 2011 ]
Appalachian Trail Ridgerunners to Educate Visitors About Trail Maintenance and ... [
Mon Jun 06 10:31:32 EDT 2011 ]
This press release briefly details the
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Center's upcoming ridgerunner event on June 17th and July 22nd. Harpers Ferry, WV, June 04, 2011 --(PR.com)-- On June 17th and July 22nd, at 1 pm, ridgerunners from the
... See all stories on this topic »
A trail to every classroom [
Sat Jun 04 02:41:19 EDT 2011 ]
Appalachian Trail thru-hiker Mike "Shutter" Buschmeier talks with a group of teachers participating in A Trail to Every Classroom workshop. They gathered at an opening on the trail along Sugar Run Gap in Giles County in May. Randy Roe, an environmental ... See all stories on this topic » Roanoke Times
Roan Mountain Gardens renovated, ready to reopen [
Mon Jun 06 10:29:38 EDT 2011 ]
Hikers will also notice improvements to Roan Mountain's grassy balds ? a hiking area through which the
Appalachian Trail passes ? trees, shrubs, invasive blackberry bushes and other plants that have encroached on native species of the balds have been
... See all stories on this topic »
Help restore the American Chestnut during citizen science training [
Sun Jun 05 09:20:13 EDT 2011 ]
Workshop participants will learn about the importance of restoring this species and how to identify American Chestnut trees in order to participate in a citizen science project called the
Appalachian Trail Mega-Transect.
... See all stories on this topic »
You can help save the Hemlocks from the Woolly Adelgid - Lakefront Hartwell [
Sat Jun 04 21:02:54 EDT 2011 ]
Appalachian Trail Ridgerunners to Educate Visitors About Trail Maintenance and ... [
Fri Jun 03 09:58:10 EDT 2011 ]
PRLog (Press Release) ? Jun 02, 2011 ? Harpers Ferry, WV ? On June 17th and July 22nd, at 1 pm, ridgerunners from the Potomac
Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) will speak to visitors at the
Appalachian Trail Conservancy's (ATC) Visitor Center,
... See all stories on this topic »
AT under attack from invasives [
Thu Jun 02 21:03:55 EDT 2011 ]
The
Appalachian Trail Conservancy needs volunteers to eradicate invasive plants choking out native flora on the AT in Graham County on Friday, June 3, and Saturday, June 4. Volunteers will target multiflora rose, Japanese stiltgrass, Chinese privet,
... See all stories on this topic »
Harrisonburg, VA to be Designated as an Appalachian Trail Community [
Fri Jun 03 09:57:35 EDT 2011 ]
This press release is acknowledging Harrisonburg, VA as the newest community in the
Appalachian Trail Community(TM) program. Harrisonburg, VA, June 03, 2011 --(PR.com)-- On June 10, 2011, the city of Harrisonburg will be officially dedicated as an
... See all stories on this topic »
Volunteers sought for work on Appalachian Trail [
Wed Jun 01 17:33:50 EDT 2011 ]
The
Appalachian Trail Conservancy is seeking volunteers to participate in two invasive exotic plant workshops on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4. The second workshop coincides with 2011 National Trails Day, which encourages all Americans to get
... See all stories on this topic »
Join the Appalachian Trail Conservancy on National Trail Days to Remove ... - SBWire (press release) [
Sat May 28 13:48:37 EDT 2011 ]
Celebrate Land Trust Day and National Trails Day on Saturday - Asheville Citizen-Times [
Thu Jun 02 00:25:31 EDT 2011 ]
Celebrate Land Trust Day and National Trails Day on Saturday Asheville Citizen-Times Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is one of the oldest and works to protect clean water, working farms, unique plant and animal habitat, and scenic views in the mountains of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. SAHC alone has protected ...
Tree as a Crop Project Successfully Replants 1300 Seedlings as Part of Their ... [
Fri May 27 04:31:28 EDT 2011 ]
This press release is intended highlight the
Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Kellogg Conservation Center in Massachusetts and to bring awareness to the Tree as a Crop project. Harpers Ferry, WV, May 27, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The
Appalachian Trail ... See all stories on this topic »
Trail-clearing helpers in short supply [
Wed Jun 01 03:20:06 EDT 2011 ]
An employee at Eastern Mountain Sports in Poughkeepsie, each summer Messerich organizes an extensive trail maintenance weekend in the woods along the
Appalachian Trail in southern Dutchess County. "My work on the trail guarantees that the trails will
... See all stories on this topic »
Help needed to fight invasive plants - BlueRidgeNow.com [
Tue May 31 10:45:19 EDT 2011 ]
Help needed to fight invasive plants BlueRidgeNow.com ASHEVILLE ? The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is seeking volunteers to participate in two invasive exotic plant workshops on June 3 and June 4. The second workshop coincides with 2011 National Trails Day, which encourages all Americans to get outside, ... and more »
Tree as a Crop Project Succesfully Replants 1300 Seedlings - PRLog.Org (press release) [
Wed May 25 16:34:21 EDT 2011 ]
Tree as a Crop Project Succesfully Replants 1300 Seedlings PRLog.Org (press release) Founded in 1925 to direct the building of the original Trail (completed in 1937), the ATC remains a volunteer-based, private organization responsible for the preservation and management of this national scenic trail , working with federal and state ...
A.T. MEGA-Transect Links of Interest
