More than 900 Expected for Appalachian Trail Conservancy Conference at E&H

College to Host Appalachian Trail Enthusiasts

Emory & Henry College will play host to more than 900 Appalachian Trail enthusiasts who will participate in the 38th biennial meeting of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy July 1-8.

Participants, who gather for meetings and workshops during the week, will hike the Appalachian Trail and other trails in the area. They also are expected to engage in canoeing, rafting and biking. In addition, they will visit several area communities as they take in many local attractions.

“Emory & Henry looks forward to hosting this large group of visitors from across the country,” said Angie Werth, summer conference and facilities coordinator at Emory & Henry. “Their presence at Emory & Henry reinforces the College’s dedication to the outdoors while raising awareness about our region and its many attractions and opportunities.”

The meeting is a cooperative effort of the Virginia Regional Partnership Committee (RPC), the Appalachian Trail Conservancy of the Southwest and Central Virginia Region, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. By the time the conference is completed, volunteers from seven clubs dedicated to trail maintenance will have dedicated thousands of hours to work on the Appalachian Trail.

The ATC is a cooperation of volunteers and agencies that work to develop meaningful policies for the Appalachian Trail, share expertise on trail design and construction, and protect the landscapes and natural and cultural resources that represent the Appalachian Trail.

Conference co-chair Ned Kuhns of the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club (TATC) Emory & Henry was chosen as the location for the meetings following an exhaustive search. The college offers a “beautiful setting, superior lodging and dining facilities, and a most cooperative, friendly, and supportive administration.”

For further information and details on the various elements, please visit the conference website www.virginia2011.org.