| In celebration of the
25th Anniversary of The American Chestnut Foundation, members and
non-members are invited to "Hike a Mile for the Chestnut" along the
Appalachian Trail from March 1 - October 15, 2008.
Since the Appalachian Trail runs
through the heart of the American chestnut's natural range, it seems
fitting that we join with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy while
they monitor the health of the trail in a Mega-Transect project.
Everyone is invited to participate: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local
trail groups and even your next door neighbor, with the goal of
identifying surviving American chestnut trees along the trail.
Since the TACF’s Appalachian Trail journey won’t
be hiked in a “linear” fashion, folks can start at any point on the
trail. Hikers can count their miles by noting mile marker start and
end points or by using an Appalachian Trail hiker’s guide which
outlines the various mile points along the trail. Once you’ve hiked
your miles, you can then enter them below. By completing as much of
the Appalachian Trail as possible before October’s annual meeting, we
will bring focused attention to the importance of restoring this
mighty giant, the American chestnut, to its native forests as well as
to the ongoing work of TACF, its state chapters and its volunteer
community.
 Georgia residents may contact
Joe Nicholson or
register below to sign up individually or as a group to walk segments
of the trail. We are asking hikers to count the American chestnuts
seen along the trail. Identification cards will be provided to
help in your search. Once miles have been hiked, please complete the
form below and then check all AT hikers' progress
here.
The event was kicked
off by TACF's long-time benefactor Mary Belle Price on March 1st
at the Appalachian Trail Celebration and
Backpacking Clinic
held at
Amicolola Falls State Park. TACF
Science Board member Dr. Hill Craddock was available to
teach American chestnut identification and present the state's
American chestnut baton to Mary Belle Price.
The end of the
“chestnut journey” will take place in Chattanooga, Tennessee at
TACF’s 25th annual meeting October 24-26 with the completion
(hopefully!) of all 2,174 miles. |
The Torch Is Passed....
During the Backpacking Clinic and AT Celebration at Amicalola
Falls State Park on March 1st, ceremonies were held to kick off
TACF's "Hike A Mile for the American Chestnut" campaign.
TACF Science Board member, J. Hill-Craddock presents the first
American chestnut baton to GA chapter founder, Mary Belle Price.
The chapter baton will travel with members on the Appalachian Trail
in Georgia and ultimately be presented to TACF President Marshal Case
at the 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Chattanooga, October 24-26,
2008.
After walking part of the approach trail, Mary Belle passes the
baton to Mary and Tom Pachinger as they prepare to hike the first leg
of the 79 mile trail in Georgia.
View more pictures
of the AT Hike
here |
