To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) has launched its Centennial Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the organization’s history, with a goal of raising $50m to secure the Appalachian National Scenic Trail’s future for generations to come.
“The 100th anniversary represents more than just a milestone in our history; it embodies our unwavering commitment to protecting and preserving the Appalachian Trail,” said Sandra Marra, president and CEO of the ATC.
“The Centennial Campaign is a bold investment in our shared future — ensuring that the Trail continues to connect people with nature and one another, for the next hundred years and beyond.”
More than $26m has already been raised since 2024, with the campaign focusing on strategic investments aligned with the ATC’s three core pillars: Protect, Belong, and Experience.
Protect: Ensure a conserved and connected A.T. landscape and manage the Trail’s natural, visual, and cultural resources so people and nature can thrive.
Belong: Cultivate an engaged and expanding community that supports, volunteers, and advocates for the ATC and our mission.
Experience: Maintain the Trail and its infrastructure to ensure millions of annual visitors enjoy a world-class experience while seeing conservation in action.
“This campaign is about much more than fundraising; it’s about vision,” said Roger Klein, campaign co-chair.
“We’re standing at the intersection of legacy and opportunity. With every dollar invested, we are protecting not just land, but the values of sustainability and public access that define the Appalachian Trail.”
“Our goal is to ensure that the Trail remains a place of inspiration and refuge for everyone,” said Greg Winchester, campaign co-chair.
“This Centennial Campaign is our call to action: to build a stronger, more resilient Appalachian Trail for the next 100 years and the millions of lives it will touch.”
The Appalachian Trail spans nearly 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine and is visited by millions of people annually. However, this beloved public resource faces growing threats from environmental threats, sustainability, and access. The Centennial Campaign will equip the ATC to address these challenges through tangible actions that will directly advance these high-impact initiatives:
Wild East Action Fund: A grant programme that provides flexible financial support to organisations and collaborative projects that are advancing the protection and conservation of natural, cultural, historic, scenic, recreational, and community assets found within the A.T. landscape.
National Resource Stewardship: Focused on maintaining a healthy and resilient natural environment, this program supports the ecosystems that sustain the A.T. and enrich the experiences of all who visit.
Ridgerunners: These on-trail educators engage hikers, providing information on Leave No Trace principles and assisting with trail maintenance, thereby enhancing the hiking experience.
Sustainable Overnight Sites: The ATC is developing a network of environmentally responsible camping sites along the A.T., balancing visitor needs with ecological preservation.
Youth Crew Development: This programme empowers young individuals by involving them in trail stewardship, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for the A.T.
Young Adult Engagement Programs: Designed to inspire the next generation of stewards, these programmes encourage participation from young adults from all backgrounds to ensure the Trail remains “the People’s Trail” for all.
To learn more about the Centennial Campaign or make a tax-deductible donation, visit https://appalachiantrail.org/campaign.
