Explore, learn, give back: Celebrate National Trails Day with American Hiking Society Ambassadors
SILVER SPRING, MD – May, 2015 – American Hiking Society Ambassadors will share the trail with hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts on National Trails Day®, June 6, 2015.
The largest annual celebration of trails in the U.S. will draw thousands of Americans to trails across the country for a day of exploration, adventure, and stewardship.
Meet our four adventurers and go for a hike!
Jennifer Pharr Davis, hiker, author, adventure speaker, and 2012 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year will be hitting the trails at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, 11704 Fenno Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm. The event features one and three mile hikes, a five mile bike ride, a milkweed planting project and invasive plant removal work.
“My family and I are looking forward to participating in National Trails Day with the American Hiking Society because it is truly a day that does not discriminate.” says Jennifer, “whether you want to hike, run, paddle, volunteer, or just take in the beauty of nature, National Trails Day is there for everyone at every phase of life.”
Liz Thomas, author and adventure athlete, will join Backpacker Magazine Editor-In-Chief Dennis Lewon at Heil Valley Trail, 2 Geer Canyon Drive, Boulder, CO 80302, from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm, for a hike of the Ponderosa Loop, followed by refreshments and prize giveaways from American Hiking Society, Backpacker, and Eddie Bauer.
“For me, National Trails Day is really rewarding because I can start off the summer right by volunteering to work on the trails that I know I’ll be using later in the summer.” explains Liz, “By volunteering at National Trails Day events, I have a chance to spruce up trails, give back, and put a little love and sweat into something that I care so much about–and to meet a bunch of great new people while I’m doing it. Later this summer, when I finally do hit the trail, it’ll feel good to walk past a spot that I worked on and know that I contributed to making a little part of the world a better place.”
Saveria Tilden, consultant and outdoor educator, will celebrate National Trails Day at the REI and Southern Mountain Foundations Trail Project, Aspen Glen Picnic Area, 40101 Mill Creek Rd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. Saveria will be among the volunteers performing trail maintenance work on the Pine Knot Trail.
“The thing I love about hiking and trails is that they welcome everyone. From a simple natural trail through a local park to a long distance trail covering thousands of miles, you can decide what adventure you are ready for and the options are endless.” Explains, Saveria Tilden. “I am honored to represent the American Hiking Society, the only national non-profit dedicated to protecting, preserving, and promoting our trails. National Trails Day® is a celebration of the existence of these trails and I am excited to be volunteering at a local National Trails Day event doing trail maintenance work. I hope that others plan to enjoy the trails on June 6 whether it be at a local National Trails Day event, a service project, or just an awesome day hiking with their friends and family.”
Kara Richardson Whitely, plus-size adventurer and author of Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds, will hike the trails at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, 11704 Fenno Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm. The event features one and three mile hikes, a five mile bike ride, a milkweed planting project and invasive plant removal work.
“There is something so powerful and freeing about heading into the wilderness,” said Richardson Whitely, who wrote Gorge about her third trek up Kilimanjaro as a plus-size adventurer. “I’m honored to share the joy of hiking on National Trails Day with so many people. I hope it inspires others to take their next steps on a trail.”
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American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is a nationally recognized trail awareness program that occurs annually on the first Saturday of June and inspires the public to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails while participating in outdoor activities, clinics, and trail stewardship projects. National Trails Day® is a registered trademark of American Hiking Society.
