Maine Appalachian Trail Club announces Davis Conservation Foundation Grant

    The Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) announced it has received a $20,000 grant from the Davis Conservation Foundation.

    The grant supports MATC’s Caretaker and Ridgerunner Education Program at Horns in the Bigelow Mountains, Piazza Rock near the Saddleback Mountain range, and Gulf Hagas north of Brownville.

    Working with approximately 8,000 hikers recreating on the Appalachian Trail (AT), MATC caretakers and ridgerunners teach Leave-No-Trace ethics and provide a daily presence on AT lands to protect alpine plants, water quality and wildlife habitat, and deter vandalism.

    Grant dollars assist MATC’s outreach to groups using the AT, by helping to fund a pre-season packet to approximately 100 colleges, high schools and summer camps annually.

    “Ridgerunners provide a vital service by educating the hiking public and monitoring the impact along the adjacent trail corridor.

    This vital work will continue through the support of the Davis Conservation Fund,” stated MATC President Lester Kenway.

    Established in 1989, the Davis Conservation Foundation supports the protection of the environment and conservation of our natural resources.

    The MATC manages and maintains 267 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. Founded in 1935, MATC is an all-volunteer, donor-supported nonprofit.

    They also welcome new members and inspire respect for this natural treasure.

    For more information visit  MATC at www.matc.org

or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MaineATC.