Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Center Announces Schedule Of Events Open To The Public

This press release is intended to give the public an overview of the upcoming events that the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Visitor Center will be hosting. End Quote

Chattanooga, TN-GA (1888PressRelease) May 28, 2011 - Over the course of the next several months, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's (ATC) Visitor Center will host a variety of events to raise awareness about the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) as well as the ATC. All events are open to the public and are free of charge.

"The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is excited to be able to offer these fun-filled events to the public to provide them an opportunity to learn more about the A.T. and the ATC" stated Laurie Potteiger, Information Services Manger at the ATC.

All events will be held at the ATC's Visitor Center, located at 799 Washington St., Harpers Ferry, WV. These events include:

• June 17, 2011 & July 22, 2011 / Chat with an A.T. Ridgerunner: Visitors will have a chance to hear an A.T. ridgerunner talk about his or her experiences on the Trail and learn about the roles these valuable educators and ambassadors play on the Trail. The ridgerunner will also provide tips for finding good hikes in the area and discuss Leave No Trace principles and practices.

• June 25, 2011 / A.T. Iron Chef Cooking Contest: Contestants will be given access to a pantry of items a "trail chef" might carry. A panel of ATC staff and selected members of the audience will judge the meal on taste, appearance, and originality. Trail chefs must bring their own backpacking cookware and stoves.

• July 16, 2011 / A.T. Trivia Game: It's Jeopardy, A.T.-style! Contestants will answer questions about the A.T. and have an opportunity to win prizes. Not ready to be a participant? Come to cheer on the contestants and learn something new about the A.T.!

• August 14, 2011 / Ice Cream Social: Visitors will have a chance to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the A.T.'s completion and meet fellow A.T. enthusiasts while cooling off with some free ice cream. Both visitors and hikers will be offered the chance to down a half-pint of ice cream, a modification of the "half-gallon challenge" attempted by thru-hikers.

• September 24, 2011 / Family Hike Day: The ATC and its many affiliated hiking clubs up and down the A.T. will be encouraging families to go hiking together and will provide on-line tools to help them plan their own hikes. The Visitor Center will provide an educational session in the morning, including info on Harpers Ferry's diverse array of day-hikes.

• October 24-31, 2011 / Leave No Trace Horror Stories Week: The ATC's visitor center will have on display simulations of "horrors" that can be encountered when Leave No Trace practices are not followed. Visitors will also have the chance to learn how to protect the beauty of the A.T. and can participate in a Leave No Trace treasure hunt.

• November 12, 2011 / Photo Contest: Hikers will have a chance to show off their A.T. photos and win prizes. Photos will be judged in several different categories.

• December 3, 2011 / 9th Annual ATC Open House: Visitors will have a chance to enjoy cookies and hot cider, shop for holiday gifts, and listen to or compete in our second annual trail storytelling contest.

For more information on these events, contact Laurie Potteiger at 304.535.2200 x128 or at lpotteiger ( @ ) appalachiantrail dot org or visit www dot appalachiantrail dot org dot

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy mission is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail - ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. For more information please visit www.appalachiantrail.org.

Contact: Javier Folgar
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Tel: 304.535.2200 x117
Fax: 304.535.2667
Email: jfolgar ( @ ) appalachiantrail dot org
Web: www.appalachiantrail.org

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