Appalachian Trail Conservancy Brings Greater Focus to Importance of Wild East Coast Landscapes

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is inviting nature lovers everywhere to celebrate the beauty and importance of eastern United States landscapes with the launch of “Wild East,” an initiative bringing greater attention to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and the lands surrounding its 2,192-mile length from Maine to Georgia.

Wild East highlights the wildlife, forests, night skies and other natural wonders found along the Trail, as well as the welcoming communities, recreation opportunities and cultural history that have made the A.T. a world-renowned destination, all of which is within a day’s drive for 55 percent of Americans. The initiative also brings greater focus to the threats to the Trail and its surrounding ecology including urban sprawl, poorly-planned infrastructure projects and the impacts of climate change.

"Through Wild East, we will show how the Appalachian Trail is the link that ties together the most impressive views on the East Coast and creates a vital pathway for migratory birds and wildlife,” said ATC President and CEO Suzanne Dixon. "Our ultimate goal is to show how vital the A.T. is for the eastern United States, leading more and more people to join the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission to preserve the A.T. and the remaining open spaces surrounding it as a natural retreat for all of us to enjoy.”

In collaboration with artist and astronomer Dr. Tyler Nordgren, the ATC has commissioned an eye-catching poster to celebrate the launch of Wild East. The poster speaks to the legacy of the Trail as an American adventure while also bringing attention to landscapes, animals and communities that embody the A.T. experience. The poster will be available to those who become members of the ATC or make a donation to its mission to maintain and protect the Trail.

For more information about Wild East and to get involved today, visit wildeast.org.



Jeff
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