We hope you’ll join us this Friday evening, November 9th, in Blairsville as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) presents the National Geographic film America’s Wild Spaces: The Appalachian Trail as part of their 2012 membership drive.
All proceeds from this limited engagement benefit the protection and management of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in honor of the 75th anniversary of the completion of the AT.
America’s Wild Spaces: The Appalachian Trail explores the natural beauty and splendor of the trail. The film provides viewers the opportunity to discover the remote corners of the renowned five-million-step journey. The AT graces roughly 2,180 miles of trails from Maine to Georgia, making it one of the longest and continuously marked footpaths in the world.
The film, America’s Wild Spaces: The Appalachian Trail, will be shown at the Union County Historical Society at 3 Main Street in Blairsville, on Friday, November 9, 2012 at 7:00 PM. This presentation is sponsored by Walkabout Outfitter and Salazon Chocolate Co.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear real-life stories from people who have hiked the AT, as well as those who volunteer to protect and maintain it. Guest speakers include:
- Frank “Copperhead” Wright, thru-hiker, author, volunteer and member of the ATC and Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC). Wright has served as trails supervisor and president of GATC. He is the section overseer for the first mile of the Trail near Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the A.T. Wright completed his thru-hike in 2000 and is in the process of publishing a novel set on the AT.
- Donnie Kelley, A.T. Community Ambassador for Blairsville; Trail to Every Classroom alumni; ATC & GATC member and hiker.
“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is excited to present this film on the big screen,” stated Mark Wenger, executive director/CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. “This event provides the public with an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Appalachian Trail and how to get involved with the Conservancy through our membership and volunteer programs.”
The ATC hopes to gain 750 new members in honor of 75 years of the Trail’s completion. The movie will be shown in 10 theaters across the country. Every dollar raised will help the ATC’s efforts to preserve and manage the trail to ensure that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage will be appreciated for centuries to come.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s 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.
