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December 29, 2006
107th Annual Christmas Bird Count
Coopers Hawk - Photo by Richard Schier
Yesterday I was out for a walk on the Tennessee Riverpark, and met a fellow named Dick Schier taking photographs of birds using a digital camera and a spotting scope. This practice is commonly referred to as digiscoping. Dick is a recent retiree who is new to birding. He also mentioned that he's been doing a lot of hiking/walking in his pursuit of birds over the last 6 months. The photo of the Coopers Hawk above is one taken by Dick. I have a feeling that Dick will be taking some amazing photos in 2007 with his brand new spotting scope! I hope to feature some of those images here on this website - thanks to Dick's generous offer to share his work with American Hiking Society!
Speaking of birds, I'll be participating in the Audubon Christmas Count here in the Chattanooga area. I'll be joined by a couple of other members of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Although we probably won't spend too much time on hiking trails, we'll start before sunrise, and go all day looking to identify and count as many individual birds from as many different species as possible. The final tally should be upwards of 70 species. Last year we had 4 different species of owls (Barn, Bared, Great Horned & Eastern Screech), with three species calling simultaneously! I'll post a full listing of the birds that we find on our count here tomorrow.
If you have a favorite trail where you like to view birds, please use the comment form below, and tell us about the places where you like to connect with the natural world.
Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 08:00 PM
December 28, 2006
American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacations:
Making Good Things Happen Across America!
2006 was a great year at American Hiking Society. Here in Chattanooga, one of our most successful projects was helping the local school district plan and implement a field trip for blind and visually impaired students. This is the second year in a row that we've worked with these wonderful students and their dedicated teachers.
The students visited the Pot Point House, which is owned and managed by the Tennessee River Gorge Trust. Other partners involved in this project include the Tennessee Aquarium, National Park Service RTCA program, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and the local Lions Clubs. Special thanks are also in order for Leki for donating a dozen pairs of trekking poles - complete with rubber tips - for the students to use.
In March '06 a team of American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacationers built a new hiking trail, and helped retrofit an existing boardwalk to turn it into a braille trail. Two weeks later, the students took a field trip to walk the trails, and learn about the natural history of the area. Take a look at this video footage from the day;
If you'd like to join an American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacation Crew in 2007 please visit our website and find a trip that interests you. Remember, the story of America's trail is written by volunteers!
Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 10:19 AM
December 25, 2006
The Places in Between
"The Places in Between"
by Rory Stewart
This past week I finished reading two books about Afghanistan. One book, The Looming Tower, has absolutely nothing to do with hiking. The other book, The Places in Between, has everything to do with hiking.
In the fall of 2002, Scottish writer Rory Stewart set out on an adventure to walk across Afghanistan. This was part of a three year trek that also saw him walk across most of Asia including Pakistan, Iran, India and Nepal. What makes Stewart's journey all the more remarkable, is that his walk takes place just after the fall of the Taliban!
Braving blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, land mines and bandits, Stewart paints a vivid picture of life in rural Afghanistan. This is an Afghanistan that you won't read about in newspapers or see on television.
The Places in Between was lauded by the New York Times Book Review as one of the Top 10 books of 2006.
At 11.8 ounces, the paperback version of this book will fit nicely in your backpack, purse, or computer bag. Pick it up today!
Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 09:48 AM
Lebanon Mountain Trail assisted by
Georgia Appalachian Trail Club volunteer
This past summer, Georgia Appalachian Trail Club volunteer Marianne Skeen was joined by the Executive Director of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy - Dave Startzell, and Maine Appalachian Trail Club volunteer David B. Field on a trip to Lebanon to provide technical assistance to the Lebanese people. The Lebanese are building a hiking trail to connect villages to a series of nature reserves. This trail would serve as an incentive for tourism, and also provide recreational opportunities to the local people. The Lebanon Mountain Trail is based on the same concept that inspired the Appalachian Trail. This project received funding from the United States through USAID. While the volunteers were in Lebanon, hostilities broke out between Hezbollah and Israel, and Marianne, Dave and David had to be evacuated from the country.
In early November, Marianne - who has been involved with the Southern Appalachians Initiative - was interviewed by National Public Radio. To listen to this inspirational and hopeful interview, please visit the NPR website. To download a PDF copy of a story entitled Crossing Borders, which originally appeared in the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's publication AT Journeys, please click here.
Here at American Hiking Society, we take our hats off to Marianne, Dave and David, and applaud them for their efforts. Thank you for showing the Lebanese people some of the best aspects of America. The indomitable spirit of the trail volunteer!
Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 09:04 AM
December 22, 2006
An Inconvenient Truth:
What can we learn from this movie?
Have you seen Al Gore's film Inconvenient Truth yet? Regardless of your political stripe, I hope you'll take a couple hours out of your busy schedule and see the film this holiday season. Here's the trailer, in case you missed it.
So what does this movie have to do with hiking? Plenty! Global warming threatens many of the places that hikers cherish. From Glacier National Park where the Continental Divide Trail is found, to the many habitats crossed by the Florida Trail to name just a few.
One important lesson that can be taken from Gore's film was pointed out in an article by Carmine Gallo in Business Week entitled Al Gore's Convenient Presentation. Gallo discusses five effective communications techniques that Gore uses throughout the film. Those techniques are;
- Setting the Stage
- Avoiding bullets in PowerPoint presentations
- Making numbers interesting
- Telling personal stories
- Using a hook
Whether you are a hiker that holds a 9-5 job in the business world, the leader of a hiking or conservation organization, or a student that hopes to one day hike your way up the corporate ladder, you can learn a lot from watching Gore's movie and reading Gallo's article (at the link above). Along the way, you just might be inspired to help save the planet. I can't think of a better holiday gift for future generations.
Speaking of holiday gifts, if you're still looking for that last minute present, why not consider a gift membership in American Hiking Society! A one year membership in American Hiking Society will inspire the recipient to get outside, and lead a healthy active lifestyle. It will also help American Hiking Society protect the places where Americans love to hike. If that's not a win-win situation, then I don't know what is!
Happy Holidays, and Happy Trails!
Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 10:21 PM | TrackBack
Non-Profit Job Opening:
American Hiking Society seeks
Marketing & Outreach Coordinator
Do you like to hike? Would you like to put your communications & marketing skills to use helping to promote and protect America's hiking trails? If so, please consider applying for the following position which is based in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Marketing & Outreach Coordinator
POSITION SUMMARY:
American Hiking Society is the national voice for America’s hikers and fights to protect and preserve hiking trails, conserve the natural areas that surround them, and promote hiking itself. The Marketing and Outreach Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing communications and media strategies, including identifying and responding to media opportunities, drafting releases, maintaining press lists, developing web copy, coordinating print materials, and other related duties. The Coordinator will provide corporate relations outreach and marketing support, develop and procure promotional products, and coordinate and present at outreach events. The position reports to the Director of Development and is based at the organization headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, with required travel to field programs and special events, as needed.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Communication & Media Relations
- Develop general communications and media strategies that reflect American Hiking Society’s mission, strategies, and all relevant program areas
- Implement a clear and concise media/press plan including fact sheets, press kits, press releases and other supporting materials
- Handle general media inquiries and filter specific media inquiries to appropriate staff members
Event Outreach and Marketing
- Develop promotional materials and presentations for outreach events and special projects
- Coordinate and present organizational programs at national and local outreach events
American Hiking Society Website Oversight
- Work closely with website designer to ensure quality control of content and design of website. Suggest and implement changes and improvements as appropriate
- Regularly check and monitor web pages to validate links. Coordinate with website host to ensure smooth and continuous operation of the website
- Develop the content and layout for many of the website’s pages
American Hiker Coordination
- Coordinate the content, production and distribution of American Hiker, American Hiking Society’s quarterly magazine. Work closely with the editor, designer, and publisher to produce a high quality magazine
Hiker’s Store Management
- Manage operations of the Hiker’s Store, the organization’s merchandise outlet, ensuring adequate inventory levels, fulfillment of orders, and superior customer service. Develop a marketing strategy for the Store, including the development of new American Hiking products
Corporate Relations Support
- Cultivate relationships with retail sponsors at the store level and track store and contact information; identify presentation opportunities; coordinate distribution of brochures, magazines and other American Hiking Society materials; and generate interest in American Hiking Society programs
- Assist Membership and Development staff to develop new corporate membership category for small, specialty retailers, guide services and tour operators
- Assist staff with follow-through on deliverables
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing or related field
- Minimum 2-3 years of related experience
- Knowledge of all communication mediums
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in computer software including Microsoft Office and desktop publishing
- Ability to prepare a variety of graphic communications tools for print and web-based media
- Knowledge of and some experience in the print/publication process from design through delivery
- Effective planning, organization and project coordination skills
- Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team
- Interest in conservation, hiking and the outdoors strongly desired
WORK ENVIRONMENT
American Hiking provides an exciting, creative, and professional yet relaxed nonprofit atmosphere with a strong outdoor ethic. Position requires a willingness to hike and share a love of the outdoors with all stakeholders. Occasional weekend and long hours required.
Send cover letter and resume to:
‘Marketing and Outreach Coordinator Job Search,’
American Hiking Society
1422 Fenwick Lane
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Or email same to Andrea Ketchmark. Visit www.AmericanHiking.org for more information.
American Hiking Society is an equal opportunity employer.
Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 01:41 PM
December 21, 2006
2006 - The Hiking Year in Pictures
2006 was a good year on the trail. I'd like to share with you some of my favorite photos taken during the year. If you have a great photo that you'd like to share from out on the trail in 2006, please send it along and we might include it here on the Southern Appalachians Initiative blog. Be sure to tell us where the photo was taken, and who took the image so we can provide a caption and a proper photo credit. Enjoy!
On the banks of the Suwannee River just off the Florida Trail
Photo taken on May 7, 2006 near White Springs, Florida
Moccasin Bend in Chattanooga from Sunset Rock
Photo taken by Hilary Browder in June 2006
Milkweed on the Fires Creek Rim Trail in North Carolina
Photo taken by Jeffrey Hunter in November 2006
View from atop Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Wow!
Kings Canyon National Park from the John Muir Trail. This photo has the look and feel of a painting from the Hudson River School of art.
High mountain pass switchbacks on the John Muir Trail
View from atop Mt. Whitney at 14,497' - Photo taken August 25, 2006
In April 2006, American Hiking Society helped coordinate a field trip for a group of blind and visually impaired students to visit the Tennessee River Gorge. Here, a totally blind student discovers what a box turtle feels like.
Here, another blind student enjoys a day out on the trail with her teacher
A young hiker on New York State's Northville Placid Trail
Photo taken in late July 2006
Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 03:14 PM
December 17, 2006
The Thru-Hiker and the Chickadee:
A true Appalachian Trail story
Jeffrey Hunter holding a Black Capped Chickadee
in his hand at the Andover Guest House in Maine
Photo by Angie "Sunnie" Hunt
A thru-hike of the 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail can teach you many things. The long distance hiker would be hard pressed to “walk away” from this experience without a greater understanding of the difference between “needs” and “wants”, or a deep appreciation for the human capacity for kindness. While those lessons were not lost on me, perhaps my greatest lesson was dispensed by a tiny bird.
My story starts in Gorham, New Hampshire on July 29, 2000. After nearly 4 months and 1,892 miles, I found myself at Hikers Paradise, a hostel 16.5 miles from Maine, and less than 300 miles from my final destination – Mt. Katahdin. While I had felt run down for the past few months, this evening I was feeling particularly worn out.
That night I slept fitfully, and as I packed up in the morning, something wasn’t quite right. I was exhausted. After breakfast I threw my backpack in the back of the motel pick-up truck, and climbed in for a ride to the trailhead. I was joined by two friends that I had hiked on and off with since Virginia. Brian (aka Funk n’ Wagnalls) and Chris (aka Crispy Hexagon) were both strong hikers in their early 20s. Bruce, a giant of a man who worked at Hikers Paradise drove us to the trailhead, and entertained us with bawdy jokes along the way. As we bid Bruce goodbye and started our morning hike, I immediately felt my energy drag. This continued all day. Finally, late in the day we arrived at the Maine state line, where my friends and I rejoiced and took the obligatory photos. It was a wonderful moment. We could now say that we had walked from Georgia to Maine!
That night at the Carlo Col Shelter – I was filled with dread. Some of the toughest miles of the trail lay ahead of me, and I simply wasn’t feeling up to the task. The next morning we headed out, and soon found ourselves in the Mahoosuc Notch. Reputed to be the toughest horizontal mile on the entire Appalachian Trail, this area is a narrow notch nestled between two mountains, where the hiker has to scramble over, around and under a series of house-sized boulders. While my friends were laughing and having a great time, I was not enjoying myself. I soon found out why. While perched high on a boulder, my head suddenly began to swim as a wave of nausea swept over me. I was sick.
My friends stayed with me until we emerged out the north end of Mahoosuc Notch. There, at the base of one of the toughest climbs on the entire trail – Mahoosuc Arm – I encouraged my companions to go on without me. I simply couldn’t keep up with them any longer. After an extended break, I slowly dragged myself up Mahoosuc Arm – a 1620’ elevation gain in 1.6 miles. At the top, completely exhausted and bathed in sweat, I found myself at beautiful Speck Pond. I dropped my gear and fell fast asleep in the Speck Pond Shelter. It was only 4 PM. Later that night I awoke and became violently ill.
When I awoke in the morning, I was scared. Nearly 15 miles of tough trail lay between me and the trail town of Andover, Maine. I needed to get to town to rest. I dragged myself along the trail all day, and finally, after a brutal hike which included climbing over beautiful Bald Pate - where I was buffetted by 50 MPH winds - I found myself at East B Hill Road near Andover. The first vehicle to come along on this road was a logging truck. The logger pulled over and let my friend Wendy (aka Philosophy) and me hop in. Soon, we were dropped off at the Andover Guest House. It was there that I would stay for the next five nights.
It was clear from the start that I had some sort of stomach ailment, as I was having trouble keeping any food down. By the end of my third day, I was so weak that I was having difficulty climbing a flight of stairs. I wondered how I could possibly complete the trail in my current physical state. On the morning of my fourth day in Andover, I made an important decision. I asked Peg Leg, the owner of Andover Guest House, to shuttle me out to walk a 10 mile section of the trail using only a day pack. The hike went surprisingly well, and I had the good fortune of seeing a black bear – my first since New Jersey.
The next day Peg Leg dropped me off on the trail and I walked another 13 miles using only a day pack. At the end of the day, I was feeling good, and made a decision to try and hike out the next day with a full pack.
On the morning of August 6, a full week since I first started feeling ill, I awoke filled with anticipation. Would I be able to make it the rest of the way? Was I really better, or would I once again fall sick on the trail – far from help? As I packed up my backpack upstairs in the hiker bunkhouse, I heard a small sound – THUD. I looked around, and my eyes were drawn to the sliding glass door at the back of the room. Outside on the landing lay a small bird. I walked outside and carefully picked up a Black Capped Chickadee. The bird had apparently flown into the glass door, and was stunned, but still alive.
The bird sat motionless in my hand, but I could feel the beating of its tiny heart. I carefully cradled the bird in my hands, and after about 10 minutes, placed the bird upright on the wooden railing. The bird was slowly regaining some activity, but was still stunned from the encounter with the door. I went inside, and filled a Dixie Cup with water. I went back outside, and the bird was still sitting motionless on the railing. I took the water and wet my fingers. I then splashed some droplets of water on the bird’s head. Immediately I could see the bird’s awareness heightened. Next, I took some water and carefully splashed it on the bird’s back. Finally, I placed a few drops of water on the bird’s tail.
The bird now appeared to be awake and alert, so I slowly bent over and placed my face inches away from the bird. I quietly said “fly away.” To my amazement, the bird did just that! As I stood there in amazement at what I had just witnessed, the obvious dawned upon me. If that little bird could fly away after hitting the proverbial wall, then I could do the same.
That day on the trail was one of my most memorable of the entire hike. The weather was glorious, I heard my first Loons, and the strength in my legs was returning. Two weeks later I climbed Mt. Katahdin, and my journey was over. Of all the lessons that I learned in my five and a half month walk in the woods, I'll always look back at my encounter with the Chickadee as the signature moment of the experience.
If you have learned any life lessons while hiking or backpacking, please share them with us by submitting a comment below.
Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 09:43 AM
December 11, 2006
Interview With Shirley Hearn -
Outgoing Volunteer Vacations Program Manager
Shirley Hearn
On Friday December 8, 2006 after a 19-year career with American Hiking Society, Shirley Hearn left American Hiking to move on to a new challenge and chapter in her life. Although she will be sorely missed by her friends and colleagues, Shirley has helped this great program grow to what it is today - a national model for volunteerism and stewardship. What a tremendous legacy!
To listen to a 12-minute interview with Shirley, and learn more about the American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacations program, please click here (5.7 MB).
After listening to this interview, please take a moment to visit the 2007 Volunteer Vacations schedule. We have some fantastic trips scheduled across the USA in the coming year, including projects located in Alaska, at San Francisco's Golden Gate National Park, in Baxter State Park in Maine, along the Florida Trail and much more! . It's a great way to give something back to the trails, and a fantastic way to make new friends and visit beautiful places.
If you have any questions about Volunteer Vacations, please contact our new Program Manager Andrea Ketchmark.
Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 12:05 PM
December 03, 2006
A Road Runs Through It - Or Not
Last week while returning from my hike of the Fires Creek Rim Trail, I passed a number of signs along US 64 in Western North Carolina protesting the proposal to build a new interstate highway (I-3) in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tenessee. I-3 is the brainchild of US Congressman Charlie Norwood from Georgia. This interstate highway would link Savannah, Georgia to Knoxville, Tennessee and cut a destructive swath through the heart of the Southern Appalachians. This would impact a number of hiking trails including the Appalachian Trail, the Bartram Trail, and the Benton MacKaye Trail, just to name a few.
With the results of the recent election in, it looks like I-3 may be on the ropes. At least that's the judgment of the Knoxville Metro Pulse.
Until the proposal for I-3 is dead and buried, American Hiking Society and the other members of the Stop I-3 Coalition will not cease in our resistance to this foolhardy project.
That's brings me to a new book that I'm currently reading. A Road Runs Through It: Reviving Wild Places is a new collection of essays from more than two dozen writers including David Quammen, Peter Matthiessen, Barry Lopez, Edward Abbey, and Janisse Ray. Proceeds from the book benefit Wildlands CPR. This book explores the impacts of roads upon wild places. Check it out!
Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 06:58 PM
December 02, 2006
Laurel Snow Pocket Wilderness - Tennessee
Laurel Snow Pocket Wilderness - looking up at the steep walls in the gorge
This morning I was joined by my former intern and friend Hilary Browder for a hike in a new place. We let Chattanooga at about 8:30 AM and headed up to Dayton, Tennessee to try and find the Laurel Snow Pocket Wilderness. Eventually, more than 30 miles of the Cumberland Trail will be built in this area heading in a north-south orientation. Currently, about 5.5 miles of trail are on the ground.
We arrived at the trailhead in about 45 minutes to find ourselves the only ones there.
This walk was interesting for a couple of reasons. Within a short distance of the trailhead, we found the entrance to an old coal mine, which we briefly explored. A coal seam was visible along the walls of the cave. We then followed a large creek on our left as we made our way up the gorge. This area is obviously a popular swimming hole in the heat of the summer. Deep pools and waterfalls abound just a short distance from the trail.
Map of Laurel Snow Pocket Wilderness
We walked for perhaps 1.5 miles until we reached the first 50' bridge indicated on the map above. There we met a lovely couple from Harrison, TN who were out with their two dogs doing some geocaching. After chatting for a while, Hilary and I headed back to the car.
The only disappointing aspects of the trail were the graffiti that we found, along with a fair amount of trash. The trails also need some TLC. Several of the switchbacks have been cut so regularly, that it's hard to distinguish between the official trail and the herd path. Several blowdowns are also awaiting a chainsaw.
I'll be back sometime to try and hike all the way to the waterfalls. Here are a few more photos from the day.
Entrance to an old coal mine just off the trail
Coal seam inside the mine
The creek from just off the trail
Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 06:29 PM