As the guardians of the Appalachian Trail, the ATC’s role is to preserve and protect the A.T. Their work encompasses everything from trail maintenance to public policy work, to protecting and preserving the land around the A.T., beyond simply the footpath.

"The Appalachian Trail is a wonder of natural beauty, richly biodiverse and endlessly inspiring," said Jordan Bowman, Director of Communications for the ATC. "Drawing visitors from around the world and located near some of the largest and fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country, it is essential we are continually advocating for its protection. With the support of our vast corps of volunteers, gracious partners and donors, and nature lovers around the world, we will help ensure that the A.T. is conserved forever and for all to enjoy."

Through field programs, trail information, community outreach, and trail completion and corridor protection, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) is devoted to providing “access to scenic and wild places to create a diverse and sustainable trail community that is able to experience the CDT as a resource for public and private growth,” explains Andrea Kurth, Marketing, Communications and Community Outreach Specialist for the CDTC.

In the organization’s community outreach efforts, which are a major focus area for the Coalition, the CDTC’s mission is to cultivate more opportunities for groups, especially those with limited access, to connect with the trail, with the eventual goal that more people will become stewards of the trail.

The PCTA is the only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to protecting and maintaining the entire Pacific Crest Trail in California, Oregon and Washington. In an average year the PCTA manages over 2,000 volunteers who often invest over 100,000 hours maintaining the trail. “Beyond maintaining the trail,” says Director of Philanthropy Angie Williamson, “we have permanently protected almost 15,000 acres of land along the PCT by acquiring it from willing sellers and transferring it to federal ownership.”

Ensuring the PCT remains for future generations to enjoy is a community effort—and the PCTA partners with federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, corporate partners, private donors and over 14,000 members, all of whom share a passion for nature and the extraordinary experience the PCT provides.