Participate in National Trails Day June 6

On June 6, 2009, American Hiking Society and outdoor enthusiasts across the country will celebrate the 17th annual National Trails Day (NTD), a long-standing celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. More than 1,500 events will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running and trail celebrations.  

The theme for NTD 2009, Take in the Outdoors, is an open invitation to all Americans to get outside, connect with local hiking clubs, outdoor retailers, local parks and recreation departments or federal land managing agencies to experience everything the great outdoors has to offer. "American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day serves as a gateway to introduce youth and adults to the outdoors and an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to give back,” said Greg Miller, American Hiking Society president.

Since 1993, National Trails Day has inspired thousands of people and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors. Plan now to host or attend an event in your area.

Join American Hiking Society and our sponsors, Nature Valley, Backpacker Magazine, Merrell and Fetzer Vineyards, and partners REI, YMCA, and American Park Network for a National Trails Day event near you. If your community organization would like to host an event or to find out more about NTD 2009, contact Heather Sable, Trail Programs Manager, at hsable@americanhiking.org or (800) 972-8608 x.204 or visit AmericanHiking.org today.

Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience.  To learn more about American Hiking Society and its mission and programs, visit www.AmericanHiking.org or call (301) 565-6704.

What is National Trails Day and Why Celebrate NTD?
National Trails Day is a celebration of trails that evolved from the report of President Ronald Reagan's President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. In 1987, the report recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and private parties joining American Hiking Society in launching National Trails Day in 1993.

Trails do not just appear for our enjoyment, it takes many hours of planning, labor, and negotiating to develop them. National Trails Day, the only nationwide celebration of trails, brings awareness to trails and thanks many people and partners for their support and hard work, including volunteers, land agencies, and outdoor minded businesses. It is also a day to introduce people to the many joys and benefits of trails.

Why Celebrate Trails?
America's 200,000 miles of trails allow us access to the natural world for recreation, education, exploration, solitude, inspiration, and much more. Trails take us to good physical and mental health by providing us with a chance to breathe fresh air, get our hearts pumping, and escape from our stresses.

The Outdoor Industry Association's annual Outdoor Recreation Participation Study for the United States 2006 reports that 72.1% of all Americans 16 and older (or 162 million people) participate in at least one of the 22 outdoor activities they track, which include: 76.7 million hiking; 13.5 million backpacking; 40.4 million trail running; and 10 million
cross country skiing.

How do Trails Make You Healthy?
Trails give you the opportunity to get your heart pumping, lungs expanding, and muscles working at various levels of difficulty; improving your physical as well as mental well-being. With obesity rates skyrocketing, exercise is increasingly important, and trails provide a wide variety of opportunities for being physically active. Download and print for distribution the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Trails for Health and
other fact sheets. English (PDF) , Spanish (PDF)

How Successful is National Trails Day?
Since 1993, National Trails Day has grown to inspire many thousands of people to enjoy trails on the same day nationwide. All 50 states have had events, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Guam and the Virgin Islands. National Trails Day® is now a permanent fixture on the calendars of trail clubs, businesses, and government agencies. With more than 1,100 registered events in 2007, greater awareness of trails was brought to thousands of people through dedications, hikes, bike and horse rides, paddle trips, trail maintenance, and many other activities. Event hosts included local hiking clubs, federal agencies, municipal parks, retailers, land trusts, and many other businesses and organizations.

How Can My Organization Get Involved In National Trails Day?
Download the 2009 NTD Event Organizer’s Manual, plan and register the event on American Hiking’s website, and work with American Hiking to ensure a successful day. If you have any questions or would like more information
contact Heather Sable, Trail Programs Manager, at 301-565-6704 x 204 or HSable@AmericanHiking.org.

Does National Trails Day have to be the first Saturday in June?
If your organization has a conflict with the first Saturday in June, plan your National Trails Day event for a day or weekend that works best for you. No matter what day you choose, be sure to register your event with American Hiking Society; the national attention will draw more participants and media, and American Hiking Society will help
you throughout the entire planning process.

For more info: www.americanhiking.org/NTD.aspx

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