I am planning a day-hike somewhere along the C & O Canal Nat'l Trail.

Wondering (?) if anyone here at Trailspace is a member of the American Hiking Society, and might care to comment on it.   I am not a member.  

~r2~

Hi Robert,

I'll be on the C&O tomorrow too!  As a former employee of AHS I can say that National Trails Day is one of the organizations most significant events.  It unifies all of us hikers for a day of enjoyment and celebration of trails.  If you're interested in joining them - visit the website www.americanhiking.org, and give them a call.  It's a small staff, always available to answer questions.  Happy hiking.

Trailspace is a member of the American Hiking Society, as well as a number of other outdoor-minded non-profits.

You can see the full list: http://www.trailspace.com/about/giving-back/

Thank you both for the nice endorsement.

I plan on joining. 

~r2~

Thanks for thinking about this issue and bringing it up. I'm curious about what outdoor groups other members support.

For Trailspace, we aim to support a variety of organizations — large, medium, and small — that benefit backcountry enthusiasts and the places they go.

Not to dissuade you from joining AHS, but I also often recommend people join their local trail, land, and/or outdoor organization.

I personally find it most engaging to be active and involved with a group that's working to maintain and protect the trails I regularly run and hike on. It's very tangible, especially when a group is working to protect a specific area.

That's not mean to say, don't join larger organizations that work to protect the outdoors and outdoor activities — they can do a lot of good for a lot of people and places — but just to remind people of the small organizations that may already be working in their own backyard.

Either way, whatever outdoor non-profits you join will likely be very appreciative of your interest and support. Thanks!