American Hiking Society is accepting applications for the 2017 National Trails Fund through February 17, 2017.
The grant program gives trail clubs and land managers the financial means necessary to complete critical hiking trail projects around the country. Grants awarded range in value from $500 to $3,000. More than half a million dollars has been awarded to trail organizations since the fund’s inception in 1998.
The National Trails Fund benefits American Hiking’s Alliance of Hiking Organizations, and information on the program can be accessed by visiting AmericanHiking.org/national-trails-fund/.
This past year, grant winners used their funds to build new trails, to implement better erosion controls on existing trails, to remove graffiti and to install directional signage. These measures ensure that hikers will have a safer and more enjoyable hiking experience.
Thanks in part to its Charter Sponsor, L.L.Bean, The National Trails Fund continues to invest in trail clubs, which help Americans get outside and enjoy the outdoors.
“L.L.Bean recognizes the important role that outdoor recreationalists have in being good stewards of the resource. We applaud American Hiking Society’s efforts to establish, protect, and maintain America’s foot trails. We are proud to sponsor the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Fund to support the critical role the volunteer stewards play at the local level,” stated Janet Wyper, L.L.Bean’s manager of community relations.
Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is a national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience.
Photo courtesy American Hiking Society
