On July 17-19, IAT/IATNL Chairperson Paul Wylezol and other representatives from the International Appalachian Trail in North America and Western Europe will attend the 2015 Appalachian Trail Conservancy Biennial Conference in Winchester, Virginia. They will give 3 hours of IAT presentations in two 1.5 hour segments, and distribute a variety of promotional materials at an extra large conference booth equiped with monitor to showcase IAT videos, slideshows and PowerPoint presentations.
The 40th ATC Biennial will be co-hosted by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) and Mountain Club of Maryland (MCM) and held at Shenandoah University. The theme is “Hiking Through History”, not surprising given the area’s rich colonial and post-colonial history. Winchester was once a Shawnee Indian campground to which Pennsylvania Quakers came to settle in 1732. It has a rich military history dating back to the 17th century French and Indian War, then later Revolutionary War. But Winchester is best known as a strategic prize of great importance during the Civil War. It was the scene of six battles and changed flags approximately seventy times during the four year conflict.
The week-long event will feature hikes on the nearby Appalachian Trail, Civil War trails, and other trails close to the University. There will also be workshops on topics related to trails, hiking, local history, and outdoor recreation. Daily excursions will highlight the many historic events that took place in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding areas, such as Gettysburg and Washington, DC. There will also be rafting, tubing, zip-lining and many other outdoor activities. Nightly entertainment will feature local musical talent and informative and inspirational presentations related to the outdoors.
For more on the Biennial, go to the 2015 ATC Biennial Conference website.
