Enhance the protection and maintenance of the new england national scenic trail

The National Park Service (NPS) National Office awarded $180,768.28 to the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) under the National Trails System Projects program (CFDA 15.935) on August 15, 2025, for a performance period concluding August 15, 2026. This cooperative agreement funds the enhancement, protection, and maintenance of the New England National Scenic Trail through collaborative stewardship activities. The primary products and services include trail development and infrastructure improvements, volunteer program management and coordination, and public outreach and education initiatives. AMC will leverage its established partnership with the NPS to deliver these services while drawing on its decades of trail management experience in the region.

The award supports community engagement activities designed to increase public involvement in outdoor stewardship, including volunteer recruitment, site visits, and educational events such as National Trail Day. Expected outcomes encompass improved trail infrastructure, enhanced resource protection, and measurable increases in community participation in trail maintenance and stewardship activities. As a longstanding nonprofit environmental organization with extensive experience managing trail systems and implementing community science initiatives across the Northeast, AMC is well-positioned to execute the grant's objectives and strengthen public access to the New England National Scenic Trail.

Key activities include developing and maintaining the trail, managing volunteer programs, and leading public outreach efforts. This involves collaboration with the national park service and the appalachian mountain club, which has been involved in the trail s management since its establishment. The project will also focus on engaging local communities through site visits, volunteer recruitment, and educational events, such as national trail day, to raise awareness and promote public involvement. Anticipated outcomes include improved trail infrastructure, increased community engagement in outdoor stewardship, and better resource protection.