The American Hiking Society Celebrates Progress with Mile Markers
The American Hiking Society (AHS) has kicked off a year-long celebration of three important events. Founded in 1976, the non-profit AHS aims to promote and protect foot trails for hiking. In recognition of the organization's longevity, three major activities will celebrate the overall organization's 35th anniversary, the 20th celebration of National Trails Days and the 15th anniversary of the Hike the Hill event. In conjunction with these events AHS will also start an expanded hiking safety campaign.
“As we honor each of our upcoming anniversaries, we will be using those opportunities to encourage safe enjoyment of outdoor adventures,” notes Gregory Miller, American Hiking Society president.
Each of these events will be presented with a Mile Marker theme, celebrating the accomplishment a hiker feels after passing each mile marker. The Hike the Hill Mile Marker celebration will take place next February in Washington D.C. This event allows trail enthusiasts and professionals to learn skills for effective non-profit management, participate in cutting-edge policy briefing and meet with federal agency officials and members of Congress. This attention on hiking and the outdoors will further AHS's plans for public awareness on outdoor safety.
The 20th annual National Trails Day on June 2 of next year is another Mile Marker event. National Trails Day will bring together hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, trail maintenance, biking, and trail celebrations. This year the event garnered more than 300, 000 volunteers. Again, AHS hopes to foster trail safety by drawing on the awareness created by the event.
Partners such as Sea to Summit, Adventure Medical Kits, Brazos Walking Sticks, and Cascade Designs will support the AHS as it approaches each Mile Marker. These brands will also play a role in the hiking safety campaign by sponsoring giveaways to highlight the 10 essentials for hiking.