The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) created the Ridgerunner program in 1986 to further the stewardship and resource protection efforts of the ATC and its affiliated trail club and agency partners by providing an educational presence on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.).
EXPRESS INTEREST IN PARTNER ORG OPENINGS
The ATC and its partners manage Ridgerunner programs in 12 of the 14 Trail states. Ridgerunners are trained seasonal staff with backpacking and outdoor experience who provide guidance on responsible use of the Trail and its surrounding lands. After training in Leave No Trace principles and practices, Wilderness First Aid & CPR, local rules and regulations, and A.T. management, Ridgerunners are assigned specific sections of the Trail that see high numbers of visitors. Ridgerunners traverse varied terrain, hiking and camping in all weather conditions to meet visitors where the need for education is highest.
Ridgerunners collect data daily on visitor numbers, overnight site usage, food storage practices, collected trash volume, and other indicators of visitor trends and resource impact. Some Ridgerunners also complete basic trail and overnight site maintenance such as clearing fallen trees, cutting back brush, and managing composting privies. They also inform local trail clubs of any maintenance needs such as shelter repairs or privy condition.
