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 May 5 RRCA Encourages Support of National Trails Day
On June 6, 2009, American Hiking Society and outdoor enthusiasts across the country will celebrate the 17th annual National Trails Day® (NTD), a longstanding celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. More than 1,500 events will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running and trail celebrations. The theme for NTD 2009, Take in the Outdoors, is an open invitation to all Americans to get outside, connect with local hiking clubs, outdoor retailers, local parks and recreation departments or federal land managing agencies to experience everything the great outdoors has to offer. "American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® serves as a gateway to introduce youth and adults to the outdoors and an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to give back,” said Greg Miller, American Hiking Society president. Since 1993, National Trails Day has inspired thousands of people and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors. Plan now to host or attend an event in your area. REGISTER YOUR RACE OR RUNNING EVENT TODAY FOR NATIONAL TRAILS DAY® (NTD) 2009. Do you have an event(s) planned this spring, summer of fall? Register your event today on American Hiking Society’s website to be part of National Trails Day® 2009. American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is a celebration of all types of outdoor trails including running trails. More than 1,200 outdoor events take place around the country including trail maintenance and construction, races, road runs, fun runs, hikes, health fairs, educational, workshops, children’s programs, biking, horseback rides, backpack trips, river and paddling excursions, wildlife viewing, photography clinics, astronomy outings, gear demonstrations…the possibilities are endless! 2009 sponsors included Nature Valley, Merrell, Fetzer® Vineyards and Backpacker Magazine as well as NTD supporters including REI, YMCA and American Park Network. The official date is June 6, 2009 but you may register an event any day that best suits you and your group. Learn more about American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® at http://www.americanhiking.org/ntd.aspx. WHY YOUR EVENT SHOULD BE PART OF NTD 2009. • Show RRCA’s presence in National Trails Day so American Hiking Society can include your numbers in their policy and advocacy work to continue to create, protect and preserve trails. • It’s EASY and it’s FREE. Register a running event that is already in the works. If you can’t plan a new event, register one that is already scheduled for spring, summer, or fall 2009. Register at http://www.americanhiking.org/NTDRegisterYourEvent.aspx. You may register more than one event. • Advertise your event to hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts across the country on American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day webpage. http://www.americanhiking.org/ntd.aspx • Introduce and attract new users to your group or organization. • Be part of the trail community as we celebrate the 200,000 + miles of outdoor trails in our country. NTD events take place in all 50 states with over 1,200 events and 100,000 participants around the country. • Keep your trails in tip-top shape for you and for future generations. Host a trail maintenance project • All the work is done for you! Visit the NTD page for press templates, posters, kid’s coloring contest, half page event flyers and promotional products like Sport Science tees, patches, and temporary tattoos. NATIONAL TRAILS DAY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is National Trails Day®? American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day, an annual trail awareness program, is an opportunity for your club, organization or business to celebrate the 200,000+ miles of outdoor trails in our county by organizing an event in your area. Take part in an effort to promote healthy living, protect green space, educate adults and youth on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors. What day is National Trails Day®? The official date of National Trails Day is always the 1st Saturday in June. In 2009, NTD will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2009. However, your event can occur on any date that fits your group’s schedule. Register the date that suits you whether it is a different day, a series of day, or an entire season. How much does it cost to register a National Trails Day® event, and who can host an event? It’s FREE! Log on to www.AmericanHiking.org and register your NTD event as early as December 15, 2008. Any club, organization, group, company, or business with an interest in trail use may host a NTD event. What are some examples of events I can organize? Examples include all non-motorized activities related to trail use such as trail maintenance and construction, hikes, health fairs, educational workshops, fun runs and walks, children’s programs, biking, horseback rides, backpack trips, river and paddling excursions, wildlife viewing, photography clinics, astronomy outings, gear demonstrations…the possibilities are endless! How do I get started? Download the free Event Organizer’s Manual on our website for information on planning and building your event, health benefits, fundraising, publicity, promotion, and logistics. How do I publicize my event? When you register on www.AmericanHiking.org, your event will be posted on our site and searchable for all those looking to participate in a NTD event. What if my event is private and I don’t want it posted on your site? Click on the box that says “private” on the online form and your event will not be listed- but you’ll still get some freebies. What support or promotional items does American Hiking Society provide to help me organize my NTD event? American Hiking Society executes a local and national public relations campaign for NTD. In addition, we will supply you with sample press releases, media alerts, fact sheets, flyers, posters, and media guidelines. The first 500 people to register an NTD event will receive promotional freebies. Other promotional products such as organizers kits, t-shirts, and patches can be purchased on our website. Join us on the trail in 2009! Search AmericanHiking.org to find an event in your area or become a National Trails Day host in 2009. For additional details on how to get involved with NTD, contact Heather Sable, Trail Programs Manager, at (800) 972-8608 x204 or ###
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