Charity of the week: Appalachian Trail Conservancy
This organization has worked for more than 30 years to protect and maintain the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (AppalachianTrail.org) has worked for more than 30 years to protect and maintain the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail, which spans from Georgia to Maine and attracts some 3 million hikers every year. Through a network of trained trail crews and volunteer clubs, the ATC clears trails of undergrowth and fallen trees, diverts streams, and builds and maintains bridges, stairs, campsites, and hundreds of lean-tos. It also deploys “ridgerunners” to monitor the state of the trail and teach hikers how to leave no trace. In addition to its stewardship, the ATC hosts youth programs and works with federal agencies to protect the land surrounding the trail. So far, its advocacy has helped to preserve a 250,000-acre greenway through the Appalachian Mountains.
Each charity we feature has earned a four-star overall rating from Charity Navigator, which rates not-for-profit organizations on the strength of their finances, their control of administrative and fundraising expenses, and the transparency of their operations. Four stars is the group’s highest rating.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Road trip: New England’s maple syrup season
Feature New England is serving up maple syrup in delicious and unexpected ways
By The Week US Published
-
Music Reviews: Mdou Moctar, Panda Bear, and Tate McRae
Feature “Tears of Injustice,” “Sinister Grift,” and “So Close to What”
By The Week US Published
-
What's at stake in the Mahmoud Khalil deportation fight?
Talking Points Vague accusations and First Amendment concerns
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published