Outreach Program

Building Engagement, Strengthening Stewardship, Advancing our Mission

About MATC’s Outreach Program and Mission

Thanks to generous support from AmeriCorps and Onion Foundation, MATC proudly introduced its first Appalachian Trail Outreach Steward in 2024. This position is dedicated to advancing MATC’s strategic goals to grow our membership, volunteer base, and foster greater participation in stewardship and Leave No Trace efforts.

Through a variety of programs, the Outreach Steward plays a key role in connecting individuals with meaningful experiences along this iconic trail.

If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to our Outreach Steward, Amanda Reimer – email: americorpoutreach@matc.org

Programs

Conservation Sessions

Conservation sessions are 50-minute talks about Appalachian Trail Stewardship topics. We are currently presenting a conservation session titled Above the Treeline: Alpine Worlds of Maine. This talk explores the rare and delicate alpine environments that are a highlight of hiking the Appalachian Trail. It delves into the unique plant communities, fascinating lichens and bryophytes, and resilient animals adapted to survive in these harsh, high-altitude conditions.

Schedule this session with your organization or group to discover the extraordinary nature of these ecosystems and learn how we can help protect them for future generations.

Click here for a preview of this presentation.

Educational Hikes

The Outreach Steward is leading educational hikes focused on summit stewardship, outdoor ethics, and Leave No Trace principles. Currently, there are four hikes available: a Stewardship Summit at Saddleback Mountain and three Leave No Trace hikes at various locations.

Click the links below to learn more about these informative and engaging educational hikes.

Stewardship Summit: Saddleback

Leave No Trace Hikes (Coming Soon)

  • Program Information: (More information coming soon)
  • Locations:
    • Hurd Brook
    • Piazza Rock
    • Pleasant Pond Mountain

Stewardship Programs

Stewardship programs offer hands-on opportunities for participants to actively engage in conservation efforts with MATC. One such program is the new Appalachian Trail Ambassador Program, designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting the work of MATC’s Ridgerunners.

Click the links below to learn more about these informative and engaging Stewardship Programs.

There are many other volunteer opportunities available—be sure to explore our volunteer page for more information!

Above the Treeline Presentation – March 14, 2025 – Stratton Brook Hut

Outreach Coming Events

There are no upcoming events at this time

Amanda Reimer, Outreach Steward

Amanda completed undergraduate coursework in Wildlife Management from SUNY Cobleskill and is set to complete her second Master’s in Geospatial Habitat Assessment in May 2025, focusing on alpine plant-herbivory interactions. For most of 2024, she worked as a Wildlife Biologist with Alaska Fish & Game, Foraging Ecology and Wildlife Nutrition. While in Alaska she spent many days hiking and exploring alpine systems alongside friends and experts from the Alaska Native Plant Society. Falling in love with these little worlds led her to return to the Northeast, where she now focuses on community outreach and alpine stewardship with MATC.