Training Day for new Volunteer Ridgerunners

Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club Meetup Group
Are you interested in joining the McAfee Knob Task Force as a Volunteer Ridgerunner? We’re excited to offer a Training Day for new volunteers.
RATC’s McAfee Knob Task Force protects the iconic landmarks of McAfee Knob, Dragons Tooth, and Tinker Cliffs in the face of high visitation.

Volunteer Ridgerunners engage hikers in friendly conversations about the natural and cultural significance of this area, and share best practices for enjoying the Trail safely and responsibly. They report on trail conditions and perform light trail maintenance to prevent small problems from getting worse–like dismantling illegal fire rings, packing out trash, and blocking social trails to discourage shortcutting.

If you want to join this group of dedicated stewards, you must:
–> Join the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club ($20/year)
–> Join the McAfee Knob Task Force Meetup group (free)
–> Commit to volunteer about one weekend day per month (Fri/Sat/Sun), April through November
–> Attend a Training Day
–> Join an Orientation Hike with a volunteer or staff ridgerunner
Then you’re all set to patrol on your own!

Although these volunteers are called ‘ridgerunners’, there’s no running required. You don’t have to be an athlete to join: some of the most important conversations happen right in the parking lot. Whether you want to hike all the way to McAfee Knob and back, or just have a few hours to give closer to your car, we could use your help.

The morning portion of the Training Day will be in a classroom setting. We’ll then break for lunch (provided), and head out to the Catawba Greenway for a moderate hike with more instruction along the way. Please bring water, appropriate footwear, and other essentials for a hike. If you have any concerns about the hiking portion, please let Kathryn (kherndon@appalachiantrail.org) or Suzanne (sneal@appalachiantrail.org) know. We have a few route options to choose from, and can make a game-day decision (or find another way to share the info covered on the hike, if you need to skip it).

RSVP here on meetup if you’re ready to become a Volunteer Ridgerunner. Please send any dietary restrictions to Kathryn Herndon-Powell at kherndon@appalachiantrail.org (a meetup message to Kathryn works, too).