Conservation Sessions

Above the Treeline: Alpine Worlds of Maine

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 an outline of this presentation.

Leave NoTrace Programming

Our interactive, perfect for all age groups LNT curriculum presentations bring the Appalachian Trail into your classroom, library, camp, or community organization.

Educational Hikes

Experience stewardship where it happens.

Our guided hikes combine outdoor recreation with conservation education, giving participants an opportunity to explore the Appalachian Trail while learning about responsible recreation, ecology, and volunteer stewardship.

Programs include topics such as:

• • Leave No Trace principles

• • Summit stewardship

• • Alpine ecosystem protection

• • Trail construction and maintenance

• • History of the Appalachian Trail in Maine

• • Backcountry preparedness

• • Wildlife and natural history

Current hikes include:

• • Stewardship Summit at Saddleback

• • Piazza Rock

• • Safford Notch

• • And more – at your request!

These hikes are appropriate for any groups interested in participating!

Stewardship Programs

MATC’s trail work and stewardship programs offer groups and individuals hands-on opportunities for participants to actively engage in conservation efforts with MATC, such as building bog bridges, clearing brush, or carrying lumber for new backcountry privies. There are many other volunteer opportunities available—be sure to explore our volunteer page for more information or email americorpoutreach@matc.org.

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

• Appalachian Trail Ambassador Program
• Corridor Monitor Shadow

Our stewardship programs give volunteers and community groups the opportunity to directly care for the Appalachian Trail while learning valuable conservation skills.

Volunteer projects may include:

• Building bog bridges
• Brushing trail corridors
• Carrying lumber and supplies
• Maintaining backcountry privies
• Improving drainage
• Restoring impacted campsites
• Protecting alpine vegetation
• Assisting with trail assessments

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

LNT programming at Madison High School

Wild flower and LNT walk

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

The MATC Trail Center serves as a welcoming space for learning, community engagement, and stewardship education. Throughout the year, the Trail Center hosts programs designed to connect visitors with Maine’s Appalachian Trail and the volunteers who help care for it.

Trail Center programming may include:

• Leave No Trace workshops
• Trail maintenance demonstrations
• & more to come!

Whether you’re new to hiking or an experienced trail volunteer, Trail Center programs provide opportunities to build knowledge, meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and become involved in protecting Maine’s Appalachian Trail.