ATC ‘Listening Session’ set for Wednesday

Published 8:57 am Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Contributed Photo/Kayla Carter There are just some of the prizes available for participants in a Appalachian Trail Conservancy special Listening Sessions to discuss ways to encourage more people to get outdoors and in fellowship with nature.

Contributed Photo/Kayla Carter
There are just some of the prizes available for participants in a Appalachian Trail Conservancy special Listening Sessions to discuss ways to encourage more people to get outdoors and in fellowship with nature.

Local residents have an opportunity to take part in a special initiative geared toward inspiring people to spend more time outdoors with nature.
On Wednesday at Noon, Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Coordinator Kayla Carter will host an Appalachian Trail Conservancy “listening session” as part of the ATC initiative to get more people outdoors to seek fellowship with nature.
An avid hiker herself, Carter also serves on the ATC’s Next Generation Advisory Council. All members of the Council were asked to host special listening sessions, Carter said.
“The ATC wants to better understand how to connect or inspire more diverse people to use the trail,” Carter said. “Diversity doesn’t just mean people of color. We want young, old and people from all socio-economic statuses to recognize the benefits of the trail.”
“The ATC is trying to find the best ways to market to people who are not avidly using the AT,” she added.
In addition to having the chance to share their ideas on getting more people out on the trail, participants in the listening session can also take home some prizes, Carter said.
Because the listening session takes place during what is commonly most people’s lunch hour, Carter said pizza and drinks will be provided to participants.
The listening session will be held Wednesday at Noon in the board room at the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce and Carter said it will last around an hour.
There are a limited number of seats available for the session, so Carter asks that those interested in participating in the listening session are asked to RSVP to Carter by calling 423-547-3852 or by e-mail at tourism@tourcartercounty.com.

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