2016 was another banner year for climbing access in the mid-Atlantic region. Thanks to the support of Mid Atlantic Climbers members and volunteers, last year we continued to expand our community of climbing stewards and build relationships with local land managers in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
MAC volunteers put in 816 hours of service across seven events last spring and fall. We built trails, removed graffiti, mitigated erosion, planted trees, and overall helped to reduce user impacts at popular climbing areas around the region. We teamed up with Access Fund, Black Diamond, Earth Treks, and REI to bring the ROCK Project to DC. This event gave many newer climbers an outdoor experience and an education on the importance of stewardship. And we continued to work with land managers at national, state, county, and municipal parks, as well as private landowners, to ensure that local climbers can continue to have access to the crags we all love. Because of your support, MAC was able to successfully work with Catoctin Mountain Park to restore bouldering access. We have also built upon existing relationships with the local climbing gyms and other sponsors, bringing the community new opportunities to participate in events like First Fridays at Earth Treks.
We hope you will all join us for another exciting year ahead! Currently, MAC is planning our spring schedule of Adopt a Crag events – please check midatlanticclimbers.org/events for updates soon. In the meantime, find us at Earth Treks Rockville First Fridays every month for fun, games, beer, and more. And we are psyched to announce that we will hold the first open board meeting on March 9th at the REI DC flagship store to kick off the spring season and hear directly from YOU. Stay tuned for more info!
It is only because of the support of our members and volunteers that MAC is able to successfully advocate for climbing access in the region. Want to step up? Here’s how you can help:
- We’re always looking for volunteers who would like to take a more active role in the organization. If you’re interested, email us at info@midatlanticclimbers.org.
- Not yet a joint member of MAC and the Access Fund? Sign up at midatlanticclimbers.org/join. Your financial support ensures we have the resources to hold stewardship and community events, and provide the tools needed to maintain successful relationships with our partners.
- Spread the word about MAC! Invite your friends to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
See you at the crag!