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Fifty Sense: Common Sense Ideas for Thriving after 50
Fifty Sense: Common Sense Ideas for Thriving after 50

ORGANIZATIONS

A wonderful source of information for any activity is an organization involved in that field. In our own experiences, we have gathered so much information from these groups and developed not only knowledge, but found people to join us in these activities. Many organizations have conferences to attend, planned trips, newsletters, and information about people you can contact. They are always looking for new members, so volunteer opportunities are abundant. We will be seeking out who they are and their strengths, so you can then link directly to them.

We hope you not only learn something new, but will also share your experiences with us. If you know of any organization which has been helpful to you, send in your experiences and share them others! Send us an email with your experiences, reviews, comments or suggestions, or if you cannot find what you are looking for, Email Us. If you add to our knowledge by sending us pictures, your story, information, and/or product reviews (link to product review criteria), you may even be selected for our weekly feature!


Hoosier Hikers Council organization

The HHC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works with government and other organizations to create sustainable and appealing hiking opportunities in Indiana. The Hoosier Hikers Council has made its mark, not by talking, but by contributing more than 1,000 hours per year of volunteer labor improving and building foot trails since its inception in 1995.

We aim to help maintain and improve existing Indiana hiking trails, and build new footpaths where needed. As an advocacy group, the HHC seeks to ensure that state and local land management agencies recognize and protect hikers' interests.

We work to extend Indiana's premier foot trail, the Knobstone Trail, to its full potential 140-mile length. We expect that the Tecumseh Trail eventually will become the northern section of the Knobstone Trail. The original section of the 45-mile trail, following the Knobstone Escarpment northward from the vicinity of Louisville, Kentucky, was begun in 1971 and completed in 1981.

We promote adequate funding for trail development and maintenance.

We aim to keep hikers informed of developments and needed actions on statewide hiking trail issues.

We support hiking groups within the state, and work with national groups.

We hope to pass on the love of hiking and the satisfaction of trail work to a new generation through work with youth and Scout groups. For more information please check our website www.hoosierhikerscouncil.org and see our Facebook page for Indiana trail information.


American Canoe Association:
www.americancanoe.org

The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a nationwide, not for profit organization that is in service to the broader paddling public by providing education on matters related to paddling, supporting stewardship of the paddling environment, and enabling programs and events to support paddlesport recreation. Founded in 1880, this marks the third century that the ACA has actively promoted paddlesports across the U.S., providing programs and services to its members and the American public. The ACA is uniquely qualified to help individuals and organizations understand how paddlesport can contribute to the quality of life through enabling safe and positive paddling experiences. It is the objective of the ACA to be the recognized, primary resource to individuals, organizations, agencies and regulators for information and guidance on all aspects of paddling.


American Hiking Society:
www.americanhiking.org

Amrican Hiking Society is the only national organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America's hiking trails, the natural areas that surround them, and the hiking experience itself.


Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association:
www.ALDHA.org

The Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association began in 1983 as an off-trail family of fellow hikers who've all shared similar experiences, hopes and dreams on the Appalachian Trail and other trails. Membership in this nonprofit group is open to all.


Appalachian Trail Conservancy:
http://www.appalachiantrail.org

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a volunteer-based, private nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the 2,175-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail, a 250,000-acre greenway extending from Maine to Georgia. Our mission is to ensure that future generations will enjoy the clean air and water, scenic vistas, wildlife and opportunities for simple recreation and renewal along the entire Trail corridor. Formerly known as the Appalachian Trail Conference, the ATC is an 80-year-old organization whose roots are traced to the vision of Benton MacKaye, who convened and organized the first Appalachian Trail "conference" - a gathering of hikers, foresters and public officials - in Washington, D.C., in 1925. Today, we work with the National Park Service Appalachian Trail Park Office, 30 maintaining clubs and multiple other partners to engage the public in conserving this essential American resource.


Backpack Gear Testing:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/

BackpackGearTest.org is a site where backpackers evaluate new gear in the field over a four month testing period. We report to BackpackGearTest.org in a setting that encourages discussion. For gear tests, manufacturers provide a set of gear to go to a broad range of testers. For other evaluations, we provide individual reports on our own gear with which we have had significant field experience. All of our reports are available to hikers seeking to make educated decisions about gear purchases and use, and to manufacturers and retailers seeking market exposure, recommendations from third party sources, as well as research and development feedback.


Avon Breast Cancer Walk:
http://walk.avonfoundation.org

Your participation in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events - as a Walker, a Crew Member, a Volunteer or a Donor - will allow medically underserved women and men to be treated, giving them access to the care they require. And hard-working research teams will be powered by the funds they need to fuel their quest for the cure. If there is one common denominator that unites every Avon Walker, volunteer Crew member, or Donor, it's the belief in the power of impatience. Yes, impatience! No matter what their age, background, or physical ability, the typical Avon Walker asks not how far they have to walk or how much money they need to raise, but instead, how far can they walk and how much money can they raise, all with the purpose of eradicating breast cancer. An Amazing Feeling of Accomplishment. You will receive an amazing feeling of accomplishment that will stay with you from the moment you register until long after the Walk, knowing that you are taking an active role in helping to put an end to breast cancer.


The Breast Cancer 3-Day:
www.BreastCancer3Day.org

Lace up your shoes and leave your limits at the door. The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a bold state of mind that unfolds before you like a 60-mile-long pink carpet of hope.It's more than a life-changing journey... it's lifetime-changing. Because the 3-Day is not just 3 days and 60 miles of walking - it's a collection of moments, big and small, and memories that will last forever.

Join us in this remarkable event and help work toward a long, healthy life for everyone threatened by breast cancer.Net proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Days benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, to fund breast cancer research and community outreach, as well as the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, to provide an endowment for breast cancer initiatives.

A Challenge Within Your Reach
The 3-Day is designed with your success in mind. It may look monumental on paper (no breast cancer walk is longer) but the route is lined with support and safety nets galore: food, drink, friends, volunteers, medical services, port-a-potties. And the camp at the end of the day's route, with showers, delicious hot dinners, even entertainment-dotted with the most delightful blue sleeping tents you've ever seen-will feel like a four-star resort. It's not a race, so you can walk at your own pace, meeting the people around you, sharing your stories.


Bruce Trail:
http://www.brucetrail.org/

The Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest and longest footpath, provides the only public access to the magnificent Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It is one of only twelve such reserves in all of Canada.

The Bruce Trail Association is a charitable organization committed to establishing a conservation corridor containing a public footpath along the Niagara Escarpment, in order to protect its natural ecosystems and to promote environmentally responsible public access to this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. A Board of Directors governs the BTA and volunteers from 9 Bruce Trail Clubs are responsible for maintaining, stewarding and promoting the Trail.


Continental Divide Trail:
http://www.cdtrail.org/page.php

The Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA) was formed in 1995 to assist the federal land management agencies in the completion, management and protection of the Trail. The CDTA is a 501-c(3) nonprofit organization with nearly 3,000 members working to increase public involvement, volunteer commitment and private sector support on the CDT. To date this grassroots movement has made a tremendous impact on the Trail. Nearly 7,000 volunteers have dedicated more than $3.1 million of labor, individuals, foundations and businesses have committed more than $14 million toward our efforts and 1,275 miles of the CDT has been completed.


Ford Race for the Cure:
http://www.fordvehicles.com/warriorsinpink/wip/

Bang the drum. Paint your face. Run. Walk. Fight for the cure. Ford and your Ford dealer are recruiting Warriors to help ramp up the fight against breast cancer. Ford Warriors in Pink can be found at the Komen Race for the Cure events as always, only now they will arrive as a united front, as one in Warrior gear. Learn about the special meaning behind the Warriors in Pink symbols or read the published articles about these strong individuals all across America below.


Kentucky Trail Association
www.kentuckytrails.org

MISSION:

  • To hike
  • To provide opportunities for others to enjoy the natural beauty of our state, through hiking
  • To promote a statewide system of hiking trails
  • To involve volunteers in the development and maintenance of these trails
  • To educate the public on the enjoyment and wise use of our trail resources
  • To work with other Kentucky organizations with similar or complementary goals
  • To work with organizations in other states in the development of long distance interstate trails

Nature Conservancy:
http://www.nature.org/

The Mission of The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy's mission is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.

Our Approach
We have developed a strategic, science-based planning process, called Conservation by Design, which helps us identify the highest-priority places-landscapes and seascapes that, if conserved, promise to ensure biodiversity over the long term. In other words, Conservation by Design allows us to achieve meaningful, lasting conservation results. Worldwide, there will be thousands of these precious places. Taken together, they form something extraordinary: a vision of conservation success and a roadmap for getting there-the Conservation Blueprint. Simply put, by protecting and managing these Last Great Places over the long term, we can secure the future of the natural world.


North Country Trail:
http://www.northcountrytrail.org/

The North Country National Scenic Trail is a premier footpath that stretches for about 4,600 miles linking communities, forests, and prairies across seven northern states. Already, more than 1,800 miles have been certified off-road. Additional miles follow shared paths, and some road walks yet remain. The map above shows the trail in its entirety. When completed it will be the longest off-road hiking trail in the United States.


Outdoor Industries Woman's Coalition
http://oiwc.org/

Our vision is to power, influence, and opportunity for women in outdoor-related businesses and to generate champions to inspire other women. If you dream of a career in the outdoor industry, or if you'd like to share your experiences in this field with other women, we encourage you to get involved.

Pacific Crest Trail:
http://www.pcta.org/

Zigzagging its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) boasts the greatest elevation changes of any of America's National Scenic Trails, allowing it to pass through six out of seven of North America's ecozones including high and low desert, old-growth forest and artic-alpine country. Indeed, the PCT is a trail of diversity and extremes. From scorching desert valleys in Southern California to rain forests in the Pacific Northwest, the PCT offers hikers and equestrians a unique, varied experience.


Relay for life:
http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/

One day. One night. One community: By participating in an American Cancer Society Relay For Life® event near you, you honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to the lives lost to the disease, and raise money to help fight it - all right in your community. Much more than a walk around a track, Relay is a time to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember those lost and get inspired to fight back. Those who have shared the same experience find common ground, hope and healing at Relay. By participating, you have the power to continue the American Cancer Society's progress toward a future where cancer doesn't take the lives of our friends and family.


Sierra Club:
http://www.sierraclub.org/

The Sierra Club's members and supporters are more than 1.3 million of your friends and neighbors. Inspired by nature, we work together to protect our communities and the planet. The Club is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.


Coming:
Great Lakes Hiking Group
Over 70's ski club
Trail maintenance organizations
Campground hosts

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