Illinois EPA and Scouts team up for annual 20-mile Lincoln Trail Hike

SPRINGFIELD -- Around 1,000 area Boy Scouts are spending the day taking part in the annual Lincoln Trail Hike, so named because hikers retrace the steps of a young Abraham Lincoln as he journeyed from New Salem to Springfield to practice law.  The Lincoln Trail Hike is part of the weekend activities of the 63^rd Annual Lincoln Pilgrimage, which is hosted by the Abraham Lincoln Council Boy Scouts of America.  This is the 14^th year the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has teamed with the Council for the event. 

 

Hikers began their trek between 6 and 10 a.m. at the New Salem State Park and will finish their 20-mile hike at Stuart Park in Springfield.  Scouts are able to walk the path Lincoln walked, along the scenic roadway through Sangamon and Menard Counties.  All the while, hikers collect trash along the trail.  Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed April 25 and 26, 2009 as Lincoln Pilgrimage Weekend, and Scout officials were presented with the governor's proclamation. 

 

"As we celebrate Abraham Lincoln's 200^th birthday this year, the Lincoln pilgrimage began by the Boy Scouts three score and three years ago, remains a special Illinois event, and Illinois EPA is honored to be a partner in the annual trail hike and litter cleanup that honors  the legacy of our greatest President," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott.

 

"This continues to be a popular event for our Agency staff volunteers and we again appreciate the opportunity to help the Scouts clean up this historic trail and be good stewards of the environment," added Illinois EPA Acting Bureau of Land Chief Gary King, who presented the Governor's proclamation to Scout leaders today.

 

Illinois EPA employees volunteer their time to staff the rest station along the trail route, where drinking water, restrooms, trash collection bags, and other support are provided for the hikers.  Upon completing the hike, Scouts will receive a "Lincoln Trail Hike & Clean Up 2009" patch from the Agency in recognition of their efforts.

 

"The volunteers and support from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency help make this hike safer and more meaningful for the Scouts," said Pilgrimage Committee Chairman Zack Stamp.  "Scouting teaches our Scouts to be good stewards of our natural resources.  The Illinois EPA's participation emphasizes the importance of our environment and provides our hikers an opportunity to clean up a historic trail."

 

Waste Management Inc., of Springfield, donates services each year by providing disposal for the trash that is collected.  Proceeds from the recyclable aluminum will be returned to the area Boy Scouts Council.  Amateur radio operators from the Sangamon Valley Radio Club provide communications support.  Medics from the Illinois Army National Guard are treating the hikers' blisters and other minor injuries.

###