Press Release - Tuesday, April 27, 2010
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Illinois EPA and Boy Scouts of America team up for 65th Annual 20-mile Lincoln Trail Hike
SPRINGFIELD -- Over 1,000 area Boy Scouts spent Saturday, April 24 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 65th Annual Lincoln Pilgrimage, which is hosted by the Abraham Lincoln Council Boy Scouts of America. This is the 16th 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.
"Not only do the Boy Scouts participating in this event learn about and honor our greatest President by retracing his steps, but they also honor him by cleaning up this historic trail and hopefully acquiring a lifetime habit of environmental stewardship," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott.
"The Scouts provide a valuable community service much appreciated by residents along the trail and IEPA staff volunteers have been enthusiastic supporters over the years," 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" 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 Mark Cullen. "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 for the day.
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