Abstract

Paper
Appalachian Trail Service Learning Project through 4-H
Track: Teaching with GIS in Schools
Authors: Ty Petty, Tim Prather, Stephen Moughon, Dara Carney-Nedelman

Unicoi County, Tennessee was designated in 2009 as one of four Appalachian Trail Communities, yet the trail is remote and difficult to find without a guidebook. Economic development is limited since the county is over half National Forest. Increasing tourism is vital to improving the local economy. County leaders are happy to finally have user friendly marketing tools to promote the Appalachian Trail to novice hikers. A group of teen 4-H members hiked 53 miles of the Appalachian Trail, made observations, and collected point and polyline GIS data. The group developed a poster, brochure and Google Earth layer using GIS data to promote the trail. Youth participating in the project gained many new skills relating to photography, geotagging photos, using GPS receivers, graphic design, teamwork, ArcGIS software, and physical fitness. The goal of this service learning project was to encourage local citizens to hike the trail and to increase tourism.