Illinois EPA and Boy Scouts of America team up for Annual 20-mile Lincoln Trail Hike

SPRINGFIELD — Over 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 67th Annual Lincoln Pilgrimage, which is hosted by the Abraham Lincoln Council Boy Scouts of America. This is the 18th year the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has teamed with the Council for the event.
Hikers began their trek between 6 and 9 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 Interim Director John Kim.
“The Scouts provide a valuable community service much appreciated by residents along the trail and Illinois EPA staff volunteers have been enthusiastic supporters over the years,” added Illinois EPA Associate Director Elmo Dowd, who presented the Governor’s proclamation to Scout leaders today.
Volunteers from the Illinois EPA, as well as the Lt. Governor’s Office and other state agencies, donate their time to staff the rest stations 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 items will be returned to the area Boy Scouts Council. American Radio Relay League amateur radio operators provide communications support for the day. Coca Cola and the Illinois Air National Guard provide tents at rest stops.
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