News Release

National Park Service Celebrates 40th Anniversary of the Continental Divide Trail at El Malpais NM

Date: November 3, 2018
Contact: Cassie Branststter, 5058762783

National Park Service Celebrates 40^th Anniversary of the
Continental Divide Trail at El Malpais NM
 
 
Grants, NM – On November 10th, join park rangers at El Malpais National Monument for a trail clean-up to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the creation of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). We invite everyone to join and volunteer in picking up trash along this historic trail. The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m., with lunch and water provided for the first forty volunteers. A short ranger program about the history of the CDT will also be presented. To volunteer, please arrive at the Zuni Acoma Trailhead on Hwy 53, 16 miles south and west of Interstate 40.
 
Twenty-one miles of the Continental Divide Trail run through El Malpais National Monument. Spanning 3,100 continuous miles between Mexico and Canada, the CDT was established on November 10, 1978 to, “preserve portions of our heritage, both historical and natural …to assure these resources are not lost.”
 
Volunteers will be spending the day outdoors. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed toed footwear. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own gloves, hats and sunscreen are also recommended. Because some of the trail is on lava beds, it is also recommended to leave pets at home for this project. This event may be canceled if adverse weather conditions are present. For more information please contact Cassie Branstetter at 505-876-2783 or e-mail us.