This spring Jeramy Vallianos and Serena Becker will set out from the dusty California-Mexico border and begin a through-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Stretching from the southern deserts to the northern Cascade Range the PCT covers 2,650 miles between Mexico and Canada.
The trail features the greatest elevation changes of any of America's National Scenic Trails and it passes through six out of seven North America's eco-zones including high and low desert, old-growth forest and artic-alpine country. It was first conceived as a route in the 1930’s, after which trail pioneers Clinton Clarke and Warren Rogers lobbied the federal government to secure a border-to-border corridor. Though this proved to be difficult the PCT was designated in 1968 as one of the first scenic trails in the National Trails System, due in large part to the efforts of hikers and equestrians. It was officially dedicated in 1993; despite this the trail and surrounding lands continue to face many threats from development, logging, and mining interests.
Following in the tradition of those who have worked to protect the PCT and other wild lands, Jeramy and Serena’s hike will be a fundraiser for land conservation. Through the website www.walkforwild.org they will raise money to benefit three conservation and land acquisition organizations: the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), Pacific Forest Trust (PFT) and Cascadia Ecosystem Advocates (CEA). Donations to the PCTA and PFT will be directly applied toward the purchase and protection of threatened landscapes and donations for CEA will support grassroots community and environmental efforts. All donations will be tax-deductible and detailed information on the organizations and projects that will be funded is available on the website.
The website will also offer the opportunity for everyone to participate and experience in the hike. Jeramy and Serena will be posting images, journal entries, and stories of the many adventures they encounter along the way. In addition, you can follow the trip via email by joining their list serve, to subscribe send an email to:
walkforwild-subscribe@lists.riseup.net
We face a critical time that requires action. Intact and wild ecosystems are integral to climate stability and bio-diversity and they provide the clean air and water on which our communities depend. If you feel it important that the small remaining tracts of U.S. wilderness be protected and expanded please consider contributing to this project by visiting www.walkforwild.org.
Thank you for your time and commitment to protecting wild places.
Sincerely,
Serena Becker and Jeramy Vallianos
