The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) today announces the return of its popular “Hike Trustees” program—a free contest that challenges people of all skill levels record their hikes at Trustees’ properties around Massachusetts and awards monthly prizes.
Hike Trustees began in 2016 to celebrate the organization’s 125th anniversary. Although it was temporarily discontinued last year due to COVID-19, Hike Trustees is back in 2021 and enjoying record participation with more than 500 hikers visiting 110 properties and hiking 5,545 miles since January 1. The program is on track to more than double its most popular year in 2017.
Participation is free and being a Trustees Member is not required. After visiting hiketrustees.org and creating a profile to join the challenge, users simply log their miles (everyone is on the honor system) within three days of their hike, and these miles and sites visited will be tallied and saved. The Trustees maintains a leaderboard that is updated in real time, and prizes such as Trustees’ merchandise and gift certificates are awarded monthly to those who take the most hikes and log the most miles.
“It’s a fun way for people of all abilities and skill levels to get outside, explore some of the state’s most beautiful places, and engage in some friendly competition all at the same time,” said Jennifer Klein, Director of Outdoor Experiences. “Our special places have been a safe oasis for people reconnecting with nature during COVID, and this is just one more way to continue offering people inclusive, accessible spaces for renewal and respite.”
Improvements to Hike Trustees for 2021 include monthly and yearly challenge options; new, more accessible challenge categories; an updated logging system; new prizes and incentives to reach milestones; and emails with curated hikes and tips for exploring hidden gems. An active Facebook group for Trustees hikers of all levels also inspires participants to log more miles and reach personal health and wellbeing goals through this program. The Facebook group has recently swelled to almost 2,000 members and serves as a hub where hikers can post photos and videos of their adventures and share tips and suggestions with fellow participants.
More about The Trustees
Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for 130 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit, supported by members, friends and donors and our 120 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. thetrustees.org.
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