In October of this year, we’ll be participating in the American Discovery 250 Relay–and you’re invited to join us. What is this relay? How can you be a part?  Read on for answers to these questions and more…

1) What is the American Discovery Trail?
The trail is an interconnected system of local, state and national trails that extends from the West Coast (starting in Limantour Beach, which is in Marin County just north of San Francisco) to the East Coast (ending at Delaware’s Cape Henlopen State Park in the town of Lewes). It’s a total of 6,800 miles designed for walking, hiking, running and biking (with some also available for equestrian use) as well as connecting people and communities. The trail’s origins can be traced back to a cross country trip taken and promoted by members of the American Hiking Society. Later, the American Discovery Trail Society was created to carry the mission forward. 

2) What is the American Discovery Trail Society?
They are the stewards of the trail. The Society has a volunteer coordinator in each state who manages ongoing efforts to refine the route, incorporate new trails into the route, and promote the trail in their respective state. They are the organization behind the American 250 Relay.

3) What is the American 250 Relay?
To bring attention to the trail and our nation’s great natural resources as well as celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the ADT Society has planned a relay in which a baton carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence will make its way from coast-to-coast, starting in California and ending in Delaware. 

4) What is the I&M Canal National Heritage Area’s connection to the American Discovery Trail?
The I&M Canal State Trail is among the network of trails that make up the route from coast to coast. Specifically, the path from La Salle to Joliet is a part of this larger system.

5) How is the I&M Canal National Heritage Area and its coordinating entity, the Canal Corridor Association, participating in the American 250 Relay? 
The ADT Society reached out to see if we wanted to be involved–and we jumped at this amazing opportunity. We will be coordinating the baton carriers between La Salle and Ottawa. We are also coordinating volunteers, sponsors, partners and just good ol’ cheerleaders between La Salle and Ottawa and Ottawa to Joliet. 

6) How can I get involved in the American 250 Relay?
It’s easy! Just fill out the form here! As implied above, we are looking for baton carriers (between La Salle and Ottawa) as well as volunteers, sponsors, partners and cheerleaders from La Salle through Joliet.

7) How will baton carriers make their way along the American Discovery Trail?
Walk, run, hike, bike–make your way however you choose as long as its non-motorized. There are some portions along the national trail that allow horseback riding, but the I&M Canal Trail does not. Biking is preferred on many portions by the ADT Society, because they have a lot of ground to cover.

8) How will the Canal Corridor Association choose baton carriers? 
Our goal is to enable as many people as possible to participate in this historic event. So sign up, and we’ll do our best to give you an opportunity to carry the baton along a pre-determined segment of the I&M Canal Trail. If you’re planning to make your way with a group, only one of you needs to sign up. We’re fine if you then pass the baton among you as you make your way along your assigned route.

9) What will volunteers do during the relay?
We’re still formulating plans for events around the relay. As these come together so will the volunteer opportunities. For now, sign up and let us know what dates and locations are best for you. We’ll reach back out when we have more info.

10) When is the relay? When will it be here?
The relay will start in California on the 4th of July and end in Delaware on Thanksgiving. The current plan is for the relay to be in the I&M Canal National Heritage Area in October.

Specifically:
• Friday, October 9: La Salle to Ottawa
• Saturday, October 10: Ottawa to Joliet

11) Are you sure about those dates?
Absolutely not! The relay will be making its way across the United States during the summer. They could run into wildfires, severe storms, extreme heat and any number of other challenges that could delay them as the baton makes its way to us. We ask that if you’re planning to participate, you be a little flexible as they could be running behind (or, we guess, possibly ahead). When you sign up, you’ll provide your email address and so we can keep you up to date on the relay’s progress. 

12) Wait. But, what is the I&M Canal National Heritage Area? What is the Canal Corridor Association?
Great questions. You can find an explanation of the I&M Canal National Heritage Area here and the Canal Corridor Association here.

Now some questions for you. Did we miss anything? Is there something you have to know? Then, let us know! Reach out to admin@iandmcanal.org or message us through Facebook or Instagram.