SAVE THE DOGS PREPARATORY WALK AND PICNIC @ THE C&O CANAL

Join us for a pre-MAAT walk and outdoor picnic at the C&O Canal along the beautiful Potomac River! (And yes, we will be stopping to admire the scenery at Great Falls.)

All are welcome to join this casual walking meet-and-greet, focused on building local support for our cause, while preparing for the official March to Abolish Animal Testing (MAAT) in NY.

Our Cause
We are at a turning point in history. Animal experimentation can no longer be justified. Science has advanced. More accurate and human-relevant testing methods are available, and meaningful policy change is long overdue.

At the same time, animal advocates are becoming increasingly organized. The press has exposed incredible and unnecessary cruelty, and for the first time in modern history, the public is actually listening.

We’ve recently seen major victories at Ridglan Farms. Now is the time to keep that momentum going.

The potential to make a difference right now is real—and enormous. Animal lovers and advocates from across the country are coming together to make MAAT happen and to ensure its success in generating the publicity needed to reach the minds and hearts of policymakers and their supporters.

The official 207-mile March to Abolish Animal Testing begins September 11 in Albany, NY, and finishes September 26 in North Rose, NY, at Marshall BioResources, one of the largest breeders and suppliers of animals for research in the United States. Thousands of animal protectors will peacefully march to their main facility to end an era of cruelty.

This event is a preparatory 12 mile walk, and will serve as a scenic warm-up and preliminary meet-and-greet for anyone heading to New York to join the march, as well as anyone interested in supporting the effort in other ways. (There are many ways to participate in the official event, so even if you are not up for traveling or walking for two weeks, you can walk for a portion, or you can support the cause in another manner that suits you.)

Details
We’ll start at the Carderock Picnic Nook with some basic stretches. We’ll then walk at a medium pace along the C&O canal, upstream towards Great Falls. The terrain is mainly hard-packed clay and gravel, but it is otherwise flat and easy. We will need to be mindful of cyclists. We may veer off the main towpath to check out lookouts along the way. This will be optional. When we arrive at Great Falls, we will relax for a little while to break up the walk, check out the sites, have some snacks, use the restrooms, and rehydrate. We’ll then continue to Swains Lock which will be our final destination before heading back. We'll enjoy a well-earned picnic when we arrive back at Carderock.

Reduced Distance Option
The average amount of miles walked per day at the official event is 14.8, and we created this long walk accordingly. Anyone is welcome to shorten the walk however by spending more time at Great Falls instead of walking the full distance. We can all meet up on the way back. This will reduce the distance to 7 miles.

Goals for Our Meetup

• Connect with other walkers and supporters, and build friendships before the official march. The main experience may be challenging in many ways, and having friends alongside you can make a huge difference.
• Make sure your body and shoes are ready for your participation in the main event
• Enjoy a beautiful place.
• Collaborate with your new contacts on lodging, food, transportation, and other logistics.
• Discuss and explore the variety of ways to support the official march—as a walker, support driver, photographer or filmmaker, logistics volunteer, press contact, or in whatever way your skills and availability allow.

MAAT Details
https://www.marchforanimals.org/

Ending this cruelty is a cause worth fighting for, and we need all hands on deck—not only for the hundreds of thousands of animals being exploited today, but for future generations of animals who should never have to endure this suffering.

Together, we can change history. The time to stand for compassion is now.

What to bring
Hat and/or natural sun protection (Please no sprays)
Natural insect repellant (Please no sprays)
Great shoes
Walking sticks (Optional)
A blanket and/or lawn chair (Just in case the picnic tables are full)
Waterbottle
Packed lunch with optional cooler
Snacks/ Optional fruit to share

Location
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qy853WiwX2m9opAv6

Date
Monday, September 7, Rain or Shine

Time
9:45 AM - 4 PM or until whenever we finish