The Forest was established as a bicentennial project by the City of Atchison and The Ninety-Nines Inc., The International Organization Women Pilot. Each September, new honorees are inducted into the Forest with plaques embedded in the walkway that winds through trees representing all 50 states and over 35 countries.
Dear Friends of the International Forest of Friendship,
Big news! We just heard the Forest is the recipient of a Kansas Recreation Trails grant of $150,000 and providing us with the means to replace/repair much of the nearly 50-year-old sidewalks in the Forest! If you have visited, you’ve seen the need.
We need your help! The grant requires us to match 30% of the grant amount. We need $35,000! Thanks to a local grant, we have secured about half of that. But we need more!
As a friend of the Forest, you already know how important this gem is to our community. But it goes beyond that! The Forest was a bicentennial gift to the United States of America in 1976 – a most special gift from the City of Atchison and the Ninety-Nines, an organization of women pilots. The Forest represents the motto of the Ninety-Nines, “World Friendship Through Flying.”
Your support will help us prepare for a very special 50th anniversary of the International Forest of Friendship in 2026! So much will be happening as our country celebrates 250 years! Our Forest will be a most special place to celebrate!
Mark your calendar for August 23-25, because that is the All Aboard Atchison Match Day is happening! During these three days, any donation made through the Atchison Area Community Foundation on behalf of the Forest will receive a 60% match. You heard it here! You give $50 and it turns into $80 just like that! Give $100, it turns into $160!
There are three ways to donate and be eligible for the 60% match:
· Join us in-person for a match day happy hour tonight from 4-7 PM at the Atchison Event Center on August 23. Stop by our table and learn more about the Forest! Fly a plane if you’d like! Gifts of checks, cash, and credit cards are accepted at the event.
· Donate at www.AllAboardAtchison.com from August 23, 12 AM to August 25, 11:59 PM.
Make a difference! Let’s “pave the way for the 50th Anniversary of the International Forest of Friendship! Let’s repair the sidewalks at the Forest!
Wishing you blue skies,
The International Forest of Friendship Board
Linton Wells, Co-Chair, Virginia
Leonard Buddenbohm, Co-Chair, Kansas
Cindy Carrigan Apple, Kansas
Cindy Copeland, Kansas
Karen Landdeck, Texas
Diane Liebsch, Kansas
Susan Myers, Kansas
Janet Patton, Texas
Cynthia Putnam, Florida
Karen Seaberg, Kansas
Linda Wells, Virginia
There's much to see here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us. We hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to drop us a line.
Your contributions will enable us to preserve and expand the Forest.
Click here to REGISTER and for ACCOMMODATION information.
99s--take the NOLA Challenge!
Visit the Forest
1 Allingham Drive
Atchison, Kansas 66002
Parking is available near the entrance of the park.
Join us September 20 - 21, 2024 for our Annual Celebration!
Click Here for the schedule of activities