Activating the Trail Community in Conservation Issues

Public lands provide the backdrop for trail users of all types to recreate, explore, and challenge themselves in nature, but often trail users can be disconnected from the issues that challenge the future of these very same public lands. How can we better engage the trail community in learning about, stewarding, and taking an active role in the lands these trails need to exist? Join long-distance hiker Renee Patrick in exploring the topic and ways you can start to empower and activate trail users on your local trails. The last 15 minutes of the presentation will include a discussion where you can share your thoughts, tips, and engagement challenges along your trails.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about ways trails have engaged users in conservation issues
• Acquire an understanding that backpackers can be more active stewards of the land along trails
• Discuss techniques to engage backpackers in environmental issues along trails