WHAT'S HOT 

• Concurrent Sessions (1.25-hours)
• Core Tracks (3 or 6 hours)
• Posters
• Trail Talks (1 hour)

Visit The Call for Presentations webpage to download BOTH documents for complete instructions on how to submit your proposal.

National Recreation Trail applications due November 1

Is your trail a good candidate for National Recreation Trail designation? Applications for NRT designation are being taken this fall. For trails on local, state, and private lands, and on federal lands (except National Forests and Grasslands), the deadline is November 1. Read about the process for nominating a trail for NRT designation... 

Using Recreational Trails Program funds for accessibility

Making trails more accessible to people of all ages and abilities is a key goal of State grants programs using RTP funding. This means improving trails for persons with disabilities, but also understanding the needs of older people, families with children, and those who are new to trail activities. RTP funding has been used in every State to make accessibility improvements, as well as trail assessments and programs to provide trail access information. Read more and see photos and project examples...

 NEWS

Massachusetts promotes "Healthy Heart Trails"

The MA Department of Conservation and Recreation says, "trails are the heart of our parks and DCR wants them to be the heart of a healthy lifestyle." Statewide, over 70 trails will be designated in the hope that residents will make them part of their regular exercise routine. Healthy Heart Trails will be identified by a green heart symbol, will measure approximately 1.5 miles or less in length, and are easy to moderate in activity level. The program offers a great way to have fun and get exercise in a low cost way. Read more...

Urban planners and city agencies are calling it the "superhighway of bicycles." Sixty-four miles in all, the trail will run mostly along the Trinity River. The trail would run next to the river in spots, through numerous neighborhoods and job centers. Planners want it to be "multi-modal," which means people could cycle and walk on the trail, and also use it to connect to other forms of transit -- like the Trinity Railway Express. Read more and see photos...

Thanks to a partnership between California State Parks and Google Maps, you can now visit many of California's beautiful parks right from your computer, tablet, or smart phone. Over 20 trails in 14 state parks have been filmed using Google Trekker, a backpack-mounted camera that provides 360 degree footage. Read more and see photos...

The pedestrian and bicycle bridge crossing the Sacramento River was designed by Santiago Calatrava, world renowned architect, engineer, and artist. The glass-decked Turtle Bay Sundial Bridge is the centerpiece of the new regional trail system, and has become the urban icon for the northern part of the state. The cantilever-spar cable-stayed bridge forms a large sundial. Read more and see photos...

Featured State Recreational Trails Program: Oregon

The Coalition for Recreational Trails created an award in 2009 to recognize State Trails Programs which feature outstanding use of the Federal Recreational Trails Program funds. The State of Oregon, the first winner of this award, supports local project sponsors in many ways. It communicates regularly with trail, environmental, and outdoor recreation interests and conducts grant-writing workshops annually to educate potential applicants. Oregon views the RTP program as an integral part of statewide trails efforts, and integrates RTP funds with other planning and assistance programs. Read more...

The Wolf River Greenway Trail in Memphis, Tennessee is a paved, shaded trail that parallels the Wolf River. It is significant as the first place in the city where people can connect with the river in a peaceful, natural setting. Eventually the Greenway will extend for 22 miles connecting public greenways and recreational trails as well as adjoining conservation wetlands and wildlife habitats from the Mississippi River east to Shelby Farms Park. Read more and see photos...

American Trails hosts the next International Trails Symposium in Portland May 17-20, 2015.

The Symposium addresses every aspect of trails, greenways, and blueways. Learn from dozens of educational sessions and mobile workshops and network with experts and enthusiasts from across the globe. The theme for this year's Symposium is "Solutions for Success."

Thank you to our local host and major partner, Metro, and to our other partners,  The Intertwine Alliance, MIG, Inc., Oregon State Parks and Recreation, Northwest Youth Corps, and the Professional Trailbuilders Association, as well as the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service,  US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the USDA Forest Service.

• Concurrent Sessions (1.25-hours)
• Core Tracks (3 or 6 hours)
• Posters
• Trail Talks (1 hour)

Visit The Call for Presentations webpage to download BOTH documents for complete instructions on how to submit your proposal. 

Hulet Hornbeck, a lifelong trail advocate whose legacy inspired American Trails' Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program, would have celebrated his 95th Birthday on October 14. We are busy planning the 2015 scholarship program, which will bring 20 young adults to the 2015 International Trails Symposium. The program will immerse the scholarship team in learning best practices and trends in the field to help pave the path to careers in natural resource management.

We're actively seeking $2,500 sponsorships (the price of one full scholarship) to support this amazing program. Won't you please help us out and be recognized for your investment in the next generation of trail and conservation professionals?

Read more and learn how to support the program...

Download the Sponsor and Exhibitor packet to get started...

FEATURING the Professional Trailbuilders Association Sustainable Trails Workshops and Outdoor Trade Show 

The Professional Trailbuilders Association (PTBA) and the American Trails International Trails Symposium (AT ITS) are proud to announce an exciting new partnership program -- the Sustainable Trails Workshop Series and "Legacy Trail." Through this program, and in conjunction with the International Trails Symposium, PTBA will offer a series of hands-on workshops focusing on the important skills and techniques involved in the sustainable design, planning, construction, and maintenance of trails for all types of users in all types of environments. This series of workshops will result in a local segment of sustainably and professionally built trail being left behind as a legacy of the AT ITS and the PTBA Sustainable Trails Workshops.

PTBA will also provide an Outdoor Demonstration Area and Trade Show as the kick-off to the Symposium on Sunday, May 17. This is the only trade show in the nation dedicated to trailbuilders and trailbuilding tools, technology, and techniques. The outdoor demonstration area will have dirt, terrain, rocks, logs, and brush for equipment demonstrations. 

Learn more about this exciting new partnership and download the Sponsorship & Exhibitor Packet... 

Exhibit and sponsorship opportunities

The Sponsorship & Exhibitor Packet is now available! Exhibitors get to choose their booth location in the order they send in their contract and payment (some exceptions apply). If you are interested in more recognition, we have larger sponsorship levels available with some excellent benefits to boost promotion for your organization. Download the Sponsorship & Exhibitor Packet now...

Thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors to date:

• Alta Planning + Design 
• American Conservation Experience 
• Back Country Horsemen of America
• BCS America LLC
• Beneficial Designs, Inc.
• Berntsen International, Inc.
• BioSpan Technologies, Inc. 
• Bureau of Land Management 
• Canycom USA, Inc. 
• Chehalem Park and Recreation District
• Composite Advantage 
• Contech Engineered Solutions
• David Evans and Associates, Inc.
• Diamond Pier 
• E.T. Techtonics, Inc.
• Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance 
• Forest Park Conservancy 
• GameTime 
• GatorBridge™ and GatorDock™ 
• iZone Imaging 
• Jamar Technologies, Inc. 
• Metro 
• MIG, Inc.
• National Park Service 
• Northwest Youth Corps 
• Okanogan Trail Construction
• Oregon State Parks and Recreation
• Otak, Inc.
• PBS Engineering + Environmental 
• Pioneer Bridges 
• PlayCore 
• Professional Trailbuilders Association 
• Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau 
• Rhino Marking and Protection Systems
• Terrabilt, Inc. 
• The Acorn Group
• The Greater Dayton Ohio Region 
• The Intertwine Alliance 
• Tillamook Forest Heritage Trust
• Tour-Mate Systems
• Trail Insight 
• Travel Oregon
• Travel Portland 
• Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District 
• US Fish and Wildlife Service 
• USDA Forest Service 
• Voss Signs
• Washington County Visitors Association
• Western Wood Structures 
• Wheeler  
• Zeager Bros, Inc.

Learn more about the upcoming and past Symposiums...

Contact Candace Mitchell, Sponsor & Exhibitor Coordinator, if you have any questions at [email protected]. 

The 11th annual Hike the Highlands Festival in Cape Breton has grown into an economic boost for the area. According to event organizer Tom Wilson, "We're finding that more and more people are taking active vacations. They want to keep in shape while they're on vacation and they want to be outdoors and they want to enjoy the scenery and the nature." Read more and see photos...

Building on the theme "Parks, people, planet: inspiring solutions," the Congress will share knowledge and innovation, setting the agenda for protected areas conservation for the decade to come. Topics include original approaches for conservation and development, articulating the vital role of protected areas in conserving nature while delivering essential ecosystem services, and positioning protected areas within goals of economic and community. Read more...

Learn more with American Trails Advancing Trails Webinar Series

American Trails continues the dynamic online Advancing Trails Webinar Series to help trail planners, supporters, and managers learn about focused topics of special interest. Our webinars are eligible for CEUs through the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS), an authorized independent CEU provider through IACET (International Association for Continuing Education and Training). Our 75 minute webinars are worth 0.10 CEUs and are available for an additional $20 fee. 

Check out the upcoming American Trails webinars and register today!

• DECEMBER 11, 2014: Towards a Mountain Trail Sustainability Ethic ~ Part 3 of 3 (presented by Hugh Duffy, National Park Service). Read more and register here...
• JANUARY 22, 2015: Protect What You Love: Water Trail Ambassador and Stewardship Programs (presented by Amy Camp, American Trails Board Member and Pennsylvania Water Trail Partnership Representative). Read more and register here...

Read more and see current Advancing Trails Webinar Series schedule...  

FHWA releases updated BIKESAFE guide to bicycle safety

The Federal Highway Administration has released its new Bicycle Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System (BIKESAFE). This online guide provides tools to review and select engineering and roadway infrastructure improvements to improve bicycling safety. BIKESAFE includes an overview, countermeasure details, case studies, a tool for countermeasure selection, and links to more web resources. Read more about BIKESAFE...

American Trails presented "Horses and Trails: How to Be Successful with Both!" on September 18, 2014 as a part of the American Trails "Advancing Trails Webinar Series." Detailed answers to questions on trail design and management raised during the webinar are now online courtesy of presenter Jan Hancock. Read more and access the recorded webinar...

The guide was created to provide volunteers with the basics of trail maintenance techniques using illustrations and a minimal amount of reading. It can be used by anyone or any organization free of charge. The guide includes many examples of Erosion Control Methods. It was compiled by Ken Wiklund of Kelowna, British Columbia. Download the Volunteer's Guide (pdf 9.8 mb)...

The Forest Service incorporates several standardized trail management concepts and tools in the administration and management of the agency's 150,000 miles of trails. The trail management website includes reference information on Trail Fundamentals/Trail Management Objectives (TMOs) and Trail Assessment & Condition Surveys (TRACS). Read more and access resources...

Fall 2014 trails training and educational opportunities  

Here are some of the trail-related training opportunities coming up this summer. See the Online Trails Training Calendar for details... 

November 6 - Online Webinar hosted by Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals

* Creating "Best of the Best" OHV Recreation Experiences

November 8 - Leominster, MA

* Massachusetts State Trails Conference

November 12-14 - Portland, OR

* Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education Annual Conference

November 13 - Online Webinar hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers

* Designing Bicycle Facilities 

November 21-24 - Denver, CO

* American Society of Landscape Architects Annual Meeting and Trade Show

December 3 - Online Webinar hosted by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals

* Using Pilot Projects to Implement Protected Bike Lanes

December 8 - Online Webinar hosted by Advocacy Advance

* Complete Streets Design

December 9 - Stonewall, WV

* Trail Design and Layout for Universal Access Workshop ~ hosted by the Professional Trailbuilders Association 

December 9 - Stonewall, WV

* Design and Layout of Stone and Timber Crib Structures ~ hosted by the Professional Trailbuilders Association 

December 11 - Online Webinar hosted by American Trails

* Towards a Mountain Trail Sustainability Ethic ~ Part 3 of 3 

Contact us with your scheduled training opportunities at [email protected].

Join American Trails and receive a gift of an 18-ounce Klean Kanteen water bottle!

American Trails is excited to announce a new co-brand partnership with Klean Kanteen! Members who join at the Trail Professional level or higher will receive a gift of an 18-ounce stainless steel Klean Kanteen commemorative water bottle celebrating American Trails 25 year anniversary!

Water bottles are also available for purchase in our Online Store.  

Klean Kanteen introduced the first hydration bottle made from stainless steel to give people a safe and healthy alternative to plastic. Their mission, like American Trails, promotes sustainability and healthy lifestyles for everyone. You can learn more about them at www.kleankanteen.org.

 ***

Working together - works! There is strength in numbers!

For over 25 years, American Trails has been a collective voice for a diverse coalition of enthusiasts, professionals, advocates, land managers, conservationists, and friends of the outdoors and livable cities. American Trails strives to enrich the quality of life for all people and the sustainable development of communities by advancing and promoting the development, preservation, and enjoyment of diverse, high quality trails and greenways. We envision a network of trails within 15 minutes of every home, school, and workplace.  

American Trails will continue to keep you informed on both trail know-how and issues critical to the future of trails. With your help, we can increase funding for trails, keep more trails open, and improve the health and well-being of Americans of all ages and abilities, including our children.

American Trails is a tax-exempt, nonprofit charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible.

 QUICK LINKS 

• Learn more about the International Trails Symposium ~ May 17-20, 2015 in Portland, Oregon

• Find products and services for trails in our Online Business Directory.  

• Visit our Blog.  

• Join us on Facebook and Twitter! 

• Learn about and find National Recreation Trails (NRT) near you today! 
• I'm a Pathways for Play advocate. Ask me why. 
• The Online Trails Training Calendar connects you with courses, conferences, and trail-related training.
• Purchase books, maps, memberships, and webinars through the American Trails Online Store.
• Need Trails Training? Visit www.TrailsTraining.net. 
• Cool Trail Solutions: view galleries of trail projects, enhancements, and facilities to give you ideas and see how others solved typical trails and greenways problems.
• If you appreciate the myriad of resources we provide on our website to help you do your work better, please help support American Trails ~ by making a tax-deductible donation today.  
• American Trails - maintains one of the World's most comprehensive online go-to sources for planning, designing, building, funding, managing, enhancing, and supporting trails, greenways, and blueways at www.AmericanTrails.org.

Send news and calendar items to [email protected].

Advertising Opportunities:

American Trails offers cost-effective advertising opportunities for our Trail Tracks e-Newsletter, the American Trails Magazine, in our Business Directory, and on our website! Find out more here.  

Header photo: Fall color in Davenport, Iowa; photo by Stuart Macdonald