Resiliency Through the Care of Nature

June 01, 2020
News
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference

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Resiliency Through the Care of Nature
A trail volunteer and an Conservation Corps service member using rock bars to move a rock. Photo by Heather Darley.

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As leaders in helping people connect with nature for the last 100 years—in helping them through this pandemic today—the Trail Conference is supporting safe, enjoyable outdoor experiences for all through the Recovery and Response Fund.

Launched in April, the Recovery and Response Fund has enabled us to develop a digital platform to train volunteers, collect data to inform state and local officials, and provide education and guidance for the public. As states reopen and our volunteers begin to deploy, our response now is vital to the health of parks and trails and the wellbeing of our communities.

Recognizing our responsibility to aid in the recovery— and resiliency—of our region, our updated plan includes:

  • Keeping trails in good repair and our natural areas healthy. Online webinars have kept our volunteer force trained and ready to deliver the essential services land managers rely on us to provide. Their needs are compounded by increased park usage, creating greater demand for skilled maintainers, surveyors, crews, and stewards.
  • Planning and reprioritizing field projects to direct efforts where they are needed most. Great trail experiences start with the Trail Conference’s ability to work with our partners in assessing needs and providing the expertise and volunteer power necessary to care for increasingly overburdened parks.
  • Regularly evaluating and implementing new best practices in caring for the land and the people who protect it. The safety of Trail Conference volunteers, Corps members, staff, and all trail users is our number one priority.
  • Educating the growing trail community about responsible recreation. Trail Conference Stewards provide invaluable assistance and education to park visitors. We are further enhancing our digital platforms to complement our trailhead presence, providing information on using our maps, planning outdoor excursions, and practicing safe behavior on the trails.
  • Motivating state officials to prioritize the needs of parks and trails in the health and wellness recovery of our communities. This includes investments needed to prevent damage to trails, conserve open space, and maximize the impact of our volunteers.

The Recovery and Response Fund empowers every one of us to play a role in creating a more resilient region. Your support protects and preserves the parks and trails that record numbers of people are turning to for refuge and solace.

Now more than ever, we need our leaders in responsible recreation to make a deeper investment in the care of natural areas. Learn more about the impact your gift to the Recovery and Response Fund has today and for the future.