Be a National Trails Symposium sponsor and exhibitor Little Rock 2008

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MINI-WORKSHOPS

These workshops will be repeated twice over the course of the afternoon on Sunday, November 16.

Trail Topic Mini-Workshops invite you to be an active part of in-depth discussions

Want to get “up close and personal” with hot trail topics? The Trail Topic Mini-Workshops provide the occasion for you to be an active part of in-depth discussions and activities on eight different trail topics. These workshops will be repeated twice over the course of the afternoon on Sunday, November 16, allowing more time to explore these subjects in a hands-on, participatory forum.

Accessibility Guidelines for Trails

The U.S. Access Board proposed accessibility guidelines for trails and other outdoor elements for Federal facilities covered by the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) in June 2007. The public comment period has closed, and the Board is preparing to issue a final ruling in the near future. The session will provide an overview of the proposed accessibility guidelines for trails, and a summary of the public comments received. Come and hear about the areas of trail accessibility where there is consensus, as well as the National Trail Surface Research Project conducted by the National Center on Accessibility and the U.S. Access Board.

Journey Down a River: Learn to Make the Most of Your Blue Trail

Join us as we take a paddle— a virtual paddle that is. We will explore a hometown river and make stops along the way to identify important water trail opportunities— for conservation, to connect with land trails, and to promote local resources and amenities. This interactive session will explore these opportunities, and examine examples of how communities across the country have benefited from taking advantage of them.

Partnerships for Trail Success

Grab your partner and do-si-do! We’re calling everyone to The Partnerships for Trail Success Dance. Think of your trail project as a dance...

The Trail Dance is a lot more fun when you have a partner…and probably more successful. Join in, and we’ll show you some new steps. There will be many partners, and they must work in-step to maintain a steady rhythm. Stepping on toes is not recommended! Sometimes partners can switch, as some projects are more compatible with different partners. We will show you some unique partnership presentations that will have your toes tapping to the music of trail success and encourage you to lead a dance or two, sharing your partnership successes.

New Approaches, Technology and Equipment for Trail Maintenance - A "Share Your Knowledge" Session

Learn how to work smarter, NOT harder. This mini-workshop will provide you with the opportunity to ask professional trail builders, and each other, those nagging questions related to trail construction and maintenance. The roundtable format of this session will allow you to learn and share the best considerations and technology for trail maintenance, before and after the trail is built.

Buy, Sell, Beg, or Borrow: Creative Funding Ideas from America’s Trails

Need some funding? How about the world’s largest yard sale, selling your trail by the yard? Or a gift catalogue that allows supporters to buy a “gift” for the trail? Join trail experts and advocates in an exploration of resources, programs, partners, and events that are funding trails and greenways around the country. The roundtable format will encourage sharing experiences, as well as creative ideas.

Getting Children Outdoors - It Can be Habitat Forming

This mini-workshop is centered on the premise of Richard Louv’s “Last Child in the Woods,” and the recent advent of a back-to-nature movement to reconnect children with the outdoors. This movement now has parents, teachers, pediatricians, and politicians all touting the benefits of children spending time outdoors.

Join us in this first ever “Walk the Talk” mini-workshop format that brings active listening and deep dialogue, both indoors and out. Presentations and discussions will include examples on environmental education on trails, place-based education, service learning opportunities, and creative policies and programs that engage families and children in the great outdoors.

From the Doorstep: Making the Connection between Developers and Trails

Where do Americans want to live? When buying a home, what amenities attract them to their neighborhood of choice? Would you be surprised to know that the answer is trails? According to the National Association of Homebuilders, trails are the number one community amenity that homebuyers want when purchasing a home. Americans are in pursuit of communities where trails can be quickly reached from their doorstep. This evolving trend points to the critical importance of developers as partners in the establishment of trails and trail networks. Attend this mini-workshop to see successful examples of developers who are incorporating trails in their communities. You will also have a chance to join the conversation of how the trails community can better partner with developers.

Understanding Sustainability and Building Better Trails

Sustainability has many facets, including environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Sustainable trails are better for the environment because they minimize trail impacts on the surrounding environment. Trail users of all abilities benefit from and contribute to the social sustainability of the trail. A broader spectrum of trail users builds more public support for the trail and the benefits that it provides. Sustainable trail design ensures a high probability of compliance with the proposed recreation trail accessibility guidelines. Sustainable trails are also better from an economic perspective because of the decreased costs for maintenance and environmental protection.

Research Needs, Science, and Trails

Come share survey results, recent studies, or current research along your trail. Better yet, help us frame new questions for future studies. What are your top research needs? How can we get the research needed to assure the public of the best trail experiences? Facilitated by Steve Elkinton, NPS National Trails System Program Leader.

American Trails, P.O. Box 491797, Redding, CA 96049-1797 • (530) 547-2060
• Fax: (530) 547-2035 • Symposium@americantrails.org • www.AmericanTrails.org

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