Rails to Trails Conservancy

Early-bird registration is now open for RTC’s TrailNation? Summit! The TrailNation Summit is where the vision of trail networks at the center of healthy, thriving communities becomes reality. We’re inviting network visionaries, innovators, and practitioners from across the country to join us for two days of dynamic mobile workshops, peer learning, networking and relationship building to unlock the power of trail networks for communities nationwide. ?? When: Oct. 27-29, 2025 ?? Where: Cleveland, Ohio Register now to secure your spot at the early-bird rate: https://lnkd.in/gshac9km! (Prices go up on May 31.)

The outdoor recreation industry—including trails—generates more than $1.2 trillion for the U.S. economy. That’s more than 2% of GDP and one reason why RTC is supporting the campaign to get more states to create offices of outdoor recreation. The leadership that offices of outdoor recreation bring is critical to the success of the trails movement, helping generate the state-level support necessary to create, connect and maintain trails across the country. You can learn more and join us in supporting this Outdoor Recreation Roundtable campaign to secure the country’s 25th?office of outdoor recreation in 2025:?https://lnkd.in/eYJVj2w8 ?

Half of Americans live in a place where a trail network is being built. Across the country, people rely on the nation’s 42,000+ miles of multiuse trails every day. With new leadership in Congress, the White House and state houses across the country, RTC is working hard to protect funding for trails and trail networks, because they are essential infrastructure that: ?? Generate $34+ billion in economic activity annually, more each year than the total federal investment in trails. ?? Provide transportation choice, creating more ways for people to safely get around. ?? Help us all be active, healthy and well, while bringing joy and fun. But with much uncertainty right now about the future of many federal programs, including those that fund trails, walking and biking, we need your help to elevate how much trails do for you and your community. Learn more + learn how to take action: https://lnkd.in/eZqzFvbc

With new leadership in Washington, D.C., new priorities are being set and federal spending—including critical funding for trails, walking and biking—is under review. Our regions rely on trails. Trails and trail networks offer spaces to safely walk, bike and get outside; contribute to the economy; enhance regional mobility; and provide other quality-of-life benefits to the places where we live, work and play. Local, state and federal elected officials will weigh in on what gets funded, but they need to hear from their constituents. That's why we're encouraging everyone to use our form to share stories about the importance and impact of trails, helping to elevate that trails and trail networks are essential. Join us by writing elected officials—and sharing the word with others: https://lnkd.in/e-VzeMQP!

Did you know we publish a quarterly magazine? Inside each issue, we explore America’s remarkable rail-trails and trail networks, with a focus on the impact they have nationwide. Read our newly released Winter 2025 Issue to explore stories with themes of change and opportunity, including: - Connecticut’s 56.5-mile Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, supporting healthy lifestyles, commuting and prosperity in the Constitution State. - Minnesota's 165-mile Mesabi Trail, boosting the economies of 28 towns and municipalities while providing access to the state’s unparalleled natural scenery. - The 2024 Rail-Trail Champion Sarah Clark Stuart, whose work helped spark development for the 860-mile Circuit Trails network. - New and fabulous rail-trails that made their debuts in 2024 - And much more! Read the digital version of the latest issue online at https://lnkd.in/eciZHEZv.

Reminder: Tomorrow, Feb. 5, we're hosting a free webinar, "Building Collaborative Relationships: Bridging the Gap Between Planning and Advocacy"! We hope you'll tune in to learn how collaboration across sectors can accelerate the development of trail and active transportation infrastructure in communities. Register: https://lnkd.in/eUBfV4TB

Coming up on Feb. 5: Attend our free webinar to learn how successful collaborations between agencies and organizations can help secure funding for trails and active transportation. Register now:?https://lnkd.in/gtkyUymw

It was with deep sadness that Rails to Trails Conservancy learned of the passing of Lynn S. Lightner, a long-time passionate leader of the trail movement in Nebraska, on Jan. 16, 2025, at the age of 90. An engineer by trade, Lightner would be introduced to trail advocacy in the 1970s and go on to cofound the volunteer-based Nebraska Trails Council, which has since evolved into the nonprofit Nebraska Trails Foundation. During his career, Lightner oversaw the construction of an estimated 40 trail bridges and helped advance several trail projects. The visionary trail supporter is perhaps most recognized for his leadership over two decades—along with fellow trail advocate and long-time friend Ross Greathouse—in the development of the 22.9-mile Chief Standing Bear Trail, which memorializes the 1877 Ponca Trail of Tears. Lightner has been the recipient of numerous awards over the years, including a Golden Spike Award from the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Homestead, and a Trail Worker Award from American Trails. In 2017, RTC honored Lightner and Greathouse as Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champions for their outstanding contributions to the rail-trail movement. You can learn more about Lightner’s instrumental impact by visiting the TrailBlog: https://lnkd.in/ein3nbWH.

We can't wait to join American Trails for a webinar about designing events that engage communities—and share how aligning your trail programming with national celebrations like Celebrate Trails Day can help amplify impact!

Feb. 5: Join us for our free webinar to learn about building collaborative relationships to bridge the gap between planning and advocacy! During this session, we will highlight how collaborative relationships can help unlock funding for and accelerate trail network development, and share tools and lessons-learned to help you build successful partnerships in your community. Our panelists will discuss how they successfully worked together to secure critical funding for transportation projects throughout the Phoenix region. Thank you to our panelists: - Audra Koester Thomas and Kay Bork from the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) - Lori Singleton, president and CEO of the nonprofit Arizona Forward We hope you will join us! Register + learn more: https://lnkd.in/gtkyUymw