Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals

?? GRIT Announces New eBook: Adaptive Hiking 101! ?? GRIT is thrilled to introduce Adaptive Hiking 101—a comprehensive guide to launching and running an adaptive hiking program! ?? Whether you're looking to start a program or refine an existing one, this eBook covers everything from choosing all-terrain mobility equipment to funding, liability, trail accessibility, marketing, and program logistics. ?? What’s Inside? ? Adaptive Hiking Basics – Why it matters and how it’s transforming outdoor recreation ? Funding & Grants – Find financial resources to support your program ? Program Models – Single-day hikes, year-round clinics, and everything in between ? Training Volunteers & Staff – Equip your team for safe, successful outings ? Trail Accessibility & Safety – Learn how to assess, modify, and design inclusive trails ? Marketing & Outreach – Build a community and grow participation ?? Help Us Spread the Word! ?? Forward this to anyone who might find it helpful ?? Share GRIT’s social media posts ?? Connect us with PR professionals passionate about accessible outdoor recreation Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gUQCTKi4 #AdaptiveHiking #InclusiveOutdoors #TrailAccessibility #OutdoorRecreation #AdaptiveSports #GRIT

?? Outdoor Recreation & Economic Development: A Path to Resilient Communities ?? Outdoor recreation is more than just an adventure—it’s a powerful driver of economic resilience, job creation, and cultural preservation. Join us for an insightful session exploring how tribal nations and rural communities are leveraging outdoor recreation to strengthen local economies, advance ecotourism, and preserve traditional foodways. ?? Hear from Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellows and community leaders who are on the ground making transformative change happen. They’ll share real-world examples of how outdoor recreation fosters economic growth while supporting environmental stewardship. ?? Speakers: ? Alexandra Calloway-Nation – ERC Fellow, Wind River Development Fund ? Essence Sage Oyos – ERC Fellow, Mesa Grande Business Development Corporation (BDC) ? Marc Wilken – ERC Fellow, Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship ?? Key Takeaways: ?? Trends shaping the outdoor recreation economy ?? Business and tourism opportunities in outdoor recreation ?? Workforce development strategies to support local jobs ?? Community resilience in the face of climate change & extreme weather ?? Tools for measuring economic impact #SORP #OutdoorRecreation #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityResilience #Ecotourism #WorkforceDevelopment

?? Sustainable Funding for Outdoor Recreation ?? Join us for a four-part webinar series diving into sustainable funding strategies for outdoor recreation and stewardship initiatives! ????? We’re bringing together experts in economic and community development, conservation finance, and recreation management to share practical tools and success stories that ensure long-term financial solutions for the outdoor recreation sector. ?? Don’t miss out—secure your spot today! ?? https://lnkd.in/eadgQNt7 #SustainableFunding #OutdoorRecreation #Stewardship #ConservationFinance #SORP

?? Big News from SORP! ?? We’re proud to support the ‘25 in 2025’ campaign, led by @OutdoorRecRoundtable, pushing for the 25th state to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation in the next year! ???? With 24 states already on board, these offices have been game-changers—boosting local economies, improving outdoor access, and strengthening communities. As SORP Executive Director Rachel Franchina puts it: ??? “Now more than ever, we recognize the need for sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities, and we stand in full support of ORR's ‘25 in 2025’ campaign.” Join us in advocating for outdoor recreation at the state level! Learn more and take action ?? https://lnkd.in/gukmQEBj #25in2025 #OutdoorRecreation #SORP #OutdoorRecEconomy #RecreateResponsibly

?? Don’t Forget! ?? The Visitor Use Management Workshop at the International Trail Summit is just around the corner! ?? Date: April 18, 2025 ?? Location: Madison, Wisconsin This workshop is your chance to dive into the Visitor Use Management (VUM) Framework, developed by the federal Interagency Visitor Use Management Council, and learn how it helps manage for high-quality trail experiences. You’ll also get to: -Explore the VUM Framework’s application across different lands and scales. -Visit a nearby trail and work in small groups to practice identifying desired conditions and management strategies. ? Regular Rate ends 3/14/25 – Register now before prices go up! Register here #TrailSummit2025 #VisitorUseManagement #TrailExperience #OutdoorStewardship

Secure Your Spot for the Visitor Use Management Training & Symposium! ???? Planning to attend but still sorting out funding? No worries! You can register now and select ‘Pay Later’ to get an invoice—this locks in your spot while you finalize payment details. ?? June 2-5, 2025 | Vancouver, WA Join professionals from across the U.S. and Canada to explore innovative solutions for balancing visitor experiences with resource protection—while honoring Tribal Treaty Rights and Indigenous knowledge systems. ?? Gain foundational VUM knowledge ?? Learn how to apply the VUM Framework ?? Understand its limitations & Indigenous perspectives ?? Connect with fellow planners & practitioners????? ?? Register today: https://lnkd.in/gMrcuXuu #VisitorUseManagement #OutdoorRec #SORPCommunity #PublicLands #RecreationPlanning #SORP

Outdoor Rec Pros—Let’s Connect! ???? Navigating challenges in our field takes more than just grit—it takes community. That’s why SORP is hosting a Member Check-in on March 26 at 1 PM MT—an informal space to connect, share insights, and support one another. This isn’t another webinar—just real talk with fellow professionals who get it. No recordings, no pressure—just a chance to strengthen our network and learn from each other. ?? SORP Member Check-in ? March 26 | 1 PM MT ?? Members only—log in to access: Event Link If you’re a SORP member, we’d love to see you there! Let’s keep building a stronger, more connected outdoor recreation community. ????? #SORPCommunity #OutdoorRec #Networking #PublicLands #RecreationProfessionals

?? Missed a Webinar? You Can Still Watch the Recordings! ?? Great news! If you couldn’t join us live, you can still access our recently recorded webinars on our website. ?? These sessions are packed with valuable insights for outdoor recreation professionals and are FREE for everyone for the next 6 months! ?? Head to our website to catch up on the latest discussions and stay informed on key topics shaping the future of outdoor recreation. ?? Don’t wait—take advantage of this opportunity before the recordings expire! #SORPWebinars #OutdoorRecreation #LearnWithSORP #ProfessionalDevelopment

We need your stories so we can amplify the Impacts of the layoffs and the ones to cone through the outdoor rec industry and beyond!

?? Join Rachel at the 2025 International Trails Summit! ?? Exciting news! Rachel will be hosting a Visitor Use Management (VUM) Workshop at the International Trails Summit in Madison, Wisconsin, April 15-17, 2025. This high-impact event, hosted by American Trails (AT) & the Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA), brings together trail and outdoor professionals to collaborate on enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for all. ?? Date: Friday, April 18, 2025 ?? Cost: $140 ?? Capacity: 50 attendees ?? What You’ll Gain: ? Overview of the Visitor Use Management (VUM) Framework from the Interagency Visitor Use Management Council ? Strategies for applying VUM across federal & non-federal lands—from site-specific to regional scales ? Field session on a nearby trail to practice identifying desired conditions & selecting management strategies Register online! https://lnkd.in/eiNzSjgY #TrailSummit2025 #VisitorUseManagement #SustainableTrails #OutdoorRecreation