Staying Connected + How You Can Help

April 09, 2020
News
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference

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Staying Connected + How You Can Help
Piermont Pier. Photo by Steve Aaron.

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We know how difficult it is to stay off the trails as spring makes its arrival–we’re admittedly going a little stir-crazy ourselves!  But we’re making every effort to find alternative, innovative ways to help keep you connected with nature during this time of physical distancing.

This challenging moment has quickly reinforced the Trail Conference as an invaluable source of information and education. We’re working hard to remain the go-to info source on trails and parks throughout the region, posting trail closures and updates as they happen. We’re making improvements to our website and developing new ways to educate the public and help plan your family’s summer hiking trips.

We’re offering new digital learning and engagement opportunities to help boost your skills and keep you tuned in with the trail community. From live webinars to on-demand content, we’re hosting everything from online trail maintenance workshops, to an invasive species primer for gardeners, to a lecture on the industrial archeology of the Morris Canal Greenway. We’re adding new dates and topics regularly, so keep checking our Events page for updates. With these efforts to keep our community engaged and digitally train our volunteers, we’ll be able to hit the ground running as soon as on-the-ground work resumes.

We’re also working on hosting a series of video forums to come together, ask questions, and address concerns. We’re in this together, and together we will weather this storm. Our friends and neighbors are seeking ways to play outdoors now more than ever. And when parks are once again fully open and accessible, the need for the Trail Conference will be greater than ever.

So while we may not be on the trails right now, we have not stopped working to protect the land you love. Join us in making a difference now by:

  • Sharing our resources. Engage community leaders (schools, governments, emergency response), and share on social media and in town bulletins.
  • Sign up for a digital learning or engagement opportunity or share our events calendar with your trail friends and family.
  • Use this time to find pictures of your favorite trail experiences and share them with us @nynjtc on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter. While there, thank the volunteers who care for those parks and trails!
  • Join the #TrailLove365 journey. Every Friday we present a new challenge and celebrate the incredible spirit of this trail community. Along the way, we share your stories to help inspire others—because small steps can have a big impact! 
  • Donate. Right now, the Trail Conference needs basic support to retain staff and volunteers and to support our community with these new and ongoing programs. By making a gift to our Recovery and Response Fund, you are showing your leadership in protecting parks and encouraging the responsible use of trails.

Your role as a member of the Trail Conference family has never been more important than it is right now. Thank you for all you do. We hope to “see” you soon!