Focus Term: Local Organizing

Blog
Illinois’ Bloomingdale Trail: October 2026 Trail of the Month
October 07, 2026

Explore the history of the Bloomingdale Trail, a unique project started by local residents seeking a peaceful escape from city life.

Bloomingdale Trail through Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood | Photo by Luke Scaletta, Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce
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Guidelines for Trail Planning, Design and Management
September 10, 2026
Trail users are becoming more discerning and have high expectations about their trail experience, which means that quality infrastructure and services and marketing and promotion activities are becoming increasingly important and the user experience is central to each element of trail design and management. These guidelines have been prepared to provide a comprehensive and coordinated […]
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Advocacy Toolkit
September 09, 2026
RTC’s advocacy toolkit offers you key resources to meet with your elected officials and invite them out on the trail. For additional advocacy resources, check out www.railstotrails.org/policy/changemakers and for additional advocacy actions you can take today, head to www.railstotrails.org/takeaction!
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Virginia’s Mount Vernon Trail: September 2026 Trail of the Month
September 04, 2026

Explore the Hall of Fame Mount Vernon Trail, an 18.5-mile journey through nature and history, connecting communities across Virginia.

Walkers on Virginia's Mount Vernon Trail in Rosslyn | Photo courtesy Rosslyn BID
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Virginia’s Mount Vernon Trail Receives Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Top Honor, Named 2026 Hall of Fame Trail
August 20, 2026

Virginia’s Mount Vernon Trail named 2026 Hall of Fame Trail celebrates community impact and historical significance in America.

Hall of Fame induction ceremony for the Mount Vernon Trail | Photo by Albert Ting
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New England Rail-Trail Leader Alex Bernhard Passes Away at 89
July 27, 2026

Remembering Alex Bernhard, a champion for trails in New England who passed away at age 89, leaving a lasting legacy.

Alex Bernhard manning a Friends of the Northern Rail Trail info table in 2011 | Photo courtesy Lindy Heim, Friends of the Northern Rail Trail
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Florida’s Emerald Trail: June 2026 Trail of the Month
June 09, 2026

Explore Florida’s Emerald Trail, a project connecting Jacksonville’s neighborhoods and enhancing community life across the city.

LaVilla Link ribbon-cutting event in 2024 | Photo courtesy Groundwork Jacksonville
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Building Relationships With Elected Officials to Support Trail Advocacy
June 05, 2026

Explore how elected officials are vital in building relationships with communities to support local trails and active transportation.

Dequindre Cut segment of Michigan's Joe Louis Greenway | Photo by Joe Gall, courtesy Detroit Riverfront Conservancy (DRFC)
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Webinar – Trails as Social Infrastructure: Practical Strategies to Build Connection in a Disconnected World 
April 23, 2026
This webinar explored the growing social connection crisis in North America and positioned trails as critical social infrastructure, not just transportation or recreation assets. Speakers from Rails to Trails Conservancy, the U.S. Chamber of Connection, and Toronto’s Bentway shared research, real-world examples, and strategies showing how thoughtfully designed and programmed trails can rebuild trust, belonging, and well-being. The conversation […]
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Webinar—Celebrating Trails for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Programming, Accessibility and Sensory Guidance from Special Olympics Athletes and Programs
March 05, 2026
The team at Rails to Trails Conservancy is thrilled to partner with Special Olympics for a Celebrate Trails Day session focused on strategies for creating outdoor spaces that foster inclusive opportunities for physical activity, recreation, and everyday life. This webinar explored strategies to engage people with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) in trail programming, strategies […]