Webinars & Training

Upcoming Events

Joint Webinar – Paving the Path: The Role of Trail Funding in Parks & Rec

September 9 | 2:00 pm ET

Join the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) to learn the many ways our two organizations can collaborate and advocate for better trails, walking, biking and recreation opportunities. You will leave this webinar with a better understanding of how you can help advocate and champion trails in your community and across the country. 

RTC will kick things off with an update on surface transportation reauthorization, which provides crucial funding for walking, biking and trail infrastructure, before highlighting the work we are doing in states across the country and sharing examples of active transportation federal funding wins. NRPA will then highlight federal funding sources, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), that can be useful for building trail infrastructure.  

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TrADE Talk: Transportation Alternatives Lessons Learned and Future Guidance

September 24 | 2:00 pm ET

Join the TrailNation Collaborative, powered by Rails to Trails Conservancy, as we explore RTC’s recently released Transportation Alternatives Data Exchange (TrADE) report. TrADE is the nation’s go-to transportation funding data source for trails and active transportation, tracking Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) Program spending for tens of thousands of projects. 

The TrADE report helps stakeholders at the federal, state and local levels understand and make effective use of TASA Program funding. It is an important tool for states, regions and active transportation professionals to understand spending patterns and strengthen the program, thus improving the efficiency and impact of investments made.

During this TrADE talk, attendees will learn from TASA Program staff about state innovations and strategic approach for TASA Program funds. RTC will be joined by Michael Cherpak, Principal Engineer at the Connecticut Department of Transportation; Abby Peterson, Senior Transportation Planner at the Idaho Transportation Department and Amanda LaMott, Engineer at the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council in Idaho. We hope you can join us!  

Eligible AICP planners who view this event live can earn 1 CM credit. 

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Recognizing National Preparedness Month – Build Back Better: How to rebuild trail infrastructure for resilience after disaster

September 30, 2026 | 1:00 pm ET

Across the United States, communities are facing increasing risks and effects from extreme weather events, which can cause significant damage to trail infrastructure. However, disaster recovery and reconstruction also present an opportunity to build back better.  This National Preparedness Month, join Rails to Trails Conservancy as we spotlight how communities are designing resilience into their trail rebuilding projects to mitigate the impact of future disasters on trail infrastructure.

Eligible AICP planners who view this event live can earn 1 CM credit. 

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Future Topics

In 2026, RTC’s TrailNation™ Collaborative learning events will bring together trail champions, planners, community leaders and advocates for timely conversations about what it takes to build and sustain trail networks amid shifting social, environmental, funding and economic conditions. . 

• October: Beyond ADA: Accessibility, Dignity and Choice on Multi-Use Trails
• November: Preparing for 2027 State Legislative Sessions
• December: Trails and Housing: Tools for Resilient, Inclusive Communities
• 2027: Trail Networks as Economic Infrastructure: Turning Trails Into Local Economic Opportunities

Introducing – State Legislative Salon

RTC wants to make sure you are equipped with the knowledge and resources to achieve policy wins for walking, biking and trails in your state. During peak legislative season for state legislatures across the country, these casual, 30-minute sessions are an opportunity to compare notes and best practices with like-minded organizations from other states and workshop policy and advocacy ideas for this year’s sessions. Join RTC’s director of state-level policy, Drew Dupuy, for an open forum on all things state policy. No agendas, no presentations, just collaboration!

Next session: Tuesday, September 15, 3:00 pm ET

Benefits for joining email list

• Get alerts about future webinars
• Join our multi-disciplinary learning community that offers proven tools and methods to establish and grow trail networks across the country