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 […]

This webinar, “Federal Transportation Bill: What It Means for You and How You Can Make an Impact,” explained why the upcoming federal surface transportation reauthorization is a critical moment for trails, walking, and biking, and how it will shape transportation funding and policy nationwide for years. Speakers from Rails to Trails Conservancy outlined current political dynamics in […]

This webinar explains how communities can use unobligated federal transportation funds—especially through the August redistribution process—to advance trail projects. Speakers Stephanie Pollack and Derek Shooster highlight how formula funds work, what makes a project eligible for redistribution, and why timing and readiness matter. They emphasize building strong partnerships with MPOs and state DOTs to position […]

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 […]

Join Rails to Trails’ Changemaker for Trails campaign for our February training, “Celebrate Trails Day: How to Engage in a Day of Joy and Action.” During this training, Changemakers learned how to use Celebrate Trails Day, taking place in April 2026, as a tool to advocate for trails and send a message to elected officials at […]

Relationship building is at the heart of every successful engagement strategy and is most successful when you start early and often. This year’s mid-term elections offer an opportunity to get ahead of building relationships with potential new leaders and showcase the power of trails in your community. During this session, attendees heard from Wade Johnston, […]

Many states have made significant investments in trail and active transportation planning to guide and coordinate the development of their trail networks. When actively used, these plans can guide strategic investments, unlock funding opportunities, and foster cross-agency collaboration, turning vision into reality.  In this session, our presenters shared strategies for creating comprehensive plans, building partnerships, […]

Since early 2025, RTC has tracked and reported decisions made by the White House and the US Department of Transportation regarding active transportation and advised trails, walking and biking advocates as they have endured whiplash, grant cancellations, and ongoing uncertainties about frozen federal transportation grants. Congress rescinded $750 million in active transportation Neighborhood Access and Equity grants […]

Join Rails to Trails Conservancy to learn more about, “Innovative State Legislative Approaches: Addressing a Challenging Environment.” During this webinar, RTC policy staff and featured guests discussed best practices for building a state legislative agenda focused on achieving policy wins and funding for active transportation. The session touched on legislative basics and timelines before diving […]

Join Rails to Trails Conservancy to learn more about, “State DOT Engagement: Relationship-Building and Advocacy.” During this webinar, RTC policy staff and featured guests discussed the importance of building relationships with your state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) when advocating transportation policy change at the federal level. This session explored the connection between the work of […]