TrailNation Collaborative September Newsletter

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RTC’s TrailNation™ Collaborative is a multidisciplinary learning community for anyone interested in working in trail and active transportation. Join the email list.

Last Call: Registration Closes Today!

The countdown is on for the TrailNationä Summit later this month—and registration closes tomorrow, Friday Oct. 10. At the one-of-a-kind gathering, hundreds of civic leaders, trail network champions, and advocates from more than 30 states and Washington, D.C. will come together to gain the new perspectives, new skills and new relationships we need to succeed. We can’t wait to come together in Cleveland, Ohio for this incredible event and hope you’ll join us there!

Eligible planners can receive up to 13 AICP certification maintenance (CM) credits at the Summit!

Registration closes on Friday, Oct. 10. Check out the full schedule and register here.

Federal Policy Update

The team at Rails to Trails Conservancy is staying on top of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) trail, biking and walking project cancellations. RTC placed stories in the Associated Press (which has been seen in hundreds of media outlets), Bloomberg, and Streetsblog that are critical to informing the public of the growing threats to trails and other walking and biking infrastructure.

By speaking up and speaking out we can defend funding for trails, biking and walking. Here are actions you can take now to amplify your concerns and remind your elected leaders that trails and active transportation networks are essential infrastructure.

Call your member of Congress and your governor, even if your project isn’t yet affected. Tell them canceling grants for essential active transportation infrastructure puts lives and economic development at risk while wasting local resources. Urge them to demand that the USDOT restore canceled funding immediately and prevent future project cancellations. Even if your project is unaffected today, it still may be at risk, and it is important to let your elected officials know what is at stake.
Immediately elevate any changes in project status. Continue to let us know if you received a grant cancellation letter—or notice to move forward—by filling out this form.

TrailNation Acclerator

Apply Now to RTC’s New Technical Assistance Program

Made possible with generous support from the REI Cooperative Action Fund, RTC’s TrailNation Accelerator offers targeted support to rural and small-town communities to bring their trail visions to life. This application-only program delivers the tools, strategies and relationships necessary to move trail networks forward, built upon decades of RTC’s expertise and on-the-ground experiences of communities building out their trail networks nationwide. Application deadline for the 2026 cohort is now open and extended through Oct. 10, 2025.

Apply Today

Upcoming TrailNation Collaborative Events

Our learning events, webinars and interactive online dialogues provide opportunities to connect with other trail experts and advocates, all while giving you the tools and resources you need to advance your trail network. Mark your calendars for the events coming up this year!

TrailNation Summit (Cleveland, Ohio)
Monday, Oct. 27—Wednesday, Oct. 29 | Register here
13 AICP CM credits available

State DOT Engagement: Relationship-building and Advocacy (virtual)
Wednesday, Nov. 19 | Register here
1 AICP CM credit available

Find registration links for all sessions at railstotrails.org/webinars.

Funding Opportunities

APPLY NOW: Quadratec Cares ‘Energize The Environment’ Grant Program
Deadline: Thursday, Oct. 30
Quadratec is offering two $3,500 environmental grants per year to an individual or group pursuing a program or initiative designed to support the built environment including: trail building and restoration, and park beautification events.

T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program
Deadline: Wednesday, Dec. 31
For communities with populations of 50,000 or less, the program provides grants of up to $50,000 to help build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities. Nonprofits and municipalities are encouraged to apply.

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants
Deadline: Wednesday, Dec. 31
Walmart’s local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where we operate, build pride among all associates, and deepen relationships. Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5000.

GEICO Philanthropic Foundation: Community Engagement Funding
The GEICO Philanthropic Foundation strives to support organizations that provide programs and resources to help strengthen our diverse communities across the country, including through environmental conservation, health and wellness initiatives and more.

Get more information about funding sources for trails and active transportation on RTC’s Federal Funding Resources page.

Resources

Reimagining the Civic Commons: In Times of Disaster, It’s Our Social Infrastructure That Will Save Us

This article from Reimagining the Civic Commons highlights the important role of infrastructure like parks and trails to create community resilience, bringing people together in times of disaster.

Washington Post: Meet Us On the Rail-Trail

This recent article discusses the important role of trails to bring together communities across the county– and what’s at stake when funding for this vital community infrastructure is threatened.

Fourth Economy: 5 Lessons from Indiana’s Decade of Regional Development

This recent blog from Fourth Economy shares lessons from Indiana’s Regional Cities Initiative, highlighting the importance of infrastructure and quality-of-life investments like trails and active transportation in building thriving regions.

RTC: Webinars From the Archive
Miss a recent webinar or online dialogue? You can find free access to all of our recent RTC virtual events in the webinar archive or Resource Library on our website. This includes the newest addition to our TrailNation Playbook in Action series, Building Investment Strategies That Unlock Funding, which was designed to spark your imagination for vibrant and inclusive trail programming!