PNTS’ 2021 Virtual National Trail Workshop ran from Monday, November 1, 2021 – Thursday, November 4, 2021.
Please find session resources such as presenter PowerPoints, handouts and important links under each session abstract. Use the tabs below to navigate between workshop days. Find a link to the recording under each session title.
2021 Workshop Sessions and Speakers
Day 1 — Monday, November 1st
Keynote Session: Rethink Outside™: Let’s Tell a New Story!
Keynote Speaker: Anupama Joshi (she/her), Executive Director of the Blue Sky Funders Forum Click here for bio
anupama@blueskyfundersforum.org
Session Abstract:
Anupama Joshi (she/her), Executive Director of the Blue Sky Funders Forum will deliver a keynote presentation on the critical role narratives and stories play in enabling partnerships, funding and policy change. She will introduce the Rethink Outside™ shared narrative (co-generated and coordinated by Blue Sky Funders Forum) and share ideas for how you can apply it to your organization’s interpretive and educational efforts. An interactive aspect of the session will provide you an opportunity to explore the Rethink Outside™ messaging framework in small groups to brainstorm ideas for telling your story in different ways that may help open the doors for new allies and funders.
Keynote speaker — Anupama Joshi (she/her), Executive Director of the Blue Sky Funders Forum
Anupama Joshi (she/her) is a social change leader and innovator with more than twenty years of management experience in nonprofits and philanthropy – successfully developing and scaling national & international programs, building coalitions, shaping policy, advancing racial equity, and leading through change. She is currently the executive director of the Blue Sky Funders Forum, where she leads initiatives to engage and convene funders to support the many benefits of a stronger connection to nature, activates funder collaboration to advance shared goals such as Rethink Outside™, and showcases successful programs, strategies, and innovative partnerships to enrich and inform members’ grantmaking. She is co-author of Food Justice (MIT Press, 2010), and serves on the board of directors for the Triangle Land Conservancy and the Farmers Market Coalition. Anupama is a mom, loves to travel, and cook, and currently lives in Cary, North Carolina.
Session Resources:
- Anupama’s PowerPoint Slides
- Rethink Outside™ Messaging Architecture
- Rethink Outside™ Research Findings
- COVID-19 Messaging Brief
- Become a Rethink Outside™ Partner for free and activate the shared narrative
Other important links:
- Meet the 2021 Rethink Outside™ Fellows
- Subscribe to the Rethink Outside™ newsletter
- Share your Rethink Outside™ communications and stories
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Working with Corps to Build Capacity and Mobilize the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders
Session Presenter:
Lauren Edwards-Johnson, Program Coordinator, Corps Network Click here for bio
ledwards-johnson@corpsnetwork.org
Session Moderator:
Christopher Douwes, Community Planner, Transportation Alternatives / Recreational Trails Program, Federal Highway Administration Click here for bio
christopher.douwes@dot.gov
Session Abstract: During this session the Corps Network will present about the versatility of Corps programs, how programs can help increase JEDI, how to work with Corps and overcome barriers. The session will end with an interactive activity that will help attendees understand how partners can work together to reach a funded agreement.
Session Resources:
- Corps Network Trails and Transportation webpage
- US Department of Transportation information on Youth Workforce Development Resources
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Workshop Social
5:00–6:00 PM EDT
Join PNTS and connect with other attendees during a fun and interactive social hour!
Day 2 — Tuesday, November 2nd
Emerging Land Conservation Policy: America the Beautiful, Ten-Year Trail Challenge, and Environmental Justice
Session Presenters:
Matthew J. Strickler, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Click here for bio
Shantha Alonso, Director for Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Fish and Wildlife and Parks Click here for bio
shantha_alonso@ios.doi.gov
Brenda Yankoviak, National Trail Program Manager, U.S. Forest Service Click here for bio
brenda.yankoviak@usda.gov
Gabriel Otero, Colorado Plateau Representative, The Wilderness Society Click here for bio
Gabriel_Otero@tws.org
Session Moderator:
John A. Cannella, National Program Manager, National Wild and Scenic Rivers System & National Trails System, National Park Service Click here for bio
3-Trails Transit Center Dedication in Kansas City, MO 5/31/2018
john_cannella@nps.gov
Session Abstract: During this first workshop session on November 2, Deputy Assistant Secretary Strickler will provide an overview of the America the Beautiful report, including a discussion about the opportunities it presents for trails, where the administration is now and where it is moving forward, as well as how trails can advance conservation and equity in the context of America the Beautiful. Deputy Assistant Secretary Strickler’s remarks will be followed by a discussion of the Ten-Year Trails Challenge by Brenda Yankoviak of the U.S. Forest Service. Gabriel Otero from the Wilderness Society will then discuss how nonprofit initiatives related to environmental justice and equity will be influenced by America the Beautiful. This session will close with a short Q&A with attendees.
Session Resources:
- www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/trails/10YTC
- www.doi.gov/priorities/america-the-beautiful
- Signup for updates from the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, and write to us at: https://www.doi.gov/intergov
- Brenda’s PowerPoint — Ten Year Trail Challenge
- Gabriel’s PowerPoint — Nonprofit Environmental Justice Initiatives
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Land Conservation on Trails: An Introduction To Proven Tools And Strategies (Beginner/Intermediate Track)
Session Presenters:
Jesse Prentice-Dunn, Policy Director, Center for Western Priorities Click here for bio
jesse@westernpriorities.org
Amy Lindholm, LWCF Coalition Manager, Appalachian Mountain Club Click here for bio
alindholm@outdoors.org
Megan Wargo, Director of Land Protection, Pacific Crest Trail Association Click here for bio
mwargo@pcta.org
Simon Rucker, Executive Director, Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust Click here for bio
srucker@matlt.org
Joe Sobinovsky, Realty Specialist, National Park Service Click here for bio
Joe_Sobinovsky@nps.gov
Alex Faught, Realty Specialist, National Park Service Click here for bio
alex_faught@nps.gov
Session Abstract: This session will present examples and discuss how agencies and their nonprofit partners can expand trail land conservation. Participants will hear about a variety of strategies and real examples for land conservation including planning, mapping, tapping different funding sources and creative partnerships and easements. Presentations will be followed by a group discussion with Federal Land Preservation Office staff and other experts who will speak with session participants about how to start or advance land conservation on trails.
Session Resources:
- LWCF map: Past projects – The Land and Water Conservation Fund
- LWCF-funded projects and grants that protect trails
- LWCF Big Map
- Archive of LWCF Coalition Webinar Recordings
- Jesse’s PowerPoint — Communication Tools and Maps
- Simon’s PowerPoint — Land Conservation
- Megan’s PowerPoint — Partnerships
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Moving the Needle: Presentations and Discussion about LWCF, Conservation Tools, and Creative Partnerships (Advanced Track)
Session Presenters:
Nadine Leisz; Chief National Program CenterPark Planning, Facilities, and Lands Directorate; National Park Service Click here for bio
nadine_leisz@nps.gov
Karen Montgomery, LWCF Program Lead, Bureau of Land Management Click here for bio
k15montg@blm.gov
Barbara A. Johnson, National Land Adjustment Program Manager, United States Forest Service Click here for bio
barbara.a.johnson@usda.gov
Lori Faeth, Senior Government Relations Director, Land Trust Alliance Click here for bio
lfaeth@lta.org
J.T. Horn, Director National Trails Initiative, Trust for Public Land Click here for bio
jt.horn@tpl.org
RG Absher, Vice President of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association and Executive Director of the Yadkin River Greenway Click here for bio
absher-r@juno.com
Scott Stewart, Forest Legacy / Community Forest Program Leader, United States Forest Service Click here for bio
scott.stewart@usda.gov
www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/private-land
Carrie Lindig, NRCS Easement Program Division Director, USDA Click here for bio
carrie.lindig@usda.gov
Session Moderator:
Jennifer Tripp, Director of Trail Operations, Pacific Crest Trail Association Click here for bio
jtripp@pcta.org
Session Abstract: This session will include a deep dive discussion about how agencies and their nonprofit partners can expand trail land conservation within the framework of America the Beautiful and other priority initiatives. Participants will learn about different conservation tools and receive updates on federal agency LWCF processes. Through the discussion, speakers and participants will seek to identify action items and opportunities to capture the momentum for land to benefit National Trails.
Session Resources:
- FY2023 Land and Water Conservation Fund Criteria and Guidance for the Evaluation and Scoring of Proposals for Land
- White Paper—20211027_NTS_Partners_The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act_Process_Final
- J.T.’s PowerPoint — Opportunities & Trends, Land Trust Partnerships, Local Conservation Funding
- Barbara’s PowerPoint — USFS Lands Program
- Nadine’s PowerPoint — National Park Service Land Resources Program
- Scott’s PowerPoint — USFS Forest Legacy Program
- Community Forest Program
- Forest Legacy Program Interactive Map
- Karen’s PowerPoint — BLM LWCF Program
- Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act
- Lori and Carrie’s PowerPoint — Natural Resources Conservation Service
- RG’s PowerPoint — Creative Partnerships
Day 3 — Wednesday, November 3rd
Opening ʻOli Chant by Kaliko Kalāhiki Click here for bio
connor_kalahiki@brown.edu
Opening the Door for Crucial Conversations
Session Presenters:
Christine (McRae) Luckasavitch, Executive Director, Native Land Digital Click here for bio
christine@native-land.ca
Carin Farley, National Scenic and Historic Trails (Lead), Bureau of Land Management Click here for bio
cfarley@blm.gov
Session Abstract:
Christine McRae, Executive Director of Native Land Digital, will give a presentation about the background of Native Lands and how Native-Land.ca came about, and how to make a meaningful land acknowledgement. Christine will also discuss the importance of crucial conversations and partnerships and the importance of creating space for indigenous voices.
This session will open with a brief discussion by Carin Farley, the National Scenic and Historic Trails (Lead) at the Bureau of Land Management, about how the recent partnership between Native Land Digital, BLM, USFS, PNTS, and Ancestral Lands was formed and how the new administration’s priorities have opened the doors for these new and diverse partnerships.
Session Resources:
- Carin’s PowerPoint—Challenges & Administrative Priorities/Opportunities & Partnerships
- Christine’s PowerPoint—Native-Land.ca and the Importance of Community-Based Practice
- Why and How to Acknowledge Territory
- API: https://native-land.ca/resources/api-docs/
- How to use Native Land’s API: https://native-land.ca/our-wonderful-wily-api/
Native-Land.ca
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The Native Act and Sustainable Tourism
Session Presenter:
Sherry L. Rupert, Chief Executive Officer, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) Click here for bio
SRupert@aianta.org
Session Moderator:
Naomi L. Torres, Superintendent of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, National Park Service Click here for bio
naomi_torres@nps.gov
Session Abstract: During the second session of the day, Sherry Rupert of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) will discuss the Native Act and what it means for trails as well as the importance of sustainable tourism that honors tradition.
Session Resources:
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Indigenous Voices: Collaboration and Engagement
Session Presenters:
Stacia L. Morfin, Chief Executive Officer, Nez Perce Tourism, LLC Click here for bio
nezpercetourism@gmail.com
Kaleo Paik, Officer, Ala Kahakai Trail Association Click here for bio
kaleopaik@yahoo.com
Dr. Lydia Jennings, Post Doctoral Fellow in Community, Environment and Policy, University of Arizona Click here for bio
lljennings@email.arizona.edu
Shandiin Nez, Associate Director, Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps Click here for bio
snez@conservationlegacy.org
Session Moderator:
Jay Levy, Indigenous Research & Partnerships Coordinator, Appalachian Trail Conservancy Click here for bio
jlevy@appalachiantrail.org
Session Abstract: The last session of the day will contain a panel of indigenous speakers who will discuss their collaborative experiences with trails and other public lands and discuss how to manage differences in conversations and create meaningful partnerships. Themes for this panel discussion will include land care ethics, safety and accessibility, and collaborations with trail systems and public lands.
Session Resources:
Stacia’s PowerPoint—Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) Homeland and Trails
Day 4 — Thursday, November 4th
Ethical Storytelling
Session Facilitator:
Caliopy Glaros, Founder and Principal Consultant at Philanthropy Without Borders Click here for bio
Session Abstract: Nonprofits, volunteer organizations, and federal agencies all use storytelling to promote the trails, yet many organizations struggle to tell stories in a way that cultivates more belonging, represents all stakeholders, and highlights shared narratives. How can we use our storytelling platforms as vehicles for social change? How do we share power in storytelling and remain accountable to local communities? This session invites attendees to move beyond shifts in lexicon and imagery, in favor of embracing methods that challenge assumptions and inspire empathy.
Participants with leave this session with an applicable strategy and concrete process they can take back to their organizations and begin utilizing immediately. At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Define what ethical storytelling means for their own organizations
- Identify practices, principles, and guidelines that could be applied in their organizations
- Begin making changes, large and small, to better employ ethical storytelling principles in their organizations
Session Resources:
- Caliopy’s PowerPoint—Ethical Storytelling: From Exploitation to Empathy
- Session poll results: How do you tell stories?
- Session word cloud: What is ethical?
- Jamboard Created by Attendees
- How can you incorporate ethical storytelling principles into mass communications, interpersonal conversations, & in-person experiences?
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Virtual National Trails Workshop Finale
4:00 PM EDT
Thank you to our sponsors, partners and hosts
The following organizations, businesses and agencies have made the 2021 Virtual National Trails Workshop possible:
Platinum Sponsor
National Park Foundation
Bronze Sponsors
Atlas Guides
Thrupack™
Mountainsmith
Other Sponsors
North x North
Bedrock Sandals
Toaks Outdoor
2021 Virtual National Trails Workshop Host Committee
Host Committee Members
Federal Agency Partners
