The Smith OEDC provides organizational support and expertise to empower local communities to leverage their outdoor recreation resources by partnering with local leaders, non-profits, public groups and other recreation organizations.
Advancing
Community
Trails
Workshop
Fall 2023 Workshop Dates Coming Soon
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About
The Advancing Community Trails (A.C.T.) Workshop is a customized educational, in-depth workshop designed to support the development of the next generation of great trails in West Virginia. The curriculum is developed to provide the knowledge, support, and spark needed to help communities facilitate moving their local projects forward regardless of where they are in the process.
This two-day workshop will be led by WVU staff, trail development experts, and local stakeholders, and will guide participants through all aspects of the lifecycle of a trail project from conceptualization to long term maintenance and operations.
Who should attend?
This event is specifically designed for West Virginia land managers, community officials, recreation professionals, tourism/economic development staff, and local advocates. Attendees are highly encouraged to attend as part of a cohort of other local stakeholders and partners in their community to ensure their ability to return with a collective understanding of how to move their project forward at home.
Workshop
Schedule
| Time | Topic | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30am | Welcome & Introductions | |
| 10:50am | Morning Session - Foundations and History of Trail Development | Topics include: History of trails, impact and value of trails, understanding different trail users and their needs, track and trail types fffNo notes |
| 12:00pm | Lunch | Provided |
| 1:00pm | Afternoon Session - The Trail Development Life Cycle | Topics included: Phases of a trail development project, opportunity identification and analysis, planning and design No notes |
| 3:30pm | Community Breakout Sessions | A facilitated reflection on the day's topics and application to your home trail project scenario and the Project Readiness Worksheet No notes |
| 5:00pm | Happy Hour Networking Social | Unwind from the day and connect with fellow attendees during a happy hour. |
| 6:00pm | Dinner | On your own. |
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| Time | Topic | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00am | Facilitated Coffee & Continental Breakfast | Discuss current project, challenges, needs, with speakers over a full breakfast in the breakout room |
| 9:00am | Morning Session - Trail Project Management and Coordination | Topics include: Construction process, operations & maintenance, risk management, and signage |
| 12:00pm | Lunch | Provided |
| 1:00pm | Afternoon Session - Making the Most of Your Investment | Topics Include: Activation, promotion, programming, volunteer engagement, and hospitality |
| 2:45pm | Reflection and Action Planning | A facilitated reflection on the day's topics covered and application to your home trail project scenario |
| 3:30pm | Adjourn |