Skill Definition

Effectively communicate trail and partnership information to trail administrators, trail managers, contractors and consultants, volunteers, and the public

Entry Level Performance

  • Communicate the goals of a trail project or program including need and benefits (physical/mental health, economic development, community quality of life, and managed use)
  • Demonstrate ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with staff, volunteers, and the public at large

Full Performance Level

  • Demonstrate ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with staff, volunteers, community leaders, contractors and consultants, partners, and the public at large
  • Implement elements of the communications plan
  • Communicate on multiple levels about a trail project/program from the broad vision to the technical details

Expert Level Performance

  • Create and implement a comprehensive communication plan that clearly conveys the vision and goals of a trail project or program
  • Engage a broad set of stakeholders and partners through multiple communications strategies (social, email, in person, website, signage) to further community understanding and support
  • Integrate strategies that embody DEI principles (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) throughout a communications plan

Learn More

Documents and Media for Communications

SCA Leader Teams Handbook
SCA Leader Teams Handbook

This handbook defines the role of the SCA and the Programs’ policies and guidelines. It is to be referred to and followed. There are three sections- general information, a section specifically for the Leader Team Crew Leader, and a section…

Storytelling - Marketing & Communications
Storytelling - Marketing & Communications

Storytelling is a powerful tool for talking about your programs and projects in ways that motivate and inspire your audiences – while also communicating valuable information about where your work takes place, what the volunteer experience is like,…

Strategic Communications Planning
Strategic Communications Planning

This guide offers a variety of materials, tips and techniques for helping you develop or expand your organization’s strategic communications planning efforts.


Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Communications

Frame the Trail: Camera Skills with Purpose
Frame the Trail: Camera Skills with Purpose

This discussion explores the fundamentals of camera use— from framing and lighting to movement and sound— specifically tailored for those shaping trails and outdoor spaces.


Further Education

Training Programs for Communications

Jacksonville State University - Trail Science Institute (TSI)
Jacksonville State University - Trail Science Institute (TSI)

The TSI focuses on the promotion of recreational trails, primarily in the State of Alabama, by providing educational experiences and providing services such as assessment, monitoring, management, planning, and construction. The TSI defines trails as…

The Harbinger Consultancy Timeline Institute Online Courses
The Harbinger Consultancy Timeline Institute Online Courses

The Harbinger Consultancy's Timeline Institute Online Courses combine instruction, coaching, group learning and step-by-step templates based on 30+ years of working with communities, regions and supporting organizations. They offer you guided access…

Sustainable Trails Development
Sustainable Trails Development

The Sustainable Trails curriculum welcomes students from various fields who are interested in trails development, programming and management, as well as design.

Advancing Trails Webinar Series
Advancing Trails Webinar Series

American Trails brings agencies, trail builders, planners, architects, advocates, and volunteers the latest in state-of-the-art information on all aspects of trails and greenways. Our webinars focus on a variety of trail topics, usually applicable…

Training Calendar

Upcoming Trainings for Communications

Custom Trainings

There are 85 trainers on TrailSkills
with Communications experience

Hire Workers

There are 360 workers on TrailSkills
with Communications experience

Suggest a Resource

Contact Us

Know of a good resource for this skill? Let us know! From webinars, to workshops, to PDFs, we'd like to add them to our resource library.

Let us know
Trail Skills Collaborators
Federal Highway Administration USDA Forest Service National Park Service Bureau of Land Management
American Trails Professional TrailBuilders Association Partnership for the National Trails System Northern Vermont University Northwest Arkansas Community College Eppley Institute Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals Washington Trails Association