Effective Programs to Improve Access and Use of Trails for Youth from Under-Resourced Communities

This webinar will identify trail studies and existing programs that may effectively promote and increase the use of trails among youth, especially those from under-resourced neighborhoods or communities. We’ll identify evidence-based public health recommendations that pertain to trail use, correlations of physical activity and trail use that may inform and support the planning and implementation of programs to promote trail use among youth, benefits associated with trail use, and barriers to trail use.

We’ll hear from health experts about the importance of reaching under-resourced communities, and share results from the scientific and program review. We’ll hear from the US Forest Service about the physical, financial, and social barriers that keep young people of color from hiking in nature, and critical elements of successful interventions. We’ll also have two case studies where communities and health systems worked together to ensure that youth in under-resourced communities have access to trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. American Trails is committed to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: this webinar promotes trail access for all.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will increase their awareness and knowledge about the benefits of physical activity, including those associated with trails use and interaction with and enjoyment of natural environments.
• Provide knowledge and understanding of the lack of trail use amongst youth from under-resourced communities.
• Participants will understand the physical, financial and social barriers that keep young people of color from hiking in nature.
• Participants will understand critical elements of successful interventions.
• Gain an understanding of how a community can implement connectivity to under-resourced communities and youth.
• Learn the importance of partnerships and how prioritizing the development of a trail network has been based upon equitable distribution.

Questions & Answers

Webinar Resources

Publications

Websites

• Active People, Healthy Nation
• National Physical Activity Plan
• Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, 2018
• Step it Up! The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities
• The Community Guide
• An Act of Hate Toward an African American Family in Manhattan Beach Brings History Full Circle – Los Angeles Magazine, June 22, 2017
• The nature of Americans – DJ Case & Associates, 2016
• A multiracial family was barricaded in their campsite by locals accusing them of being Antifa – Business Insider, June 5, 2020
• Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors – Carolyn Finney, UNC Press
• National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR)
• NCCOR workshop/white paper series (view Workshop 2)
• NCCOR Project: “Increasing Opportunities for Trail Use to Promote Physical Activity and Health Among Underserved Youth”
• Childhood Obesity Data
• Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
• Contact your State Trail Administrator
• Private funding resources for trails from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
• Transportation Alternatives (through State Departments of Transportation)
• Contact State Managers
• The Children and Nature Network maintains a Research Library on benefits and barriers to nature access
• San Jose Trail Network Toolkit for Planning & Design
• San Jose Trail Network Trail Count:
  • Annual user data
  • General data
• San Jose Trails on Twitter
• San Jose Trails on Instagram
• San Jose Trails Partners:
  • City of San Jose – Adopt-a-Trail
  • South Bay Creeks Coalition
  • Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful
  • Guadalupe River Park Conservancy

Trail Core Competencies

No skills listed.

Relevant Trail Types

General. All trail types are relevant.