Designing Events that Engage Your Community in 2026

Designing events and other types of programming that invite people to visit and spend more time on trails can have a big impact! At Rails to Trails Conservancy, we’re seeing in real time how activities like fun runs, birding walks, guided rides, and volunteer cleanups are transforming trails, building a spirit of welcome and new community participation. That’s because when we get out on the trail, we experience firsthand the joy and impact of this infrastructure—how it shapes our quality of life, powers economic opportunity, and creates a new sense of community pride. When we’re invited to participate on the trail, we learn that it is vital to the wellbeing of the places where we live and play, providing critical transportation access and environmental benefits.

Join Rails to Trails Conservancy to explore the ins and outs of planning events that engage, inspire, and activate your community. Brandi Horton, RTC’s vice president of communications, and Suzanne Matyas, RTC’s social media and engagement strategist, will lead the conversation through the lens of Celebrate Trails Day, RTC’s annual springtime celebration of America’s trails.