trail Tenders

Trail Tenders - Active Education for Walkers, Hikers, Runners, and Bikers

The mission of this YJR program is to empower outdoor enthusiasts to become stewards of their trails and parks. By blending education, community engagement, and hands-on stewardship, the program inspires participants to play an active role in sustaining and improving the places they love to explore.

Through active, on-the-ground learning, the YJR program team delivers content and experiences that turn trail users into trail champions. Whether it's biking to a remote location for a module, hiking with tools to restore paths, or hosting a hands-on stewardship clinic, we create environments where engagement is as dynamic as the landscapes themselves. With guidance from skilled instructors and the necessary equipment on-site, participants gain the knowledge and skills they need to make an immediate impact.

Join us to transform every trail session into an opportunity to give back, learn, and grow as part of a community united by love for the outdoors.

Program Mission & Delivery

Mission: To empower trail and park users to actively contribute to the health and sustainability of their local trails and parks through education, stewardship, and community engagement.

Program Delivery: The content and engagement strategy outlined here occurs in both static settings and out on the trail or in the park. When appropriate, modules may be delivered not just on-trail but in an active, hands-on oriented setting. Ex. Walk, hike, run, bike to an appropriate location where the module will be delivered. Tools, gloves and other equipment including instructors will be at the work site.

Educational Modules for Trail/Park Users

Introduction to Stewardship

What is stewardship and why does it matter?
Overview of local organizations and their roles
Introduction to and Principles of Leave No Trace
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others

Urban and Natural Trail/Park Ecosystems

Differences in stewardship for urban vs. natural trails
Native vs. non-native species identification

Trail Basics and Best Practices

Trail etiquette
Minimizing user impact
Tools and techniques for basic trail maintenance

Types of Active Stewardship Projects

Trash pickup and trail cleanliness
Vegetation management (pruning, invasive species removal)
Surface repairs
Water/stormwater management
Restoration (small scale and large scale)

Workshops for Landowners and Managers

Collaborating with Users

Building partnerships with community members and groups.
Educating users about trail impact and stewardship goals.

Trail Maintenance Best Practices

Advanced techniques for erosion control and restoration.
Effective strategies for invasive species management.

Leveraging Volunteer Efforts

Organizing user-led projects to reduce costs.
Ensuring safety and effectiveness during stewardship activities.

Community Events and Engagement

Monthly “Trail Days” for users to learn and practice stewardship.
Guided nature walks that include lessons on local ecosystems.
Family-friendly events to introduce stewardship concepts to kids.
Recognition programs for frequent participants (e.g., Trail Tenders badges).

Key Outcomes

Foster a sense of shared responsibility between users and landowners.
Improve trail health and sustainability through consistent stewardship.
Build a stronger, more informed community of outdoor enthusiasts.

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