American Hiking, with financial support from the U.S. Forest Service, has named announce the recipients of the first National Trails Day Community Grant. The grant is designed to reduce barriers for underrepresented communities to organize meaningful events in celebration of the 30th annual American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day on June 4.
Dozens of individuals and organizations nationwide applied for funding for events organized by underrepresented communities, affinity groups or clubs in the outdoors to support an in-person event for National Trails Day at a National Forest or National Grassland site. Funding will be used towards transportation costs, hands-on materials, stewardship supplies, gear library products, food, event promotion and any other materials needed for a full trail experience.
The grant recipients include:
- Ruth Rosas and Ismael Cuevas – Huron-Manistee National Forest: Black and Brown Chicagoans with limited exposure to biking and camping trips are invited to join a ride and camping trip in Huron-Manistee National Forest. The group will depart from Chicago on June 3 to bike 60 miles to their campsite where they will camp for two nights. During the first night, the group will get to know one another, partake in stewardship conversations, cook, and eat together. On National Trails Day the group will enjoy the trails in Huron-Manistee National Forest. Participants also can enjoy group trail runs and paddle activities.
- We’re Out Here – Cleveland National Forest: All queer Black, Indigenous, and people of color residents (BIPOC) in Orange Country are invited to join a nature walk in Black Star Canyon in Cleveland National Forest. This will be a low-intensity, mostly flat walk with alternating areas of full sun and some areas where trees will provide shade. During the nature walk, participants will meet fellow queer BIPOC nature lovers, observe and connect with native plants and birds, and even learn about how these mountains used to be under the ocean. Event leaders will discuss the presence of the Indigenous peoples on whose land they are guests, and how they can respect and protect the land for generations. This trip is designed for all bodies and abilities ages 18 and over. No hiking experience is required.
- New Mexico Wildlife Federation (Nature Niños New Mexico) – Gila and Cibola National Forest: Two events in different communities will celebrate National Trails Day by connecting local youth to trails and nature in creative ways. The first event is Aldo Leopold Kids’ Fishing Derby at Lake Roberts, which will include hiking, fishing, and archery. The second event (to be held at a later date due to a forest closure) will be a storytelling hike. During the hike, the storytellers will share multiple interactive stories with the participants and then offer a variety of hikes based on the family’s needs and abilities. In partnership with the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy this event will have ASL and Spanish interpretations.
- Khmer Community of Seattle King County – Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest: Members of the Khmer community will come together for a multigenerational community picnic near Annette Lake followed by a student-led interpretive group hike. The event will unite the community elders with the youth in a shared immersive outdoor experience rooted in tradition and connection to the natural world.
“National Trails Day is an opportunity to get outside with the people you love, give back to the trails that bring us together, and make sure no one is left out,” said Kate Van Waes, executive director of American Hiking Society. “These grant opportunities increase accessibility, so more folks feel welcome to participate in National Trails Day and so they feel welcome in the outdoor community as a whole.”
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is made possible by the generous support of Corporate Sponsors – AKGH by Duluth Trading Co., Athletic Brewing Co., REI Co-Op, and Osprey Packs. Federal Partners include the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Federal Highway Administration, and U.S. Forest Service.
