Maine Youth Trail Stewardship Coalition Claire Polfus, Appalachian Trail Conservancy Alivia Acosta, Unity College Scott Geissler, Unity College
Maine Youth Trail Stewardship Summit March 6-8, 2014 Ask youth and outdoor professionals the question… How can we engage more young people in trail stewardship?
• More skills • More opportunities • More connections
Coalition Structure • Skills Workshop in late winter • Fall and Spring Stewardship days • Leadership team • Networking opportunities • Leadership opportunities
Leadership Team Members
Skills Summits
Spring Stewardship Days Grafton Notch State Park and Public Reserve Land Puzzle Mountain
Fall Stewardship Weekend 2015 - Baxter State Park 2017 – Bacon Hill Mountain Bike Trails
Connections Build Opportunities • Unity College bog bridge workshop by Paul Sannicandro, Trails Supervisor for Baxter State Park • A.T. work trips for college groups • Hires to trail crews from summit • Connections to greater trail community, leadership opportunities
Successes • Agreement on advantages of stewardship for youth engagement • Buy-in from coalition partners • Funding from multiple sources – 3 different foundations • Repeat attendance • FUN!
Challenges • Finding compatibility between groups in scheduling and expectations • Sustainable funding • Remote locations • Transportation and time • Reaching new audiences • Active engagement at events – finding the right mix of hands-on and information
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