There are two ways to take the near-constant news about maintenance backlogs on public lands: let yourself get discouraged—or step up and start giving back. Amid national park service layoffs, funding freezes, policy changes, and a general tightening down of the economy, many trail organizations have been left scrambling for funding. That means they need your help now more than ever. Here are three empowering ways to give back, score matching funds, and get involved in protecting your favorite trails.
Donate to Trail Karma to Snag a Funds Match
For about a decade, the program has enabled trail users to donate to local organizations to protect trails near them. And this year, Toyota has partnered with ¹ú²ú³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ to help readers’ dollars go even further. The company is currently donating a total of $20,000 to 20 different small trail advocacy organizations across the U.S., including in the Ozarks, the Cascades, the Southern Appalachians, Pike’s Peak National Forest, and Maine’s North Woods. On top of that, it’s making $80,000 available in matching funds. There’s no cap on the amount each trail organization can earn within that $80,000—which means that if you can round up enough friends to donate $80K fast, your favorite trail could have $160K of improvements coming its way by the end of the year.
Create a Trailwork Event Through The American Hiking Society
Since its founding in 1976, the American Hiking Society has worked hard to build, maintain, and protect some of the nation’s most classic trails. It’s perhaps most famous for its , which galvanize hikers across the country to build and restore classic routes. Join a local event, or create your own for a trail in need. Looking for other empowering ways to chip in? Consider donating. ¹ú²ú³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has even partnered with AHS to sweeten the deal: or more over the course of a year, and you’ll get a free subscription.
Sign Up for an IMBA Volunteer Day
Mountain bike trails take some serious abuse, and they require constant maintenance to keep the ride fun, flowy, and safe. That’s where the IMBA comes in handy. The International Mountain Bicycling Association partners with dozens of smaller trail advocacy organizations across the state. Use the to find your local group, then reach out to sign up for upcoming volunteer days. Swing a shovel, learn about sustainable trail design, and leave knowing you were part of the solution.