January 10: American Hiking Society & Partnership for the National Trails System

Topic: Thru-Hiking and Trail Nonprofits:  How Trail Improvements Happen and How To Get Involved

Hear from trail advocacy leaders about what your role can be in speaking up for trails with our elected leaders, and learn more about Hike the Hill and virtual briefings. Hike the Hill is a joint effort between American Hiking Society and Partnership for the National Trails System to bring together the trails community to advance shared trail priorities with congressional and federal agency leaders including: trails funding, public lands management and conservation, equitable access, and other top priority issues that sustain trails and improve access to public lands.

Please fill out this survey so our speakers can refine their presentation.

In addition:

• Have a chance to win giveaways from Tater Boost
• Have a conversation with other intentional hikers about the topic *read more about the conversation code below.

All donations will be split evenly between the two nonprofits and your host. *Donations will appear as a second "ticket" in your order **Donations are not tax deductible unless made directly to a registered non-profit organization.

About the Speakers

• Tyler Ray: Tyler joined American Hiking in 2018, after nearly seven years with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) where he led federal advocacy efforts on voting rights, disability rights, and humane border enforcement. He earned his Juris Doctorate and Certificate in Public Policy from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and is licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He obtained a B.A. degree in Social Science from San Diego State University. As a native Californian, Tyler began hiking in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada’s and the Stanislaus National Forest. He’s been fortunate to experience trails across the country, with favorites including the Hanakapiai Trail in Kauai, the Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Trail, and state park and national forest trails throughout his adoptive home in Virginia.
• Courtney Lyons-Garcia: Courtney Lyons-Garcia began her role as Executive Director for the Partnership in September of 2023. She is a nonprofit professional with more than twenty-five years of experience in public lands. Prior to joining PNTS, she served as the Executive Director of Big Bend Conservancy, the nonprofit fundraising partner of Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, in the Development Department at National Parks Conservation Association, and most recently as the Executive Director of Public Lands Foundation, a partner of the Bureau of Land Management in the responsible use of America’s public lands. Throughout her career, Lyons-Garcia has worked extensively on issues related to public land stewardship, trail development, coalition building, federal partnership, advocacy, fundraising and communications. She works to build and protect trails in her own community through the Great Springs Project and Comal Trails Alliance.
• Cristobal Slobodzian: Cristobal Slobodzian began his role as Development Manager for the Partnership in October of 2023. He is a nonprofit professional with more than fifteen years of experience in the public lands, trails, and conservation sector. Prior to joining PNTS, he served as the Executive Director of R3, Ride/Run, Raise, Renovate, and has served in a senior role for such organizations as Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation, Westchester Parks Foundation, Gateway Mountain Center, and for the State of Nevada running their Grant Matching Program (not to mention, a handful of others). He is excited to return to the public land and trail development sector after some brief time focusing on economic development and human and health services. When he’s not busy overseeing the Partnership’s fundraising efforts, you can find him trail running and climbing mountains with his two dogs Riley and Nutmeg and his wife Caroline.

FAQ

Only register if you can attend this event in person

• A recording of each event (excluding the conversation portion) will be uploaded to the Intentional Hiking YouTube channel.
• Each recording will be accompanied by a Conversation Kit which will help you have a discussion on the event's theme with friends and family.

Conversation code

• Please engage in these conversations with curiosity, an open mind, and respect. 
• Lead with kindness and compassion. 
• Listen to understand; not reply. 
• No judgement, no advice (unless specifically asked for)

Non-profit Partners

• Each guest can choose a non-profit partner of choice to feature during the event. 
• Attendees can raise money for the non-profit during the registration process by giving a donation. 
• Donations will be split evenly between the guest, non-profit partner, and host.

Gear Giveaways

• Events will feature gear or product giveaways from new or cottage hiking brands. 
• Need to be present to win.

Event Duration

• Each event will last between 60-90 minutes

Event Link

• The zoom event link will be sent after registration. 
• If you do not receive your link at least one hour before the start, please email renee@longdistancetrailconsulting.com