Trail Advocates Need You Now More Than Ever. Here’s How to Help.

Trail work is on of the best ways to give back(Photo: Sean Benesh via Unsplash)

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. Amidnational 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, theTrail Karmaprogram has enabled trail users to donate to local organizations to protect trails near them. And this year, Toyota has partnered with Outside to help readers’ dollars go even further. The company is currently donating a total of $20,000 to20 different small trail advocacy organizationsacross 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 itsNational Trails Day events, 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. Outside has even partnered with AHS to sweeten the deal:Donate $100or 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 theIMBA member mapto 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.