Community Engagement
Volunteer networks
Keeping costs down for the project will be much easier with a dedicated volunteer network. People who feel personally invested in the trail are also much more likely to use it and invite others to join them.
An active “friends of the X trail” group can organize activities or events such as clean up days, fun runs, wildlife viewing events, etc. These types of events encourage broad ongoing community involvement and engagement.
The ultimate goal of any volunteer event should be to help more people connect with the trail, so whatever you do, just make it a fun and rewarding experience. And remember: always thank your helpers.
Checklist
- Establish friends group
- Identify and recruit volunteers
- Create signature activities and events
- Thank volunteers
- Continually invite others to join
