Content Type: Tips

Here is a great resource for land managers seeking to complete trail and nature site accessibility improvements. The document provides ADA accessibility tools to determine if the surface is improved to a firm and stable surface. Offering low-cost, sustainable solutions for the improvement of ADA-accessible trails, more people will have access and connectivity will increase in our community. 

This study outlines the long-term benefits of using naturally occurring, binders applied topically to unpaved trails and discusses the expected increases in firmness and stability. 

Full article – http://National Institute for Transportation and Communities – ADA Accessible Trail Improvement

In this holiday season while we all are sitting snug by the fire strategizing for next year’s projects, I wanted to share this resource produced by American Trails. Foundations of Sustainable Trails: A Trail from Start to Finish (Online Training) – American Trails. This five-part online training discusses what it means for a trail to be sustainable. It describes the lifecycle of sustainable trails and includes lessons on hydrology, structures, tools, tread and alignment. ​​ These are all important concepts if you are seeking to make trail improvements for not only sustainability but also accessibility for visitors of varying abilities.

Ocean Positive and Pinelands Alliance have teamed together to provide training for your staff and volunteers on safety protocols, emergency response, and respectful interactions with participants who have physical disabilities.

Almost 500,000 NJ residents have a Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder or Movement Challenge, yet there is currently no systematic training available for outdoor recreational and community locations on how to provide services appropriate to the needs of these residents.

The free “Safe & Positive For All” training sessions taught by the team from Ocean Positive are designed for land management leaders, guides, support staff and coordinators for agencies and other providers of outdoor recreation opportunities that may include those with special physical needs or movement challenges.

Elements of the sessions and larger support services may include:
• Training in building disability planning into your safety and emergency procedures
• Support in assessing a trail or scenic location for inclusive programming
• Training in customizing program details to meet the needs of people with mobility challenges, developmental disabilities, or other disability concerns.
• Support in building connections with other providers and potential participants involved in the inclusive outdoor arena

If you have any questions regarding organizing or logistics for offering a workshop, please reach out to Nature Disability Advocate, Sean Kane Holland at sean@pinelandsalliance.org or call 609-859-8860 ext. 117.

Download Free Training Workshop On Trail Assessments Document Here
Download the Free Training Document Here

Recap the Access Nature Forum with Flat Rock Brook Nature Center. The nature center is a 150-acre preserve in Englewood, NJ (Bergen County) with 3.6 miles of trails open and free to the public from dawn to dusk daily 365 days a year. Flat Rock Brook is committed to ensuring our preserve and our facilities are as accessible to all as possible, and would like you to join us to meet our team and hear about our projects and plans.

The discussion will include how they are making nature accessible, topics will cover:

  • Accessible Trails
  • Nature Playground
  • Restroom Facilities
  • Bridge and Pathways
  • Gazebo and Picnic Areas
  • Parking

Check out this video and hear from advocates on the need for accessible nature sites and the criteria needed for creating and promoting these areas to the public. In this video, volunteers are evaluating the Blue Trail at Evesham Townships Black Run Preserve for accessibility for all persons.

Attention beachgoers! Don’t let ocean and shoreline hazards keep you from enjoying your time at the beach this summer; instead, boost your “Blue IQ” through this episode. Listen to ocean and coastal safety expert Bruckner Chase discuss common beach hazards and best practices to keep you and your loved ones safe in the surf. Hosted by the NOAA.