Nature: Accessible for All

Blue Journey Unified - First pool session of 2026
2026-01-15 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, United States
Join Blue JourneyUnified for their first session of 2026 on January 15. This event is in collaboration with Thomas Jefferson University. These are open to everyone, but space is limited.
The focus in January is teaching TJU students about inclusive, outdoor aquatic recreation and sports. As the semester progresses Blue Journey will focus on helping those in the Philly area develop a new level of water confidence, skill and fitness so that we can hit the open waters throughout the area in the summer.

Designing Events that Engage Your Community in 2026
2026-01-15 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join American Trails in this webinar that explores the ins and outs of planning events that engage, inspire, and activate your community.
Presented by:
Suzanne Matyas, Social Media and Engagement Strategist, Rails to Trails Conservancy
Brandi Horton, Vice President of Communications, Rails to Trails Conservancy

Accessing Assistive Technology Through Schools, VR, Medicaid & Medicare
2026-01-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join Disability Rights NJ staff as they share important resources available to access essential assistive technology. Assistive technology (AT) plays a pivotal role for many children and adults with disabilities. This webinar provides resources to secure the necessary AT devices and services through school districts, VR, Medicaid and Medicare to support education, employment and foster community living.

IHC - Models of Disability Webinar
2026-01-13 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Understanding models of disability gives us a shared lens for how we interpret need, responsibility, and possibility in disability, aging, health, and social services work. The model we default to, often without realizing it, shapes whether we focus primarily on “fixing” individuals to fit into established structures or on redesigning environments, systems, and policies that create barriers for anyone who does things a little bit differently than the “typical” user. When community leaders understand multiple models, they are better equipped to question assumptions, broaden solutions, and recognize how well-intentioned programs can still exclude people if they are built on narrow, traditional (and often medicalized) definitions of disability. This awareness supports more inclusive planning, more effective use of resources, and stronger outcomes by shifting attention toward how our systems can be improved to promote the participation, contribution, and full inclusion of everyone, especially people with disabilities.
Join Rebecca Martin, Rutgers Bloustein School in this webinar offered by The Inclusive Healthy Communities program.

2026 - BLUE JOURNEY UNIFIED THURSDAY POOL SESSIONS !
2026-01-08 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Ocean City Aquatics and Fitness Center, 1735 Simpson Ave, Ocean City, NJ, 08226, United States
DIVE INTO THE WARMEST COMMUNITY WE KNOW TO START 2026 – BLUE JOURNEY UNIFIED THURSDAY POOL SESSIONS !
Join Blue Journey Unified the Ocean City Aquatics Center’s warm, saltwater pool and and be active in building community, fitness, water-confidence and friendships.
Session Summary
Coached & Supported Sessions
Water Confidence
Prone Paddling
Swimming
Water Fitness and Strength for those with spinal cord injuries or physical movement challenges
Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 8:00 PM at the Ocean City Aquatics and Fitness Center from JANUARY 8 – FEBRUARY 26. {NOTE: NO SESSION JANUARY 15}
Advanced registration required.
PLEASE – Adult Athletes wishing to take part for the first time should contact Bruckner via voice, text or e-mail for more information before signing up.
ALWAYS FREE for Adult Participants with SCI/D or Movement Challenges

Aggregate Trail Surfacing: From Fundamentals to Field Application
2026-01-08 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
This webinar goes beyond materials and layering to explore how design, construction, and real-time field decisions shape long-term durability.
Presented by:
Jedediah (Jed) Talbot, Owner, OBP Trailworks, LLC
Erin Amadon, Owner, Town 4 Trail Services LLC
This live webinar is free.
Would you consider a donation to support this webinar?
Webinar Outline
This aggregates 2.0 webinar is a follow up to the Fundamentals of Aggregate Surface Trails webinar held on December 5, 2024.
Level up from basic installation to high-performance results. This session goes beyond materials and layering to explore how design, construction, and real-time field decisions shape long-term durability. Participants will learn how to optimize gradation and matrix selection for varying site conditions, stabilize subgrades with geotextiles, and achieve proper compaction through the right balance of moisture, lift thickness, and equipment. The session also covers planning a drainage-first construction sequence to minimize failures, troubleshooting common issues like rutting and washouts, and adapting methods for accessibility, remote locations, and changing seasonal conditions. Designed for practitioners who already understand the basics and are ready to deliver durable, consistent, and professional-quality aggregate trail surfaces.
Learning Objectives:
– Specify gradation, fabric, lift thickness, equipment, and moisture targets to meet performance requirements.
– Build a drainage-first construction sequence that protects lifts, preserves sheet flow, and minimizes failures.
– Diagnose common failure modes and high-durability remediation strategies.
– Establish a practical QA/QC checklist, including on-site gradation/compaction cues, post-storm inspections, and resurfacing triggers.

Blue Journey Unified Pool Swims - December 2025
2025-12-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Ocean City Aquatics and Fitness Center, 1735 Simpson Ave, Ocean City, NJ, 08226, United States
Join Blue Journey Unified at the OC Aquatics Center’s warm, saltwater pool for there last winter pool session. Their goals are building community, fitness, water-confidence and friendships throughout the Fall, and this may become your most inspiring and motivating training session of any week.

Session Summary
Coached & Supported Sessions
Water Confidence
Prone Paddling
Swimming
Water Fitness and Strength for those with spinal cord injuries or physical movement challenges
Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 8:00 PM at the Ocean City Aquatics and Fitness Center from December 4 – 18.

Ready, Set, Access: Planning to Bridge the Digital Divide
2025-12-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center as they explore practices that support assessment, organization, remediation, and the creation of user-friendly digital content that facilitates community engagement. Many state and local government agencies are gearing up for the upcoming effective dates of the new ADA Title II rule on website and mobile app accessibility.
This webinar will NOT focus on the technical specifications for making digital content accessible, but rather on strategies agencies can use to approach this process to maximize effectiveness and efficiency.

Great Lakes ADA Center Art, Culture, and Recreation Accessibility
2025-12-11 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Join the Great Lakes ADA Center for this webinar on accessibility.
Arts, culture, and civic spaces are vibrant community anchors, but accessibility needs in these venues are often complex and unique. Many organizations want to understand their ADA obligations but lack tools tailored for theaters, museums, historic sites, and public spaces. This session introduces the Arts & Culture Accessibility Hub’s free tools to understand ADA requirements, plus a clear cycle—assess, plan, connect, learn, implement—to turn intention into action. Participants will leave with practical steps to meet compliance and strengthen accessibility beyond the ADA.
Individuals will be able to submit questions for the speaker in advance during the registration process.
Human Generated Real-Time Captioning will be provided for this session.

Wapalanne Women's Wellness Weekend
2025-12-05 - 2025-12-07 | New Jersey School of Conservation, 1 Wapalanne Rd, Sandyston,, NJ, 07826, United States
Join the New Jersey School of Conservation for Wapalanne Women’s Wellness Weekend!
Take time to step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in a weekend of rest, renewal, and connection with nature and with yourself.
From December 5th-7th, the Wapalanne Women’s Wellness Weekend will bring together women of all ages for a nurturing retreat focused on mind, body, and spirit wellbeing.
What to Expect:
• Guided yoga, meditation, and breathwork sessions to help you slow down and center.
• Nature walks, forest bathing, and outdoor reflection in our beautiful forest setting.
• Workshops on holistic health, art, mindfulness, and self-care led by experienced facilitators.
• Community meals, journaling, and meaningful conversation to foster connection and renewal.
Whether you’re seeking calm, clarity, or simply a weekend to focus on you, this experience is designed to restore your balance and remind you of the beauty within and around you.

Access Nature Forum - Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization
2025-12-03 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Join us on December 3rd at 1:00 PM Via Zoom.
Join us for a discussion with MEVO (Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization) Inc., which was a recipient of PPA’s stipend project. MEVO was able to welcome in an existing partner, the Bergen County Department of Adult Special Services (BCASS), to their farm to volunteer at a high frequency. BCASS had been volunteering with MEVO previously, but due to limited staff on MEVO’s end, they were not able to welcome them as frequently as they liked. The stipend from the Pinelands Preservation Alliance afforded them the ability to welcome BCASS anywhere from 2-4 times a month from April to September.
BCASS brought groups of anywhere from 5-15 adults on a given visit, where they stayed for an hour each time. MEVO emphasized sensory experiences that would allow the clients to connect with the farm and the outdoors while they came to visit. Every visit started with a sensory farm tour where the groups could touch, taste, see, and smell what was going on at the farm. Since they camefrequently, they got to witness the farm changing from spring to summer, to fall, through their senses. While at the farm, clients helped with tasks such as weeding, lining the perennial and herb beds with a rock border, laying down mulch, and more. MEVO focused on tasks that fit the range of abilities for the group on the given day. If clients were more excited to tour and experience the farm that day, they would spend all the time of their visit happily on that.
About MEVO: The Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in Mahwah, New Jersey, whose mission is to be the model for the creation of scalable ecological solutions that inspires and empowers people to take action for a better future. MEVO engages its community in boots on the ground and hands-in-the-dirt volunteer projects that range from working on our two market garden farms, assisting in large-scale trash cleanups on Stag Hill in Mahwah, and trail building in partnership with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. MEVO’s other programs include their Farm to School Program, spring, summer, and fall internship opportunities, and their Community Supported Agriculture Program. To learn more about MEVO and their volunteer opportunities, you can visit mevo.org

The Power of Visibility and Community Advocacy
2025-12-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Join us and discover practical strategies to amplify your impact.
Don’t miss the final session in our Human Experience of Black People with Disabilities and Their Rights Under the ADA series featuring Elizabeth Booker Houston, a lawyer, social scientist, professor, standup comedienne, and political commentator.
This webinar will explore how embracing visibility can combat the intersectional discrimination faced by Black disabled individuals. We’ll discuss how sharing your authentic experiences can spark important conversations, foster understanding, and drive social change within your communities.
To learn more about the Human Experience of Black People with Disabilities webinar series, visit the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center’s Research webpage.

Understanding Trail Aggregates: Foundation for Performance
2025-11-20 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join American Trails as they host this discussion on using stone aggregates for trail surfaces. Lay the groundwork by explaining the basics of aggregates, the range of material options available, and why material selection matters. Trail uses include both pedestrian and vehicular pathways in rural and urban settings.
Presented by:
Tiffany Koss, President, Kafka Granite, LLC

Outdoor Tech for Good
2025-11-13 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Learn how AllTrails is providing free data insight tools for public land managers and park partners to inclusive outdoor nonprofits.
Presented by:
Cece Kirkwood, Impact Program Manager, Partnerships & Giving, AllTrails
John Ribes, Impact Program Manager, AllTrails
Pitt Grewe, Head of Public Land Partnerships, AllTrails

2025 Harvest of Hope Food & Wine Tasting
2025-11-11 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | McLooe’s Pier House, 1 Ocean Ave, Long Branch, NJ, 07740, United States
Join Monmouth and Ocean County Center for Independent Living at the 2025 Harvest of Hope Food & Wine Tasting,
This signature event will feature complimentary tastings from incredible local restaurants, fine wines, craft beverages, desserts, a live auction with international auctioneer CK Swett, and a special performance by YouTube sensation NGXB, all in support of Moceans’ mission to empower individuals with disabilities!
Your presence and support would help shine a spotlight on this important cause and bring even more visibility to the restaurants, artisans, and community leaders who make the evening so special.

Click here to reserve your tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/harvest-of-hope–2025

Neuroscience and Yoga Community Showcase
2025-11-11 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
GOT ABI speak about Abilities Walks: in-person, nature-based walks integrate gentle yoga practices to enhance neuroplasticity, autonomic nervous system regulation and cognitive restoration.

Abilities Walk: Special EVENT -- Abilities Walk at Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge***
2025-11-09 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, 6 Sawmill Road, Medford, NJ, 08055, United States
Join Get Out There with Aquired Brain Injuries for a FREE Entry at Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
sponsored by GOT ABI ($10 normal adult entrance fee.)
SPONSORED LIMIT: Only 15 spots available—all fees covered by GOT ABI!
Action Required: You must register by Thursday, November 6th.
Sign-ups exceeding 15 will be added to a waitlist.

Blue Journey Unified at Temple University
2025-11-08 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Temple University, 1800 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Join Blue Journey Unified for an inclusive indoor pool event at Temple University. The initiative’s goals are to enhance health quality, recreation opportunities and social engagement among individuals with physical or movement challenges by making outdoor aquatic recreation experiences welcoming, positive and safe for everyone.
Those interested in attending the event are asked to contact Blue Journey Unified via email at bruckner@bcoceanpositive.org

Mithcell-Vassar Vision Awareness Day
2025-11-06 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Shadowbook at Shrewsbury, 1 Obre Place, Shrewsbury, NJ, 07702, United States
Join Hackensack Meridian Health and the Mitchell-Vassar Bright Future Legacy Foundation for a day of community outreach, resources and impactful discussion.
Learn more about the event and registration is required, visit – http://events.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/vad2025 or call 800-560-9990.

The Outdoor Professional Conference
2025-11-04 - 2025-11-07 | San Diego Convention Center, 111 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
The Outdoor Professional Conference (OPC) is your place to connect, grow, and lead in the outdoor recreation and education space. From robust education sessions and social events to hands-on career development, OPC is the gathering for those who work in and care about outdoor programming.
This year they are offering several workshops related to inclusivity and accessibility including:

Wilderness Safety Training
Outdoor accessibility
Closing Plenary “Maximizing Potential A Journey to Empowerment” Friday, November 7

Somerset County Park Commission Open House Focus Group Sessions for All Terrain Wheelchair
2025-10-30 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-10-28 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Somerset County Parks, 355 Milltown Rd, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807, United States
Are you interested in attending one of Somerset County’s Park Commission Open House Focus Group Sessions to help guide the county on what adaptive equipment would work best for visitors to the county parks?

A Guide to Adaptive Mountain Bike Trailbuilding
2025-10-30 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join American Trail for this webinar that will walk through the latest guidance for planning, designing, building, and retrofitting adaptive mountain bike trails, with a specific focus on nonmotorized, natural-surface trails. The speakers represent the critical stakeholders that should be involved in any aMTB trail project— trail manager, aMTB users, aMTB programs, and trail builder.

NJ Inclusivity Summit, hosted by Iinclusive Healthy Communities Program
2025-10-29 09:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
This convening is built to empower professionals, advocates, people with lived experience, students, and policymakers to deepen their work in disability inclusion across New Jersey. By coming together, we can push for systemic inclusion, share practices, and forge partnerships that amplify impact.
Here’s what to expect:
• Keynotes & Workshops
Leading voices such as Valerie Fletcher (Institute for Human Centered Design) and NJ resident Nimit Kaur, LSW, will offer insight, inspiration, and strategies.
• Themes that matter
Planned sessions will explore targeted universalism, coalition building, enhancing access to nature, the role of the arts in inclusion, and more.
• Meaningful networking opportunities
You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with peers, strengthen coalitions, and expand your toolbox of inclusive practices.
• Food and refreshments included
Morning refreshments provided (9-9:30 am) and lunch.
Register now! (Spots are limited, so we encourage you to secure your seat early.)
Please be sure to indicate any access needs or dietary restrictions on your registration (and feel free to reach out directly if needed!)
Looking forward to seeing you there and building inclusion together!
(Agenda updates will be available in the coming weeks here: https://inclusivehealthycommunities.org/upcoming_events/the-inclusivity-summit/

Blue Journey Unified at Jefferson University Pool
2025-10-28 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, United States
Join Blue Journey Unified for an inclusive indoor pool event at Jefferson University. The initiative’s goals are to enhance health quality, recreation opportunities and social engagement among individuals with physical or movement challenges by making outdoor aquatic recreation experiences welcoming, positive and safe for everyone.

Those interested in attending the event are asked to contact Blue Journey Unified via email at bruckner@bcoceanpositive.org

TrailNation Summit
2025-10-27 16:00 - 2025-10-29 17:00 (America/New_York)
Join the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s TrailNation™ Summit is where the vision of trail networks at the center of healthy, thriving communities becomes reality. October 27 – 29 in Cleveland, participants will be immersed in a learning experience designed to gain the skills and build the necessary connections with professionals and advocates from different fields, geographies, and areas of expertise to accelerate the development of country’s 150+ trail networks.
The Only Conference Dedicated to Connecting the Nation’s Trail Networks

Painting Among the Pines: Lake Wapalanne in the Fall
2025-10-26 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | New Jersey School of Conservation, 1 Wapalanne Rd, Sandyston,, NJ, 07826, United States
Get ready to unleash your inner artist among the vibrant fall foliage at Lake Wapalanne – no experience needed, just creativity and love!

The inspiration comes from a serene view of Lake Wapalanne captured in the golden hours of an autumn afternoon. Notice how the sun sets low, casting a warm amber glow across the bare branches. The trees have mostly shed their leaves, revealing intricate patterns of trunks and branches silhouetted in orange light. A few evergreen pines hold onto their deep green hues, adding contrast to the fall color palette.
In the foreground, the rippling lake reflects the fiery treeline, creating a dynamic mix of movement and mirror-like calm. The crisp air and fading light signal the quiet beauty of late fall—when the world pauses between the vibrant foliage and winter’s hush.
Materials are included in the fee, all you have to bring is excitement and some confidence.
You are welcome to bring snacks. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited but we will have apple cider provided.
This program is open to adults and youth ages 14 and up. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited to 10 artists.

Bird Sound Basics - Inclusive Program
2025-10-24 09:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Bishop Farmstead, 17 Pemberton Road, Vincetown, NJ, 08088, United States
Join Access Nature and volunteer Claire Campbell for an inclusive birding program. This program is geared towards individuals with visual concerns. The program will help orient you and help newcomers to focus on the various parts of a bird’s song so that you will be able to identify birds by their sounds, calls, and songs. This program is an indoor/outdoor event. The indoor presentation will last about an hour and will be followed by an outdoor session in the Bishop Farmstead meadow trail and garden, where we will take a slow hike to listen for bird songs and bird sounds

Using Data to Improve Outdoor Access
2025-10-22 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
How can data help communities connect more people to the outdoors? The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has developed innovative tools and approaches that use mapping, research, and analysis to guide decisions about parks, trails, and open space. These efforts support more equitable access to nature, inform local and national policies, and help leaders make the case for investment in public lands.
In this session, Will Klein will share how TPL is applying data to strengthen outdoor access nationwide and what lessons can be learned for communities and organizations working toward similar goals. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how data can be a powerful tool for shaping strategies, supporting advocacy, and creating healthier, more connected places.

North Jersey Trail Network
2025-10-22 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Rahway Public Library, 2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway, NJ, 07065, United States
The next North Jersey Trail Network Initiative Stakeholder Meeting will take place on Wed., Oct. 22, at 10am to provide updates since the Initiative’s February launch, share progress from the Visioning and Mapping Working Groups, and outline next steps as we continue building a connected trail system for North Jersey.
For those who are newer to this effort, the North Jersey Trail Network Initiative is an ambitious effort, led in partnership by NJBWC and Rails to Trails Conservancy, to create a cohesive system of multi-use trails across six counties – Morris, Passaic, Essex, Bergen, Hudson, and Union, including Newark and Jersey City. Whether you’ve joined us before or are just getting connected, you’re already part of a growing movement to create a more connected, accessible trail system across North Jersey.
