Nature: Accessible for All

Age-Friendly Communities: Research-to-Action Summit
2026-05-01 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Join age-friendly leaders from across the United States for a special “Research-to-Action Summit” in celebration of Older Americans Month 2026.
This event will present four cutting-edge research projects on age-friendly communities across the nation. The research teams will share updates from their recent projects to illuminate insights into the implementation and impact of age-friendly social change. The event will spotlight the many points of synergy between research and local practice to strengthen the Age-Friendly Movement across systems levels.
This event is free to attend and open to the general public.

National Adaptive Sport Day Panel Hosted by Move United
2026-04-28 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Join National Adaptive Sport Day Panel Hosted by Move United
Move United, the national leader in community-based sports and recreation for individuals with disabilities, is hosting a virtual panel discussion as part of the inaugural National Adaptive Sport Day on April 28th.
The conversation, which includes a number of Paralympians and adaptive sports industry leaders, will take place 1-2 pm Eastern Time. Participation is free and open to the public.
• Dr. Cheri Blauwet (Facilitator)
• Chuck Aoki
• Dr. Ted Fay
• Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt
• Dr. Mary Hums
• Gianni Quintero
National Adaptive Sport Day is more than an awareness moment. It is a national movement for disability inclusion in sport. Adaptive sport improves physical and mental health, builds confidence and resilience, and creates community — yet access remains unequal across the country. With the energy of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics and Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, now is the moment to grow visibility, increase participation, and ensure adaptive sport is accessible to everyone who wants to play.

The Power of Feedback: Using Surveys to Inform and Strengthen Your Programs
2026-04-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
This webinar will explore how surveys can serve as a strategic tool in program evaluation — helping organizations gather meaningful feedback, assess impact, and guide the development of new initiatives. Participants will learn how to design and implement surveys that produce actionable insights, elevate community priorities, and complement other data collection methods. Andrea will share her experiences creating surveys to support projects focused on the mobility needs of persons with disabilities, including her work with the New Jersey Travel Independence Program (NJTIP @ Rutgers). Alexandra and EJ will discuss how they used a survey to better understand the needs of people aging with disabilities in Teaneck, NJ, highlighting lessons learned, challenges encountered, and how the findings are shaping their ongoing work. Whether you are refining an existing initiative or planning the next phase of programming, this session will demonstrate how well-designed survey data can strengthen evaluation practices, inform responsive, evidence-informed decision-making, and generate compelling data to support new funding opportunities.

Adventures Without Barriers: The Big Sit - Birding Event
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Join Pinelands Adventures – Adventures Without Barriers in partnership with our avid volunteer birder Claire Campbell for our upcoming Inclusive Nature Programs that we are holding on April 18th and also on April 25th
These programs are geared towards individuals with mobility disabilities.
The Big Sit! is an annual international birding event. It is open to anyone, anywhere in the world. All individuals or groups are eligible to participate; just follow The Big Sit rules and submit your results. The Big Sit can be as competitive or non-competitive as you would like, but it is meant to be fun. The Big Sit is like a Bird-a-thon. Individuals or teams find as many species as possible in 24 hours. There is one critical difference – all observations must be made from within a circle no more than 17 feet (5.2 meters) in diameter.

Trails as Social Infrastructure: Practical Strategies to Build Connection in a Disconnected World
2026-04-22 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join the Rails to Trails Conservancy for this webinar, and explore how trails and trail networks can function as powerful social infrastructure: places where people gather, linger, and experience community.
Trail networks do more than move people, they bring people together. At a time when loneliness and social isolation are rising across North America, communities are searching for practical ways to rebuild connection and belonging. Research shows that more than half of Americans lack the relationships, support networks, and shared places needed for healthy social connections. We see multi-use trail networks as one of the most accessible and scalable solutions that bring people together across neighborhoods and generations.

Turning Social Media Stories into Assistive Tech Advocacy
2026-04-22 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center for their webinar series. The ADA Centers’ Champions Program equips young adults with disabilities to use social media as a strategic tool for Assistive Technology (AT) advocacy. Through mentorship, collaboration, and skill-building, participants developed and shared authentic stories to increase awareness and understanding of AT.
This webinar will highlight the program’s model, key lessons learned, and the measurable impact of online storytelling. Presenters will also discuss considerations for organizations interested in developing or adapting similar youth-led digital advocacy initiatives.

The 2026 NJDOT Complete Streets Summit
2026-04-21 08:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | College Avenue Campus Student Center- Rutgers University, New Brunswick., 126 College Ave, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States
The 2026 NJDOT Complete Streets Summit, sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at the College Avenue Campus Student Center at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.
Complete Streets are streets designed for all road users based on the specific context and needs of your community. The Complete Streets Summit brings together planners, engineers, public officials, health professionals, advocates, and others involved with shaping communities throughout New Jersey. Summit session topics will include institutionalizing Complete and Green Streets policies, lessons learned from implementation, and what is in store for the Complete Streets movement.

Move United Education Conference
2026-04-20 08:00 - 2026-04-23 17:00 (America/New_York)
Move United Education Conference in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Hosted in collaboration with Spaulding Rehabilitation Adaptive Sports Centers. More than 500 adaptive sport leaders, coaches, and advocates will unite from across the country for the 2026 Move United Education Conference—the nation’s premier adaptive sports education event. Get in the game with this year’s theme, ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Community,’ challenging every attendee to push boundaries and ignite change in their communities. Over four dynamic days, you’ll engage in hands-on training, emboldening keynotes, sport demonstrations, and meaningful connections that fuel the next level of your impact. Whether you lead a national organization or volunteer locally, you’ll leave with fresh strategies, a stronger network, and the tools to create lasting change.

Accessibility Doesn’t Stop Indoors: Extending Access to Trails
2026-04-15 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver)
Join SORP for this webinar. Delve into how Connecticut developed and implemented a statewide all terrain wheelchair program across multiple state parks, with a focus on the behind the scenes decisions that make these programs functional and sustainable. Participants will learn what needs to happen before a chair ever reaches a trail, including procurement, staff training, site selection, risk management, reservations, and public communication. The session emphasizes practical lessons learned that other agencies can apply when launching or expanding adaptive mobility programs in parks and green spaces.
Learning Objectives
Understand the full lifecycle of an all terrain wheelchair program from planning to daily operations
Understand how to evaluate wildlife habitat, species sensitivity, and seasonal use when planning or expanding accessible trails and all terrain wheelchair routes
Identify internal policies, staffing considerations, and training needs required to support adaptive mobility equipment
Learn how to select appropriate sites and trails for all terrain wheelchair use in parks
Apply lessons learned to improve program sustainability, safety, and visitor experience
Presenters:
Akiebia Hicks, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment

Living Well at Every Age: A Public Health Conversation
2026-04-15 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Join Rutgers University for this free webinar presented by The New Jersey Age-Friendly Grants Program. Presenters Mara Sheftel, PhD, Anita Franzione, PhD, and Megan Wolfe, JD will discuss the importance of using a public health approach when creating policies, systems, and communities that flourish for those of all ages and abilities.

Trail Towns 101: Strategies, Tools and Inspiration to Make Trails Work for Your Community
2026-04-14 13:00 - 2026-04-28 15:00 (America/New_York)
Trail Towns 101 is offered once a year, in the spring, giving you plenty of time to take advantage of the summer trail season and all of the opportunities it brings to make your community more trail-friendly.
Put the transformative power of trails to work. This inspiring course is a call to action, a source of new ideas, and a practical guide for communities looking to harness the benefits of their local trails. Ideal for trail lovers, local leaders, and economic development professionals, this program delivers the insights and tools you need to turn your community into a thriving trail town. Trail Towns 101 is packed with information, resources, how-tos and real-world examples — and plenty of opportunities to learn from other trail communities.
After the course wraps up, an optional Trail Town Assessment Accelerator will help you jumpstart your journey toward building successful trail towns using a fun and engaging on-the-ground assessment tool. The two-hour Accelerator is included with your registration fee, and so is an hour of one-on-one or team coaching to address your particular situation.
Instructors: Amy Camp (Cycle Forward) and Michele Archie (The Harbinger Consultancy)
These webinars are held on Tuesdays, ApriL 14-28, 2026, 10-12 PT/1-3 ET + Optional trail towns assessment session, May 5

2026 Sustainable Trails Conference
2026-04-14 - 2026-04-16
The Sustainable Trails Conference held in Boise, Idaho. The conference will be a one-stop shop for trail managers and builders. From engaging plenaries and inspiring keynotes to hands-on technical sessions, real-life challenges, intentional networking time, the Trail Expo, and the Dirt Demo – this program is designed for trail professionals, land managers, nonprofit leaders, and decision-makers shaping the future of trails. There are workshops dedicated to inclusion and accessibility in natural spaces.
Check out Conference Details and the Agenda!
2026 Workshops: Hands-On Learning
Optional, small-group workshops are offered before and after the conference, with half-day to two-day formats.
• Stonework for Trails
• Women’s Mechanized Workshop
• Terrain Dynamics for Trail Folks
• Mechanized Trailbuilding
• Stone Splitting
• Accessible Trail Audit
• Heavy, High-Load Rigging

Spina Bifida Resource Network - Unstoppable Pilot Program
2026-04-11 11:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | River Crossing YMCA, Flemington, New Jersey
Join the SBRN for their first event for the new pilot program- Unstopable.
Unstoppable is a peer-based program for teens ages 13–20 with Spina Bifida and similar disabilities. The program is designed to create a welcoming and supportive space where teens can connect with one another, build confidence, strengthen self-advocacy skills, and explore greater independence — all while having fun.
Through group activities and conversations, participants will have opportunities to:
• Connect with other teens who share similar experiences
• Build friendships and peer support
• Develop confidence and independence
• Strengthen emotional well-being
• Try new activities in a safe, judgment-free environment
Registration is required. A parent or guardian must complete the registration form.
If you have a teen who might enjoy connecting with peers and building new skills, we encourage you to register early as space for this pilot program may be limited.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact SBRN at info@thesbrn.org or 908-782-7475, or reach out to Andrea Bachmann-Brady, Program Leader, at 570-234-6957 or onecrazygreek1970@yahoo.com

SCI Peer Program Presentation – Back to the Road Again!
2026-04-09 16:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York)
Join Kessler Rehab for this peer program presentation on resources and tips for getting back on the road.
Presenter: Kristen Murphy, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist; Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
For questions, contact Jane Mitchell – SCI Program Coordinator at jemitchell@kessler-rehab.com or John McAleavey – SCI Program Coordinator at jmcaleavey@kessler-rehab.com

Federal Transportation Bill: What It Means for You and How You Can Make an Impact
2026-04-09 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Join Rails to Trail Conservancy in this webinar to understand how federal policy impacts you, and get the latest on the federal transportation bill.
The federal transportation bill determines the primary funding and policy for trails, biking, and walking infrastructure nationwide. Programs like Transportation Alternatives (TA), Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), and others are facing threats. Decisions are being made now and it is critical that communities understand how this bill will impact them and what they can do to make sure it delivers for active transportation. Whether you are a trail manager, a local trail supporter or a public agency official, this session will give you the knowledge and tools to successfully advocate for the critical walking, biking and trail infrastructure this bill must provide.

Approaching Big Inclusivity Gaps as a Grassroots Trail Organization
2026-04-08 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver)
Join SORP for this webinar.
Access to outdoor spaces isn’t always a given. The Inclusive Spaces Audit is a tool to identify both strengths and gaps in welcoming, belonging, and accessibility for trails and recreation spaces. This session explores how the Stowe Trails Partnership (STP) participated in and used the Inclusive Spaces Audit. For STP, inclusivity is a cornerstone for the 40+ miles of multi-use trails they manage in Stowe, Vermont. After participating in a workshop, STP utilized the Inclusive Spaces Audit in their most popular trail network and is working with their town and land access partners to tackle identified areas for improvement. From trail signs to handicap accessible parking spots, learn from this case study of how small changes towards inclusivity, with the right champion, can make big impacts.

Learning Objectives
Understand the Inclusive Spaces Audit and how it can be used to assess welcoming, belonging, and accessibility in trail and recreation settings.
Examine how the Stowe Trails Partnership applied the audit tool to evaluate a high-use trail network and prioritize improvements in collaboration with municipal and land access partners.
Identify practical, incremental actions—such as signage improvements and accessible parking enhancements—that can significantly improve inclusivity when supported by strong leadership and community partnerships.
Presenters:

Kelsie Sibbald, Stowe Trails Partnership
Kenzie Brunner, Stowe Trails Partnership
Angie Braley, Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals

Words Matter: Best Practices for Disability-Inclusive Language
2026-04-02 13:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Language is powerful, shaping how we think, feel, and act. In this free virtual training from Disability Belongs, learn how to build language habits that center accuracy, dignity, and respect. We will discuss why disability is not a bad word, tropes to avoid, the differences between person-first and identity-first language, and more. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the training.

Moab Trail Ambassador Program: Education and Promotion of Responsible Recreation
2026-04-02 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join the American Trails organization for an in-depth exploration of the key components involved in creating and managing a Trail Ambassador Program.
This presentation is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of the key components involved in creating and managing a Trail Ambassador Program. It will cover the foundational organizational aspects, including program infrastructure, organization, training, and visitor engagement.
Learning Objectives:
Understand key organization components and foundational aspects of a Trail Ambassador Program.
Develop and implement adaptive education programming that fosters environmental stewardship.
Outline communication techniques that promote positive and engaging learning for visitors.
Presented by:
Anna Sprout, Responsible Recreation Coordinator, Grand County Active Transportation & Trails

Usable Trail Roundtable: Collaborative Approach to Adaptive Recreation
2026-04-01 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver)
Join the SORP for this webinar. This discussion highlights the Useable Trail Roundtable, a collaborative initiative in Colorado’s Front Range that brings together land management agencies and partners to improve trail accessibility and user experience. The Roundtable’s founders will describe how the group was established, which agencies and organizations participate, and how the collaboration functions in practice. Participants will gain insight into meeting formats, field-based learning exchanges, and priority focus areas such as trail design, accessibility improvements, clear communication, and signage considerations. Presenters will also discuss tangible outcomes to date and outline future priorities and opportunities for expanding the model.
Learning Objectives
Understand the collaborative framework used to establish and sustain the Useable Trail Roundtable, including partner roles and coordination strategies.
Identify practical approaches for improving trail usability and accessibility through interagency learning, site visits, and shared technical problem-solving.
Evaluate outcomes and replication potential to determine how a similar collaborative model could be adapted in other regions or management contexts.
Presenters:
Matt Martinez, Jefferson County Parks and Open Space
Danielle Scroggs, Craig Rehabilitation Hospital
Craig Braski, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks
Topher Downham, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks

Public Information Center meeting regarding the Rancocas Creek Greenway Trail Route
2026-03-31 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Join the Burlington County Parks for this online public information center meeting regarding the Rancocas Creek Greenway Trail Route 130/Rancocas Creek Crossing Study.
The purpose of this meeting is to introduce the study, share background information, and provide an opportunity for public input related to potential trail connections across Route 130 and the Rancocas Creek. Elected officials are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Below are ways to join the conversation:
Joining the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26045427907172?p=uwoxCfJwmMl1ToOh
Meeting ID: 260 454 279 071 72 | Passcode B3XV6vb3
You can also dial in using your phone.
877-284-0719 (U.S. Toll-free) | Conference ID: 191 577 417#
Additional project information is available—and will continue to be updated—on the project website at – https://www.rancocascreektrailcrossings.com/

Winter Abilities Walk - With GOT ABI
2026-03-29 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Rancocas State Park, 794 Rancocas Rd, Westampton Township, NJ, 08060, United States
Discover the trails of south Jersey. Join GOT-ABI exploring the trails suggested by the Pinelands Alliance’s initiative Nature Accessible for All – http://AccessNatureNJ.org. Participants will meet at different trails each month. Weather permitting so check their facebook and instagram for updates before you leave home.

Advancing Trails Webinar: Harnessing Communications to Educate and Engage Community of Trail Volunteers
2026-03-26 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
This webinar will cover how to create a basic communications plan for your organization including how to prioritize social media platforms, explaining how to develop a newsletter and blog to supplement communications, and showcase what content attracts volunteers and engagement.
Presented by:
Mormei Zanke, Communications Strategist, Natural Areas Conservancy

Funding Accessibility: How Local Grants Help Businesses Meet ADA- and Grow
2026-03-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Accessibility upgrades aren’t just about compliance—they’re about opportunity.
Join the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center for their our upcoming webinar:
This session will highlight how local business grants can help fund practical, ADA aligned improvements that support small businesses while creating more welcoming commercial districts.
We’re excited to feature Liz Anderson, Great Streets Retail Director at the DC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, who will share insights from her experience supporting small businesses and neighborhood corridors.
This webinar will cover:
• Examples of high-impact accessibility projects funded through local grants
• Ways communities are helping businesses implement ADA-aligned improvements
• Strategies to make grant funding easier for businesses to access and use
• Ideas for measuring the impact of accessibility investments
You’ll leave with practical insights to help reduce barriers for small businesses, expand customer access, and strengthen community trust.

Awareness on interacting with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals
2026-03-24 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Join the Institute on Disability Awareness for this webinar on interacting with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, including communication strategies, working with interpreters, and accommodating communication needs.

Painting Among the Pines: A Winter Fox on Skellenger Road
2026-03-22 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | New Jersey School of Conservation, 1 Wapalanne Rd, Sandyston,, NJ, 07826, United States
Calling all artists – Join the NJ Conservation Foundation for this fun and educational painting program. In this workshop, participants will recreate a striking scene: a vibrant orange fox perched atop the roadway to the NJ School of Conservation, serving as a bold focal point against a minimalist winter forest.

Adventures without Barriers: Birding 101
2026-03-21 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Pemberton Lake, 6th Street, Pemberton, 08068, United States
Come exploring with your guide to see the unique birds that call the Pine Barrens home!
These programs are designed with individuals with mobility concerns in mind. Birding can be a challenging experience, since finding the birds is often a matter of being in the right place at the right time, especially for those migratory species!
Please join us as we follow avid bird enthusiast Claire Campbell on this outdoor adventure while we will look for interesting birds that are residents or just passing through the area.
On this inclusive mobility and family-friendly outing, we will take a slow hike, passing through woods, wetlands. The trail follows along a newly improved accessible trail. The trail is a picturesque location perfect for birding opportunities as the site has a mixture of forest, open meadow, and wetland habitats as the area is crossed by stream networks of the South Branch Rancocas River.
The trail is a good location because of the diverse geography, relative openness of the farmland and dense forested wetlands. It is also a nice space to discover and become acquainted with, especially because of its quick and easy access to birding for almost anyone!
Accessibility Information:
The total length of this route is 1.5 miles.
The trail is a there-and-back route that follows flat, even terrain with no slopes. The trail is a minimum of 5 feet wide. The general trail surfaces are crushed stone and compacted soils, which will allow for rugged terrain wheelchair access.
The runtime of the event is estimated to be 2 hours.
There are benches on the property for resting, and there are two ADA-compliant parking spaces that will be used for a drop-off zone for those with mobility concerns. The parking lot is paved. There are ADA-compliant bathrooms available in the museum.
We look forward to birding with you!

Adventures Without Barriers - Birding 101
2026-03-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Pemberton Lake, 6th Street, Pemberton, 08068, United States

Advancing Trails Webinar: Installation Excellence for Trail Aggregate: Tips, Tricks, and Common Pitfalls
2026-03-19 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Deliver actionable insights on installation best practices that reduce long-term maintenance and boost user satisfaction. Trail uses include both pedestrian and vehicular pathways in rural and urban settings.
Presented by:
Tiffany Koss, President, Kafka Granite, LLC
Mike Repyak, Director of Development & Outdoor Recreation, Kocourek Trailhead Foundation

Get Out There: Overcoming Psychosocial Challenges after Brain Injury
2026-03-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Join this webinar hosted by the Brain Injury Alliance of NJ for a presentation from Kristen Wilson founder of “Get Out There with Acquired Brain Injury”
Recovery from a brain injury is more than just a clinical process; it is a social and emotional rebuilding. For young adults, this journey often intersects with a critical developmental stage focused on identity, independence, and the formation of social bonds. This presentation explores these unique psychosocial aspects and examines how brain injury can disrupt relationships, leading to feelings of isolation. Drawing on survivor Jake Wilson’s journey and a nurse educator’s clinical expertise, the presentation will share practical strategies to overcome the social and emotional challenges of brain injury during young adulthood. From navigating digital communication and social media to finding purpose, this session provides tools for rebuilding a meaningful life. The presentation includes a live Q&A session with Jake, offering a rare first-person perspective on the resilience and creativity required to “Get Out There” and thrive. Learning Objectives 1. Analyze the Psychosocial Impact: Identify the specific developmental challenges faced by young adults after a brain injury. 2. Implement Social Reconnection Strategies: Evaluate and apply practical tips for building new social connections. 3. Identify Pathways to Community Integration: Explore the role of community involvement for long-term emotional resilience during recovery.
