Resource Category: Community & Land Use Planning

Organizational Summary

At Rails to Trails Conservancy, we are building a nation connected by trails. We re-imagine public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Since 1986, RTC has worked to bring the power of trails to more communities across the country, serving as the national voice for the rail-trail movement. With more than 1 million grassroots supporters, 25,000+ miles of rail-trails on the ground nationwide and more than 9,000 miles of rail-trails ready to be built, our focus is on linking these corridors—creating trail networks that connect people and places, bringing transformative benefits to communities all across the country. Our flagship initiatives—the Great American Rail-Trail®, TrailNation™ and TrailLink.com™—bring that strategy to life, connecting millions of people by trail.

They also have a great resource for trail builders – Trail-Building Toolbox

Organizational Summary

Natural Lands is dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone. As the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization, Natural Lands—which is member supported—has preserved more than 137,000 acres, including 40+ nature preserves and one public garden totaling more than 23,000 acres. About five million people live within five miles of land under the organization’s protection. Land for life, nature for all.

Organizational Summary

Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy livable communities for generations to come. We envision an America where all communities can connect to nature, near and far. From neighborhood parks to national parks, Trust for Public Land partners with communities to plan their conservation priorities, fund their visions for their landscapes, protect the lands and waters they value, and create the parks, gardens, and trails they need to thrive. Our work results in cleaner air and water, healthier bodies and neighborhoods, and increased resilience and livability for humans and wildlife. Trust for Public Land has been connecting New Jersey communities to the outdoors – and to each other – for over 30 years. To date, we have preserved nearly 30,000 acres, made possible 220 active or completed projects, and brought a park or natural area to within a 10-minute walk of over 322,000 people across the Garden State.

Organizational Summary

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to connecting people to the outdoors. Founded in 1876, AMC is the nation’s longest serving conservation and recreation organization. Protecting natural resources and outdoor experiences from Maine to Virginia drives everything we do. Our overarching priorities include understanding and addressing climate change; protecting land, air, and water; and creating and caring for trails to foster access to the outdoors.

AMC’s expertise in trail construction, campsite planning and management, and mapping services reflects more than a century of experience. We pair the most current understanding of sustainable trail design with techniques that we’ve honed and refined for trails throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. AMC provides a wide range of professional trail building services to all land managers and landowners, from bridge construction and campsite development to trail maintenance, design, and planning. Whether it’s front country or backcountry work, our AMC professional crews can help you complete your project.

The Appalachian Mountain Club’s Trail Training Program delivers hands-on trail maintenance training and professional trail skills workshops at AMC sites across the Northeast, and on-site with partner agencies. Through events like AMC’s Trail Skills College and youth-focused programs, AMC is growing a knowledgeable, connected trail community—equipping the next generation of stewards with the tools to care for the outdoors.

Here is a link to the New Jersey-New York Chapter – The Appalachian Mountain Club of New York-North Jersey – Be Outdoors

Here is a link to the Delaware Valley ( Southern NJ) Chapter – Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter (AMC-DV)

Organizational Summary

The coalition was established in 2009 and is the only state-wide advocacy organization for bicyclists and pedestrians. The NJBWC is a collective voice for everyone who believes that a safer, more rideable and walkable New Jersey means a more livable, equitable, and sustainable New Jersey.

This non-profit partners with clubs, advocacy groups, and local, regional, and state agencies and is supported by numerous sponsors dedicated to safe, accessible outdoor recreation. The organization is recognized by both the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Biking & Walking as the state bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization for New Jersey.

They are dedicated to:

PROTECTING the rights and safety of New Jersey bicyclists and walkers
PROMOTING bicycling and walking for fun, fitness, and transportation
EDUCATING bicyclists, walkers, and drivers about our rights and responsibilities
CONNECTING our communities with a smarter transportation system

Organizational Summary

Our Mission: Connecting and transforming communities through the power of trails.

We drive our mission by fostering positive change in key areas:

• Professional Development and Education: Promoting well-trained trail professionals and volunteers.
• Advocacy: Forming coalitions to shape pro-trail policies at all government levels.
• Data and Research: Cultivating support through partnerships.
• Funding and Resources: Enhancing access for under-resourced organizations and underserved communities.