The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Trail Stewards have been bringing face-to-face user education and sustainable, on-the-ground solutions to some of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations since 2013. They are key in protecting the ecological integrity of these special places being threatened by issues such as misuse and high usage. By encouraging public participation, Stewards are a solution multiplier. Weekends and holidays, May through October, Trail Stewards educate and assist the public in the safe, responsible, and enjoyable use of trails and parks. Our Stewards provide helpful outreach and information about park regulations, hiker safety, preparedness, and other best practices. In addition to readying hikers, Stewards help discourage and mitigate misuse of trails and the surrounding lands through their education and public relations work. This year, we’re excited to have the Trail Steward Program partner with our Invasives Strike Force Teams to help manage invasive species along the trail as well as educate the public on what invasives they might see…and how to report them! Additionally, the Trail Stewards will be finding the synergies between Leave No Trace and Play Clean Go principles, informing the public on the best practices to help avoid spreading invasive species throughout the trail system. Starting Memorial Day Weekend, keep an eye out for these meandering mentors along the trails of the Catskills and Hudson Valley - and be sure to ask them about how you can help prevent the further spread of invasive species! |