Trail Conservation
Why Is It Important?
It is crucial to preserving natural ecosystems, preventing erosion, and protecting wildlife habitats from overuse and degradation. It ensures that trails remain safe and accessible for recreational use while minimizing human impact on the environment. By maintaining sustainable trails, we can balance outdoor enjoyment with the long-term health of our natural landscapes.
How Does It Benefit The Ecosystem?
Trail conservation benefits natural ecosystems by reducing soil erosion, which can damage plant roots, degrade water quality, and lead to habitat loss. It helps control the spread of invasive species by keeping foot traffic confined to designated paths, protecting native vegetation. Additionally, well-maintained trails minimize disturbances to wildlife by providing clear routes for humans, reducing the likelihood of habitat fragmentation or accidental harm to animals.
What Are Some Key Threats?
Erosion: Caused by heavy foot traffic, improper drainage, and natural weathering, leading to trail degradation and soil loss.
Overuse: High volumes of hikers, bikers, or vehicles can compact soil, trample vegetation, and widen trails beyond sustainable limits.
Invasive Species: Seeds or organisms transported by trail users can outcompete native plants and disrupt local ecosystems.
Poor Design or Maintenance: Trails not built to handle environmental conditions or user load are prone to rapid deterioration.
Climate Change: Increased storms, flooding, and temperature changes can weaken trails and intensify erosion.
Illegal Off-Trail Use: People venturing off designated paths can damage sensitive habitats, increase erosion, and create unofficial trails.
Our Practices
What Are We Doing?
Sponsorships and Donations
A portion of each sale goes towards providing funding to trail maintenance organizations, conservation nonprofits, or park services to support restoration projects.
Education and Advocacy
Raising awareness about trail conservation through marketing campaigns, sponsorship of educational programs, or community workshops.
Employee Volunteer Programs
We organize employee participation in trail clean-up or repair events to contribute manpower and build community connections.
Sustainable Business Practices
We implement eco-conscious policies, such as reducing carbon footprints, to mitigate broader environmental impacts on natural areas.
Our Conservation PArtners
Idaho Trails Association
Idaho Trails Association is a nonprofit organization that works all over Idaho to preserve and promote trails through volunteer trail projects, education efforts, and public lands advocacy.
Alabama Bird Search Youth Competition
A annual 24-hour competitive birding event, for youth teams ranging from pre-kindergarten through high school. They will compete against each other in their age division for most species identified, best art, and many more categories. The competition's goal to allow Alabama’s youth to learn about the state’s great biodiversity of native birds, get outside, enjoy a new sport, and spend time with friends & family in nature.
Worth-A-Dam
Worth A Dam is a nonprofit based in Martinez, California, dedicated to protecting local beavers and promoting coexistence through stewardship, education, and advocacy. Formed in 2007 after public outcry against a plan to exterminate the animals, the group helped implement non-lethal solutions like flow devices to manage flooding concerns. Since then, it has led community events, including the annual Beaver Festival, and supported habitat restoration and public education. Worth A Dam also advises other communities on humane, sustainable approaches to urban wildlife management.
Trailkeeper's Of Oregon
Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing Oregon’s hiking experience through trail stewardship, advocacy, and education. Originating from the Portland Hikers forum in 2006, TKO was formed in 2007 to address the growing need for active trail maintenance and public engagement. Today, TKO empowers volunteers to preserve and restore trails across the state. Through community projects, the Oregon Hikers Forum, and a user-built field guide, TKO fosters a culture of stewardship and appreciation for Oregon’s public lands.
Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary
RockfishWildlife Sanctuary is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation and education organization. From our beautiful facility in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, RWS treats roughly 1,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. Through our free wildlife crisis hotline and over 50 educational programs annually featuring our team of non-releasable ambassador animals, RWS helps people better coexist with native wildlife and fosters a brighter future for humans and wildlife alike.
Iowa Chapter of TWS
The Wildlife Society, comprise of professionals, students, and more committed to wildlife research, education, and conservation, was founded in 1937 as an international, nonprofit organization. The Iowa Chapter of the Wildlife Society was chartered on April 14, 1962. Their goals include advancement of the art and science of wildlife management, and promotion and maintaining high professional standards.
Turtle Survival Alliance
Turtle Survival Alliance works worldwide to end tortoise and freshwater turtle extinctions, protecting species and habitats in more than 30 countries.
Their Drink Beer. Save Turtles.® program partners with breweries and taprooms to raise funds and awareness through specialty beers, turtle-themed merch, and family-friendly events. A portion of every pint and purchase supports our science-based conservation programs, helping turtles thrive in the wild.
Conservation Corps of Minnesota & Iowa
Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa, a nonprofit organization, engages hundreds of youth and young adults each year in programs and initiatives that improve access to outdoor recreation, restore natural habitat, protect trails and waterways, and respond to community needs and natural disasters.