Shared with permission from Pennsylvania Environmental Council. Author: Rachael Stark.
The Eastern PA Greenways and Trails Summit, held from September 18th to 20th in Sayre, PA, brought together trail enthusiasts, environmental advocates, and community leaders to discuss the future of outdoor recreation in the region. The event, designed to foster collaboration and share knowledge about greenways and trails, featured a mix of engaging workshops, mobile sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
The summit kicked off with a refreshing paddle on the North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail, organized in partnership with Endless Mountains Outfitters. Participants paddled five miles from Barton Landing Launch in Waverly, NY to the Sayre Riverfront Park. The tops of the trees were just beginning to transition from their vibrant greens to bold yellows, a perfect backsplash to the osprey, eagles, and herons flying over the river throughout the paddle! Afterward, attendees gathered for a networking reception at Bluestone Brewery, where connections were made over local brews, food, and shared passions for outdoor recreation.
Thursday’s sessions began with a hearty breakfast, followed by welcoming remarks from key figures like Bradford County Tourism Director Robyn Cummings and Sayre Mayor Henry Farley. The keynote address by Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) highlighted the Commonwealth’s strides in outdoor recreation and the importance of diversity and inclusion in access to nature.
The 2024 Eastern PA Greenways and Trails Summit included a paddle on the North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail.
The morning also featured an insightful panel discussion on the intersection of outdoor recreation, tourism, and economic development, moderated by DCNR Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner. Panelists included Jerry McAward of the Lehighton Outdoor Center, Sierra Fogal of Pocono Whitewater, Noah Phillips of Take It Outdoors, T. Thompson of Progress Authority, and Katie Wickert with the Department of Community and Economic Development. These experts brought a wide breadth of knowledge and wisdom to the discussions centered around promotion, opportunities, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Several breakout sessions followed, each focusing on critical aspects of managing greenways and trails. Some breakout sessions encouraged participants to be more thoughtful about the sustainability of their trail design, while others shared insights and inspiration into federal grant opportunities. There were also sessions that shared ideas for making trails more inclusive and accessible, marketing and communication tactics to improve outreach, and the importance of trails for transportation. Some participants instead took part in an afternoon mobile workshop that guided them through the town of Sayre and inspired them to think more critically about the small-town barriers to outdoor recreation and how they could be overcome.
The evening was tied together nicely with a networking reception where participants shared insights and decompressed after a long day of sessions. The evening was full of laughter, thoughtful discussions, and even some friendly competition in shuffleboard and billiards!
PEC staff joined the 2024 Eastern PA Greenways and Trails Summit, which featured numerous discussions on improving equity and inclusivity in the outdoors.
The final of the day summit included more fulfilling discussions about sustainability, social media, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and even gravel trails and water trails made their way into the mix. The excitement continued as participants had one last chance to explore the Endless Mountains choosing between two mobile workshop offerings, the Diahoga Trail and Round Top Park. At Round Top Park, a premier outdoor recreation destination, attendees discovered a wealth of opportunities for off-road vehicle trails, hiking, picnicking, and more. Breathtaking overlooks captivated everyone, and the serene surroundings provided a perfect finale to an action-packed conference. Stretching about 1.56 miles, the Diahoga Trail offered a peaceful escape along the western banks of the Susquehanna River. The trail provides a perfect mix of wooded paths and open river views.
The Eastern PA Greenways and Trails Summit enabled attendees to think toward a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive outdoor community. Participants left with new knowledge, inspiration, and a strengthened network of environmental professionals committed to enhancing outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania. As advocacy for greenways and trails continues throughout PA, the insights and connections made at this summit will undoubtedly influence future projects and initiatives across the region.
