1st Annual Keystone Trails Symposium:
A Retreat for Pennsylvania Organizations with Trail and Hiking Interests
November 15, 2025 | Kings Gap Mansion, Carlisle, PA
Join us for an inspiring day of learning and sharing at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center in the beautiful South Mountains. Geared toward leaders of hiking clubs and other volunteer-driven groups with a focus on trail-based recreation, the symposium features premier speakers and presentations on communications, advocacy, volunteerism, state outdoor recreation priorities, stewardship ideas, and trail maintenance & design. Facilitated discussions will engender a greater understanding of the successes, challenges, and needs experienced by this vital community of organizations. The event is free but limited to two representatives per group. Lunch and morning coffee provided. Complimentary Friday-night lodging is available upon request. The first five organizations with representatives registered for the event will receive a special donation from KTA. Registration closes on October 10.
A Retreat for Pennsylvania Organizations with Trail and Hiking Interests
November 15, 2025 | Kings Gap Mansion, Carlisle, PA
Join us for an inspiring day of learning and sharing at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center in the beautiful South Mountains. Geared toward leaders of hiking clubs and other volunteer-driven groups with a focus on trail-based recreation, the symposium features premier speakers and presentations on communications, advocacy, volunteerism, state outdoor recreation priorities, stewardship ideas, and trail maintenance & design. Facilitated discussions will engender a greater understanding of the successes, challenges, and needs experienced by this vital community of organizations. The event is free but limited to two representatives per group. Lunch and morning coffee provided. Complimentary Friday-night lodging is available upon request. The first five organizations with representatives registered for the event will receive a special donation from KTA. Registration closes on October 10.
AGENDA:
8:45 AM: Check-In Opens. Coffee Provided
9:15 AM: Welcome and Opening Remarks - KTA & South Mountain Partnership
9:30 AM: Roundtable Introductions
10:00 AM: Volunteer Engagement Success - Keith Williams, Lancaster Conservancy
10:30 AM: Communication Essentials - Christian Alexandersen, Hemlocks to Hellbenders
11:00 AM: Advocacy Opportunities - Ezra Thrush, Ridge Policy Group
11:30 AM: Advancing the New State Outdoor Recreation Plan - Dr. Claire Jantz & Brandon Hoover, DCNR
12:00 PM: Lunch
12:30 PM: Roam-the-Room - Brainstorm at stations on training, programming, maintenance, communications, and technical assistance
1:00 PM: Trail Maintenance Walk and Talk - KTA and DCNR
2:00 PM: Stewardship beyond the Trail - Andrew Leahy, Horn Farm Center
2:30 PM: Closing remarks - KTA
8:45 AM: Check-In Opens. Coffee Provided
9:15 AM: Welcome and Opening Remarks - KTA & South Mountain Partnership
9:30 AM: Roundtable Introductions
10:00 AM: Volunteer Engagement Success - Keith Williams, Lancaster Conservancy
10:30 AM: Communication Essentials - Christian Alexandersen, Hemlocks to Hellbenders
11:00 AM: Advocacy Opportunities - Ezra Thrush, Ridge Policy Group
11:30 AM: Advancing the New State Outdoor Recreation Plan - Dr. Claire Jantz & Brandon Hoover, DCNR
12:00 PM: Lunch
12:30 PM: Roam-the-Room - Brainstorm at stations on training, programming, maintenance, communications, and technical assistance
1:00 PM: Trail Maintenance Walk and Talk - KTA and DCNR
2:00 PM: Stewardship beyond the Trail - Andrew Leahy, Horn Farm Center
2:30 PM: Closing remarks - KTA
Registration closed.
