Trust for Public Land announces program to leverage recreation, economic growth
Are you a local government agency, land trust, or tribal entity interested in learning how to leverage outdoor recreation to promote economic growth, foster a healthier environment, and strengthen your community?
For more than fifty years, Trust for Public Land has collaborated with local partners, communities, and tribes to establish enduring, protected open spaces that support holistic community development and protect local vitality. The Appalachia United Outdoors Community of Practice leverages TPL’s expertise to educate local leaders on the power of the outdoors and the outdoor recreation economy to build a more prosperous, healthier, and connected Appalachia region for everyone.
WHY OUTDOOR RECREATION?
Across Appalachia, outdoor recreation is a powerful engine for economic growth, public health, and climate resilience—but opportunity isn’t always easily accessible in these remote parts. While the region is rich in natural beauty and cultural history, many communities in this region are facing economic barriers, shifting job markets, limited access to healthcare, and climate risks. The Appalachia United Outdoors program is working to unlock the potential of these outdoor spaces and turn them into opportunities for growth.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Appalachia United Outdoors Community of Practice is a free, 3-month virtual workshop series designed to provide open space professionals and their government, nonprofit, and private partners with the strategies, skills, and resources needed to advance local outdoor recreation goals. This program will elevate promising practices and projects from across the region, provide actionable strategies and
knowledge to support communities at all stages of outdoor recreation vision and plan development, and offer opportunities for peer exchange and network-building. Each session will consist of:
- Virtual workshops (90 minutes) to enhance local capacity for outdoor recreation.
- Experts and case studies providing best practices and strategies for community-led visioning and stakeholder engagement.
- Peer support and networking to increase knowledge exchange, deepen collaboration, and foster
community building for local leaders.
Topics covered will include:
- Regional History and Cultural Preservation
- Outdoor Recreation as an Economic Driver
- Intentional Planning to Manage Risks
- Communication and Engagement Strategies and more!
SESSION DATES & TOPICS
Each session will build upon the previous topic, requiring sustained attendance. Registration is required by Sept. 8, 2026. The cohort will meet monthly between September – November 2026 on Thursday from 12:00pm to 1:30pm ET:
ELIGIBILITY & REGISTRATION
This cohort represents TPL’s first regional offering, which will focus on delivering technical assistance and learning opportunities to communities in Appalachian counties, as defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
CONTACT US
Learn more about Trust for Public Land’s Communities of Practice program and resources we offer here. For questions regarding the Appalachia United Outdoors Program, contact the staff below.
Joanna Fisher-Whilden
Program Manager, Appalachia United Outdoors
Center for Community Impact
joanna.fisher-whilden@tpl.org
Sophie Neuhaus
Senior Manager,
Center for Community Impact
sophie.neuhaus@tpl.org