California Trails & Greenways 2026
SESSION PROPOSAL FORMAT
Proposals must be received by
December 5th, 2025
Session Title: Limit title to 8 words – please choose a title that summarizes the content of the session. Titles that are “catchy” but do not describe the session will be changed.
Session Description: Limit session description to 200 words. Concisely describe the topic and presentation format.
Educational Objectives: Set clear learning objectives for your presentation. List 3 specific points that attendees will learn that will assist them in their trails and greenways work. Describe what efficiencies, performances, or other improvements will result from your presentation. Additionally, consider your audience. Describe the teachable skills you will be providing and who will benefit the most be receiving these skills. Also, consider interactive discussions or activities to engage the group in problem solving. Proposals that focus on projects without providing concrete, teachable skills will be rejected.
Audience Level: Describe if your session will be geared toward individuals with specific skills or levels of expertise.
Session Structure: Describe how the session will be presented (e.g., panel discussion, demonstration, audience interaction, etc.). Opportunities for audience participation are preferred. Be sure to leave at least 10 minutes at the end for questions and answers.
Session Chair: For the individual responsible coordinating the session, please provide the name, title, affiliation, phone number, email address, and a short 3-4 sentence biography that establishes the individual’s credentials. Please note that the name of the session chair and their email address will be provided in program materials and on the event’s website.
Additional Session Presenters: We strongly urge you to include up to 2 additional presenters for a total of no more than 3 presenters. For each additional presenter, please provide their name, title, affiliation, phone number, email address, and a short 3-4 sentence biography establishing the individual’s credentials.
Topic Suggestions for Sessions
We are seeking dynamic session proposals that encapsulate our theme, Trails We Share and the Futures We Build. Here are some ideas to consider that fit our session tracks:
- Construction – Highlighting modern approaches and materials for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient trail building.
- Building for the future – sustainable trail design and materials
- Maintaining shared trails under heavy use – durability and adaptive design
- Restoration and renewal – rebuilding trails after wildfire, flood, or overuse
- From concept to construction – case studies of successful trail implementation
- Education & Engagement – Focused on sharing knowledge, inspiring stewardship, and creating a culture of shared responsibility on the trail.
- Trail etiquette for the next generation – creative outreach to promote respect and safety
- Engaging diverse voices in trail planning and use – inclusive approaches to public engagement
- Volunteerism reimagined – engaging new audiences through digital and hands-on programs
- Shared learning – peer-to-peer models for trail education, networks that spread good ideas
- Partnership – Emphasize collaboration among public agencies, nonprofits, private partnerships, and volunteers to achieve shared goals.
- Shared stewardship – building partnerships that last, co-management and shared maintenance models
- Collaborating across boundaries – interagency coordination and tribal partnerships
- Community-led trail initiatives – empowering local groups to shape the trail landscape
- Partnership for future funding – sustaining long-term investments in trail systems
- Planning – Explore how we can envision and prepare for the trails of the future: balancing access, sustainability, and community needs.
- Designing trails for shared use and shared futures – inclusive planning for diverse users
- Resilient trails for a changing climate – integrating adaptation and sustainability in long-term plans
- Connecting communities – planning regional trail networks, linking recreation, transportation, and access
- Equity by design – planning with historically underserved communities in mind
- Technology – Showcasing innovation in trail planning, construction, maintenance, and user experience.
- Smart trails – integrating sensors and data for better management
- GIS and mapping tools for equitable access planning
- Digital storymaps and augmented reality for interpretation
- Technology as a bridge – tools for community engagement and collaboration
Submit proposals at:
https://californiastateparks.formstack.com/forms/session_form
Questions? Email trails@parks.ca.gov