We had the good fortune of connecting with Valerie Rupp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Trails connect people to nature, to shared history by allowing us to walk where others before us have walked, and to one another. Designed to provide convenient outdoor recreational opportunities for all, National Trails physically connect public lands, traversing all 50 states and some of the most iconic natural and historic places in the U.S.

They also reap myriad benefits for the public. Trails draw visitors and overnight tourists to rural ‘trail towns’ and urban neighborhoods, establishing them as destinations that incubate local economies. Many National Trails serve as important corridors from climate resilience and habitat by connecting landscapes and protecting natural spaces. They are a tool for education, offering lively interpretation of or meaningful reflection on the heritage and history commemorated by the trail. By enticing people to venture outdoors, trail users enjoy the individual and public health benefits of local green spaces.

Each trail is its own experience, allowing trail users to choose their own adventure. Trail users can challenge their endurance on long hikes through difficult terrain or enjoy a leisurely stroll with friends or family. They can enjoy the beauty of their own neighborhood from a different perspective or take in awe-inspiring vistas of some of the most iconic natural monuments in the nation.

Partnership for the National Trails System is a champion for a vibrant National Trails System for all. We are a connector, convener and resource for the people who manage and steward the 60,000 of National Scenic & Historic Trails. We offer opportunities for emerging trail leaders to gain real world experience through apprenticeships and internships. We are a collective voice that advocates to ensure all people may enjoy world-class trail experiences.

What should our readers know about your business?
Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS) is the only national nonprofit focused on the 30 National Historic & Scenic Trails. Something that makes us unique is that PNTS was created by its Trail members, the nonprofit organizations that co-manage National Historic & Scenic Trails with Federal agencies, to connect and unite them to address collective priorities and to share resources. Our members play an active role in PNTS, providing vital input on programs and policy priorities and to ensure our work helps to address the real needs of trails. This enables the Partnership to advocate with a strong voice.

We believe in the old adage that rising tides raise all ships so our work focuses on System-wide priorities. Each trail and each PNTS member is different. However, for more than twenty years, we have come together through PNTS to elevate National Trails. It requires honesty and trust between partners, things that require ongoing work to maintain.

By and large, National Trails aren’t as recognizable as National Parks or National Forests. PNTS has worked diligently to bring people together to champion a stronger National Trails System yet, we see that one of the greatest things we can do for the National Trails System is to ensure that more people know about the System and visit trails. In addition to people taking advantage fo the benefits of trails, we believe that people who use trails are inspired to protect them.

Broadly speaking, we want more people to know about and visit National Trails. They are truly treasures. We’d also like people to know that they can get involved with trail organizations As more people turn to outdoor recreation, more hands are needed to build and steward trails, to help run programs, to interpret the stories trails capture and so many other activities. The trails are there for everyone and there is a role in helping to activate and maintain them for anyone interested in becoming involved,

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are countless adventures to be found on National Trails.

A great day trip is to find ‘trail town’, wake up early and take a hike. Pack some snacks and eat lunch while taking in a great view. Then, head back to town for a dinner at a local restaurant, maybe followed by a taste of the local nightlife if you don’t feel too worn out, and then head back to a hotel or campsite for a good night’s rest.

Because not all trail experiences are rural, I’ll share a favorite of mine from Baltimore, MD. I’d start the day paddling on the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail, then visit Ft.McHenry on the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. I’d head down the street to get a local favorite, a snowball covered in marshmallow fluff because I believe in eating dessert first. I’d then head to Locust Point or Federal Hill for lunch. I’d wrap up the day at the Baltimore Museum of Industry or American Visionary Art Museum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first shoutout is personal. It is to the stream and tiny waterfall that fed into the small swimming hole surrounded by mountain laurel that was my favorite playground as a child, and to the fine folks who have increased access to that space by creating the D&H Rail Trail. Without that space, I may not have developed the connection to natural places that have led me on my career path. The trail will ensure that many more people can visit and appreciate the space, and so many other spaces like it.

My second shout out is to Jackie Carrera, former President & CEO of Parks & People Foundation (where we worked together) and current CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation. She has the audacity to love her job and believe the the power of community and what could be in an often jaded world. She inspired me and many others to work hard to make their communities and the natural environment healthier and more resilient.

Website: www.pnts.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationaltrailssystem/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/partnership-for-the-national-trails-system/

Twitter: twitter.com/PartnershipNTS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PartnershipNTS

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBRaPY2sqKqMb7dujxBGkzA

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