KTI Monthly Learning Series
The Trail Talk Tuesday series is completed for 2025, but all of the great replays are available below!
In the final Trail Talk Tuesday of 2025, we are joined by guest speaker Michele Archie of the Harbinger Consultancy to explore what trail accessibility truly means for communities and for Kansas. Michele is a nationally respected expert who helps conservation, heritage, and economic development organizations collaborate with rural communities to create meaningful, community-driven solutions. She brings deep expertise in trail accessibility, sustainable development, and the power of place-based projects.
Download Michele’s Slide Deck
US Forest Service Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails
Safe and Healthy Communities Outdoor Livability Assessment Tool
AXS Map and mapathons to build more inclusive communities by offering accessibility insights
System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) uses systematic observations to assess physical activity
Equality Commission Accessible Business Checklist
University of Montana Research & Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities Community Assessment for Accessible Rural Events (CAARE) Toolkit
Becoming RentABLE quiz to gauge short-term rentals’ accessibility level for mobility and cognitive disabilities
Disabled Hikers is a cross-disability-led nonprofit building disability community and justice in the outdoors.
Spotlighting four incredible Kansas trail leaders who are transforming their communities through creativity, connection and outdoor access.
Micha Cook from Johnson, Kansas – sharing insights on the Tumbleweed Trail and how this project is strengthening outdoor access in their community.
Ellen Barber from Waterville, Kansas – highlighting the Lake Idlewild regeneration and community-driven initiatives that are helping elevate Waterville’s trail experiences.
Gail Roy from Norton, Kansas – showcasing the Cottonwood Trail located along the south edge of Norton in Elmwood City Park.
Jennifer Heuhl from Sylvan Grove, Kansas – discussing the role Sylvan Grove Community Trail and what it means for community and rural vibrance.
Funding is one of the biggest hurdles—and opportunities—when it comes to building and sustaining trails. Join us for Episode 4 of Trail Talk Tuesdays as we explore the ins and outs of funding trail development and projects across Kansas. From grants to partnerships to creative community strategies, our panel will share insights to help make your trail vision a reality. Don’t miss this practical, solution-focused conversation!
Trail Talk Tuesday returns on September 9 at 12 PM CST with a focus on one of the most important steps in building trails: working with local governments. From navigating city approvals to county collaborations, this episode will dig into what it takes to bring trail projects to life across Kansas.
Kansas Trails Inc. proudly presents Episode 2 of Trail Talk Tuesday, dedicated to celebrating one of Kansas’ most iconic outdoor treasures — the Flint Hills Trail, recently inducted into the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame! Join host Brittney Holum as we welcome three incredible guest speakers who each bring a unique perspective and wealth of knowledge about the trail: Jeff Bender, Michele Silsbee, and Jeff Carroll. The episode also features updates from Mike Scanlon, KTI Executive Director and Mike Goodwin, KTI Board Chairman and a fantastic Q&A Session.
Whether you’re a lifelong trail enthusiast or brand new to Kansas’ trail system, this episode is packed with history, practical information, and inspiration to get you outside and exploring.
Kansas Trails Inc.’s first-ever Trail Talk Tuesdays was a hit! We were thrilled to welcome trail advocates, planners, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the state for an inspiring and informative conversation. Huge thanks to our incredible panel—Mike Scanlon, Mike Goodwin, and Kelli Mark—who brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to the discussion on trail development in Kansas.
Trail Talk Tuesdays | Episode 1: Welcome to KTI
Kansas Trails Inc. July 16, 2025 11:30 am