2024 Schedule At-A-Glance

Our latest gathering of workshops, field trips, and educational sessions will take place in the fall of 2024. To stay informed, please sign up for our email communications! Click here to join.
Tuesday, October 22
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM VIRTUAL KICK-OFF
Advance registration required.

VIRTUAL KICK-OFF: Click here to read overview
  • Mass Central Rail Trail: Making Connections
    		•  Virtual via Zoom
    Tuesday and Wednesday, October 22 and 23
    8:30 AM - 4:00 PM HANDS-ON WORKSHOP
    Advance registration required; the chainsaw safety workshop has a fee of $200.

    HANDS-ON WORKSHOP: Click here to read overviews
  • Safer Chainsaw Operations for Trail Stewards
    • This is a two day workshop; must attend both days.     		Offsite, Douglas State Forest
    Thursday, October 24
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    Times Vary    		 FIELD TRIPS
    Advance registration required; Thursday and Friday field trips and workshops are free of charge.

    FIELD TRIPS: Click here to read overviews
  • From Graphics to Gravel - the Beauty and Wonder of All Persons Trails
  • Worcester Elevated Boardwalk Tour
    		•  Offsite, Various Locations
    Friday, October 25
    9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
    Times Vary    		 HANDS-ON WORKSHOP AND FIELD TRIPS
    Advance registration required; Thursday and Friday field trips and workshops are free of charge.

    HANDS-ON WORKSHOP: Click here to read overviews
  • Stonework for Sustainable Trails Workshop

    • FIELD TRIPS: Click here to read overviews
  • Worcester's East West Trail Hike
  • Improving the Visitor Experience at Purgatory Chasm
  • Biking and Walking Tour of Sections of the Current and Future Blackstone Greenway and Southern New England Truckline Trail (SNETT)
    		•  Offsite, Various Locations
    9:00 AM - 11:30 AM MUNICIPAL FRIDAY - MORNING SESSIONS: Click here to read overviews
  • MassTrails Introduction
  • ​Developing a Statewide Trail Database and Map
  • Understanding FSTAG – The First Step in Natural Surface Accessible Trail Building
  • The Sturbridge Trails: Pathways to Community
    		• Multiple Locations at Convention Center
    1:00 PM - 4:30 PM MUNICIPAL FRIDAY - AFTERNOON SESSIONS: Click here to read overviews
  • Worcester's Mobility Action Plan: Connectivity in an Urban Environment
  • Key Steps and Common Pitfalls of Trail Projects: From Feasibility Study Through Construction
  • The Economic Impact of Trails
    		• Multiple Locations at Convention Center
    Saturday, October 26
    7:30 AM - 8:30 AM REGISTRATION AND EXHIBITORS Grand Ballroom and Lobby
    8:30 AM - 9:30 AM OPENING SESSION:
  • Welcome and Introductions
  • Keynote Address by Rachel Hailey, Founder, DEI Outdoors (Click here to learn more )
    		•  Grand Ballroom
    9:45 AM - 11:00 AM MORNING CONCURRENT SESSION ONE: Click here to read overviews
  • Building Authentic Partnerships/Building a Welcoming Trail Community for Everyone
  • Building a Trail Nation in New England
  • Addressing Stewardship on a Community Scale
  • Navigating Wetlands Rules and Working With Your ConCom
  • Worcester-area Trails
    		•  Multiple Locations at Convention Center
    11:00 AM - 11:15 AM BREAK TBD
    11:15 AM - 12:30 PM MORNING CONCURRENT SESSION TWO: Click here to read overviews
  • Honoring Indigenous Knowledge and Trail Stewardship
  • Advancing a Statewide Greenway Network for All
  • Nature's Invitation: Embracing Forest Bathing as a Path to Belonging
  • All Aboard! Accessible Trails for Everyone 
  • B2C Bike Kitchen Panel Discussion/Wayfinding Experience
    		•  Multiple Locations at Convention Center
    12:30 PM - 2:00 PM LUNCH - MASSTRAILS AWARD PRESENTATION & LEGISLATOR FEATURE Grand Ballroom
    2:00 PM - 3:15 PM AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION ONE: Click here to read overviews
  • Volunteer Engagement and Retention Through the DEI Lens
  • Case Studies: Tips for Transportation Improvement Projects
  • Vital Signs: Enhancing Access through Clear Wayfinding
  • DCR Stewardship Council Listening Session
  • Bay Circuit Trail in Bloom
    		•  Multiple Locations at Convention Center
    3:15 PM - 3:30 PM BREAK TBD
    3:30 PM - 4:45 PM AFTERNOON CONCURRENT SESSION TWO: Click here to read overviews
  • Equity on the Riverfront: Using Greenways as a tool for environmental justice in the Mystic River Watershed
  • Transforming Connectivity: The Cochituate Rail Trail's Impact on Transportation Equity and Economic Development
  • Working with Land Owners 
  • Developing a Statewide Trail Database and Map
  • N2B: The Inaugural Ride on the Past, Present, and Future Mass Central Rail Trail
    		•  Multiple Locations at Convention Center
    4:45 PM NETWORKING EVENT - ASK MASSTRAILS! A trail mixer Q&A session with the funders Lobby
    5:00 PM CONFERENCE ENDS
    The MassTrails Conference is funded through the Recreational Trails Program / MassTrails, a grant program supporting trail and trail-related facility construction and enhancement projects across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.