$230 Last-minute registration special

Free continuing education Learning Credits Available

Do-It-Yourself Trail User Research You Can Start Right Away

four 1-hour video conference sessions

Thursdays Oct. 24-Nov. 14, 2024 • 9-10 PT/12-1 ET

In this course, you will learn how to pull together—and pull off—a meaningful trail study that you can afford.

You’ll emerge with a plan for a trail study that you can implement right away, whether you have money or not, using targeted volunteer effort, free or low-cost tools, and an approach focused on what you most want or need to learn. You will also learn how to analyze your results, present findings, and use your study to catalyze action.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  1. Strategically Planning Your Research

    • Develop a research plan with clear objectives aligned with the end goals.

    • Identify target audiences and determine when, where, and how to effectively reach them.

    • Understand basic research tasks and tools while realistically assessing available resources.

  2. Data Collection Techniques

    • Learn practical techniques for estimating the number of trail users, including the use of trail counters.

    • Gain proficiency in creating and conducting trail user and visitor surveys through templates and how-tos.

    • Explore strategies for engaging the business community in data collection and gathering insights about community perceptions.

  3. Basics of Data Analysis and Presentation

    • Acquire skills in assembling and analyzing data efficiently without overwhelming resources.

    • Understand simple formulas for estimating the economic impact of the trail.

    • Learn how to present findings clearly, accurately, and persuasively.

  4. Using Your Findings

    • Develop strategies for moving from research findings to actionable steps.

    • Understand how to leverage study results to make a meaningful difference for the trail and the community.

IS THERE HOMEWORK?

There is no specific requirement for work outside of the sessions. You can choose to take in the information to apply to developing a study or gathering information about trail users when you’re ready. If you follow along with the course, you will have a plan outlined after the last session. By investing more time between sessions, you can use the three weeks of the course to develop a detailed research plan that’s ready to implement right away.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Recreation and open space program managers • Trail advocates and friends groups • Heritage site managers • Chambers of Commerce & business alliances • Community & economic development staff • Tourism promoters • Place-based & conservation organizations • Extension & community development professionals • Scouts • High school and college students • Downtown & Main Street groups • Business owners & other community leaders

COURSE INSTRUCTOR 

Michele Archie, Principal, The Harbinger Consultancy

Michele Archie, Harbinger principal and lead for collaborative regional economic analyses, economic impact projections, visitor and resident surveys, outdoor recreation assessments, and peer area reviews. Michele has led more than three dozen such studies for national and state parks, World Heritage Sites, trails and other recreational and protected areas across the United States, and has consulted with organizations seeking to conduct their own studies. See Michele's LinkedIn profile.

SESSION DATES AND TIMES

Four live, 1 hour video conference sessions

Thursdays Oct. 24-Nov. 14, 2024 • 9-10 PT/12-1 ET

MORE DETAILS

  • Sessions available for replay in case you need to miss a session or want to review.

  • $230 last-minute registration special until the course begins!

  • $325 regular course fee • $270 early registration through June 7, 2024

  • Group rate for multiple participants from the same organization or community: $270/person ($230 early registration)

  • Register for both DIY Trail User Research and Tell the Economic Story of Your Trails and Conserved Lands Without Hiring an Economist for an additional discount — $765 for both courses/$625 early registration or $625 group rate/$545 early registration

SESSIONS

Session 1: Making a research plan that fits

  • Begin with the end in mind: what do you want to learn and why?

  • Target audiences and when, where and how to reach them

  • Understanding the basic research tasks and tools

  • A realistic look at your resources: making the most of what you have to accomplish your most important aims

  • Outlining a data collection plan

Session 2: Ins and outs of collecting data

  • How to use trail counters and other means of estimating numbers of trail users

  • Templates and how-tos for trail users and visitor surveys.

  • Engaging your business community in data collection.

  • Simple strategies for collecting information and insights about community perceptions.

  • How to collect data you need to estimate your trail’s economic impact.

Session 3: Analyzing data and using your findings

  • Assembling and analyzing data quickly, accurately and without tearing out your hair

  • Simple formulas for estimating your trail’s economic impact.

  • How to present your findings clearly, accurately and persuasively.

  • Tips for moving from findings to action.

Session 4: Pulling it all together for your situation

  • A deeper dive into aspects of the course most relevant to participants’ questions, situations and applications.