2017 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRAILS AWARDS Hawk Mountain Sanctuary continued
Last autumn, for example, visitors enjoyed seeing the real-life silhouettes of seven vultures of Africa, and enjoyed a simple yet informative outdoor exhib- it that celebrated International Vulture Awareness Day. During the spring, the silhouettes were swapped out to show endangered raptors of Latin America. Each exhibit includes an accompanying brochure to learn more, and offers talk- ing points for educators and volunteers to share with visitors.
Since its opening, the accessible
Silhouette Trail has made an enormous difference in visitation to Hawk Mountain. For instance, during a typi- cal autumn, the Sanctuary would once welcome only a handful of individuals who used wheelchairs or walkers. Now, the Sanctuary welcomes someone who uses a wheelchair or walker nearly every day during peak visitation. Other benefits include more families who visit with strollers, and more people who bring a senior family member. The accessible Silhouette Trail has
been well received and widely publi- cized, first with a standing-room-only grand opening, next with an award
from the Partnership for a Disability Friendly Community, and with consis- tent and positive media coverage across the region and the state.
Quantum, a leading international
manufacturer of wheelchairs, power chairs, and other durable medical and mobility devices, donated both a Quantum Power Chair and an ultra- light wheelchair to help increase access even further. “This project is one of the greatest inclusionary outcomes in our entire region, if not in the entire state,” said Amy Beck, the executive director of the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living. Beck, who herself uses a wheel- chair, explained that it’s especially diffi- cult to find accessible outdoor spaces simply because the regulations do not yet exist.
“Everyone wants to enjoy the same opportunities, but usually if access isn’t required, it doesn’t happen. That wasn’t the case with Hawk Mountain,” she explained.
For more information on Hawk Mountain visit
www.hawkmountain.org.
Accessible trail
training offered October 11-12, 2017
Sustainable Trails For All Workshop with Trail Accessibility Guidelines at Crotched Mountain Foundation in Greenfield, New Hampshire
This in-depth, field-oriented workshop will help you understand the accessibil- ity guidelines for Federal outdoor recre- ation sites. It will also provide an over- view of the techniques and hands-on skills needed to build sustainable hik- ing trails that provide enjoyment for all.
Sponsored by: Peter S. Jensen & Associates, LLC and Crotched Mountain Foundation
Trainers: Program Manager with the U.S. Forest Service
Builder and member Professional Trailbuilders Association
For more information: Deb DeCicco at (603) 547-1475 or sustainabletrails-
workshops@gmail.com
The accessible Silhouette Trail includes educational features about raptors 24 FALL 2017
AmericanTrails.org
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