to enjoy trails including biking and motorized vehicles— also every other means of human travel on snow by skis or snowshoes, on water by boat or canoe, and so forth. Now, almost every day, new technologies are evolving how people enjoy trails— recent emergence of Segways, ebikes, packrafts, all-terrain skateboards, roller blades, hovercraft, and stand-up paddle boards are just the beginning of what the future has in store. Trail apps, social media, and sports like geocaching have revolu- tionized how we learn about or even participate in activities using trails. But one thing is universally shared— no matter how we choose to enjoy trails— trails are important to many— they are the lifeblood of parks, they connect us to nature, to each other, and to our- selves. Like parks, trails renew us, they re-energize us, and they inspire us and so much more. More recently, too, is the growing

awareness and recognition of what both trails and parks mean to our physi- cal and emotional health, our quality of life, our families, and our environ- ment— and we are just beginning to understand the important role they play in creating sustainable, vibrant, and resilient communities and econo- mies. This growing awareness and the increasing body of knowledge and re- search that documents the broad range of values that trails provide, bodes well for the future of public support of trails as well as parks in this country and around the world.

So as we celebrate the centennial we also celebrate the value and potential of trails. We should use the NPS centennial as

a time not only to celebrate the legacy of trails but promote possibilities, values, also an opportunity for us all to take a great deal of pride in the work that the trails community has accomplished in the last century as well as recognize,  work of organizations like American Trails and so many others to help build broad-based support for trails. We can use the centennial as an

opportunity to look to the future as we promote awareness of the value of trails, build alliances for the growth of trail systems, and create close-to-home connections with trails of all kinds, and work together to continually improve the profession of trail management.  in wishing the NPS a very happy birthday and working together toward the bright future of both parks and trails in the next hundred years!

®

RockSteps are the smart alternative to natural stone steps. At ¼ the weight of natural stone, durable RockSteps are light enough to carry and install. There is no need for heavy equipment or teams of expensive manpower. Install your new steps in less time for less money!

Beautiful Stone Steps. Made Easy. Distributor/Dealer opportunities open in USA & Canada

Random Steps & Landings www.rocksteps.com | sales@rocksteps.com | 262-629-9330 Zion National Park, Utah 37