In this episode, Candace Brendler speaks with Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, about the evolving landscape of the outdoor recreation workforce. Chris shares his winding career path—from field educator to national policy leader—and highlights why outdoor recreation is a growing and increasingly vital sector of the U.S. economy. The conversation explores some of the workforce challenges facing the industry, including skills development, equitable access, and housing in gateway communities. Tune in to gain insight into emerging solutions and collaborative initiatives taking shape to help strengthen and expand the outdoor recreation workforce.

About Chris

Chris Perkins is Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, where he works to promote the sustainable growth of the outdoor recreation economy. This work focuses on rural economic development through outdoor recreation, outdoor recreation infrastructure, state outdoor recreation advocacy, the outdoor recreation workforce, and building a more inclusive outdoor recreation community. Chris received a Masters in Environmental Management and Masters in Business Administration at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) and Yale School of Management (SOM). Chris has also worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.

Resources

• Learn more about the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

• Build your outdoor career with the Workforce Hub

• Get involved with the Workforce Consortium

• Learn about the Nature and Health Alliance

• Connect with the ORR on LinkedIn

Join host Candace Brendler as she sits down with Morgan Costello, the chair of the Board of Directors for AORE. In this episode, they delve into the roles and responsibilities of board members, the difference between a working and strategic board, and Morgan's personal journey to leadership. Discover the importance of community, empowerment, and the impact of grassroots organizations in the outdoor industry.

About Morgan

With a foundation in experiential outdoor education and a passion for access and equity, I support student leaders at Bucknell University and serve nationally as the president of the AORE. My goal is to help more people connect - with nature, each other, and themselves.

Resources

• Board Prospectus

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Elizabeth Allen, the Director of Impact and Learning at Justice Outside. They discuss the mission of Justice Outside, Elizabeth's career journey in trauma-informed practices, and the importance of creating inclusive outdoor experiences. Elizabeth shares insights into her daily work, the significance of trauma-informed care, and how to foster inclusivity within organizations. The conversation highlights the various pathways to a career in this field and concludes with resources for further learning.

Elizabth will be joining AORE for the 2025 Inclusivity in the Outdoors month. You can learn more here.

Meet Elizabeth

Elizabeth Allen, MA (She/Her), is the Director of Learning and Evaluation at Justice Outside. With 25+ years in behavioral health and non-profit youth development, she champions racial justice and equity in outdoor spaces, focusing on inclusivity for BIPOC and other underrepresented groups. Elizabeth enjoys cycling, hiking, photography and views her greatest achievement as remaining the "cool Auntie" to a 22, 20 and 17 year old.

Resources

• Learn more about Justice Outside: https://justiceoutside.org/

In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews John Lacroix, the race director of the Human Potential Running Series, discussing the multifaceted role of a race director, the importance of risk management, community building through volunteerism, and the unique challenges of organizing trail running events. John shares insights into his career journey, the logistics involved in race planning, and the essential qualities and experiences needed to be a successful race director. In this conversation, John Lacroix discusses the unique mindset required for trail running and race directing, emphasizing the importance of community and inclusivity in the sport. He reflects on the evolution of race directing from non-profit to for-profit entities, the challenges of creating welcoming spaces for diverse participants, and the high-stress nature of race management. Lacroix also highlights the need for better understanding between race directors and land managers regarding permits and regulations, advocating for a collaborative approach to ensure safe and inclusive outdoor events.

Meet John

John has been a full-time race director since March of 2014. Since then he has directed the most trail running events in Colorado history, and the 2nd most ultramarathon running event in the nation's history. He is certified as a Professional Race Director through Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), Risk Management for Outdoor Programming through internationally recognized Viristar, and Wilderness Firs Responder through Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA). As part of the mission, vision, and ethos of his series, John and his runners conduct numerous trail work days with land management partners throughout the year. To date, their efforts have included nearly 3,000 hours of volunteer service to trails over the last decade. John also volunteers his time on the Outside 285 Regional Partnership, the Policy Committee for the Coalition for Outdoor Access (COA), and was a former member of the Executive Committee of Colorado's Fix CRUS.

Resources

• Human Potential Website https://humanpotentialrunning.com/
• Certifications: Risk Management for Outdoor Programs through Viristar: https://www.viristar.com/course/risk-management-for-outdoor-programs/ Professional Race Director Certification through RRCA: https://www.rrca.org/programs/race-director-certification/
• Non Profits/Coalitions John helps: Coalition for Outdoor Access: https://accesstheoutdoors.com/Fix CRUS: https://fixcrus.org/Outside 285: https://outside285.com/

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Elliot Drake-Maurer, the High School Leader Coordinator for the Oregon State University Extension Outdoor School. They discuss the structure and impact of outdoor education programs, the role of high school leaders, and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor experiences. Elliot shares his career journey, the barriers faced by students, and the significance of listening to community needs. The conversation also touches on the upcoming AORE Inclusive Summit and the importance of professional development in outdoor education. Elliot will be joining AORE for the 2025 Inclusivity in the Outdoors month. You can learn more here. Meet Elliot Elliot Drake-Maurer (he/him) is a person who stutters and has been teaching and leading in the outdoors for fifteen years. He holds a bachelor's degree in Outdoor Education from Northland College. He has taught traditional survival skills, guided raft trips, and led backpacking expeditions in northern California, guided kayak tours on Lake Superior, and taught environmental education in public K-8 schools. He is currently the High School Leader Coordinator for the Oregon State University Extension Outdoor School, helping develop and improve teen leadership experiences in a statewide environmental education program. As an educator, Elliot seeks to help people discover a personal relationship with the earth and is interested in the intersections of identity, culture, and place in the field of outdoor education. Elliot resides in Corvallis, OR where he enjoys paddling on the Willamette River, cross-county skiing in the mountains, and playing Irish folk music. Resources

• Outdoor school website: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/outdoor-school General info about the program
• Outdoor School Explorer: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/0fd351cf7f2e4d69aac240e9973e0dd7?org=OSUGISci Interactive map that allows you to see program metrics connected to county and school districts.
• Biennial Report: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/outdoor-school/annual-biennial-reports These reports outline what we do, how we do it, and how well we are doing it, as well as areas for growth and improvement.
• Self Evaluation Tools: There are three different tools, all accessible here: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/outdoor-school/self-evaluation-tools

Cultural Responsiveness Self-Evaluation Tool (CRSET)

Instructional Resource Self-Evaluation Tool (IRSET)

Special Education and Accessibility Self-Evaluation Tool (SEASET)

• Critical Orientations: Indigenous Studies and Outdoor Education, by Dr. Spirit Brooks and Dr. Leilani Sabzalian.https://workspace.oregonstate.edu/course/Critical-Orientations-Indigenous-Studies-and-Outdoor-Education free, self-paced online course exploring Indigenous Cultural Appropriation and Bias in Outdoor Education

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Micah Leinbach, the executive director of the BOAT Bus, about the innovative mobile wilderness program designed to make outdoor education more accessible. They discuss the importance of inclusion in outdoor recreation, the unique model of the BOAT Bus, and the challenges and strategies related to funding, insurance, and partnerships. Micah shares insights from his career journey, the daily operations of the BOAT Bus, and the significance of collaboration in the outdoor education space. Micah discusses the importance of collaboration in outdoor education, the challenges and successes of building a nonprofit from scratch, and the critical need for inclusivity in outdoor programs. He emphasizes the value of understanding community needs, the role of reciprocity, and the importance of training future leaders in the outdoor space. The discussion also touches on the complexities of funding and the necessity of open communication in fostering an inclusive environment. Micah will be joining AORE for the 2025 Inclusivity in the Outdoors month. You can learn more here. Meet Micah Micah Leinbach has been running collaboratively-designed outdoor programs across organizations for over a decade, leading multiple teams in conducting this style of custom-built education program. He has supported non-profits, schools, municipalities, faith groups, home school families, and more in building - and then supporting the operations of - trips that expand on the work they already do. He has worked as a wilderness guide for over a decade, and is a Wilderness EMT, Level 3 Leave No Trace Instructor, and experienced coach and facilitator. Resources

• Learn more about the BOAT Bus

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Courtney Schultz, PhD, about the intersection of data science and accessibility in outdoor environments. They discuss the importance of using data to create inclusive spaces, the role of research in understanding community needs, and the necessity of innovative approaches to surveying and data collection. Courtney shares her career journey, emphasizing the blend of practical experience in outdoor recreation with academic research. The discussion also touches on leadership in creating inclusive organizations and the urgent need to redefine inclusivity in the outdoors, making accessible environments a fundamental right for all.

Courtney will be joining AORE for the 2025 Inclusivity in the Outdoors month. You can learn more here.

Meet Courtney

Dr. Courtney Schultz is the Executive Partner at OutGrown, a national nonprofit that for more than a decade has been dedicated to bridging the Baby Nature Gap by helping families with children aged 0–5 connect with nature. With extensive experience leading projects for local, state, and federal agencies, Dr. Schultz specializes in designing behavioral research that improves health outcomes through parks, natural landscapes, and outdoor recreation. Her work emphasizes inclusive design practices and systems thinking to enhance visitor experiences, focusing on underserved communities and ensuring that conservation and recreation support public health goals. Dr. Schultz is also the Executive Director of Health & Technology Partners, a social science research consultancy, and Adjunct Faculty for the University of Missouri. Dr. Schultz holds a Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from NC State University, along with a BS and a MS in Parks and Recreation Management from the University of Missouri.

Resources

• Learn more about Outgrown
• Learn more about Health & Technology Partners

Check out Candace Brendler's conversation with Joe Stone, co-owner of Dovetail Trails Consulting, about the importance of creating adaptive and accessible recreation opportunities for people with disabilities. They discuss the role of Dovetail in advocating for disability rights, the challenges faced in making trails accessible, and the significance of providing detailed trail information. Joe shares his personal journey into this field, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and the involvement of people with disabilities in the process. The conversation concludes with an invitation to the Inclusive Summit, highlighting the value of learning about disability inclusion in outdoor recreation.

Joe will be joining AORE for the 2025 Inclusivity in the Outdoors month. You can learn more here.

Meet Joe

Joe is an avid outdoor adventurer whose life took a dramatic turn in 2010 when a speed flying accident left him as an incomplete C7 quadriplegic. Despite this challenge, Joe has continued to pursue his passions, becoming an experienced adaptive mountain biker, hiker, and paraglider.

Before founding Dovetail, Joe served as Executive Director of Teton Adaptive in Jackson, WY, where he led initiatives supporting outdoor recreation for people with disabilities. Over the years, he has collaborated with trail crews, land management agencies, mountain bike festivals, resorts, and nonprofit organizations across the country, all focused on enhancing access and opportunities for those with disabilities.

In addition to his work in outdoor recreation, Joe is a dedicated advocate for disability rights, with extensive knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). He is deeply involved in efforts to ensure that the disability community's voices are heard and that greater opportunities for inclusion and accessibility continue to grow.

Resources

• Learn more about Dovetail Trail Consulting

Join Candace Brendler as she chats with Heather West, Executive Director of Loop NOLA. Heather shares insights into the operations of her nonprofit, which focuses on outdoor adventure education for youth in New Orleans. She discusses her career journey, the challenges of running an urban outdoor nonprofit, and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor education. Heather emphasizes the need for understanding the local community and creating programs that cater to diverse populations, while also addressing the unique environmental challenges of the region.

Heather will be joining AORE for the 2025 Inclusivity in the Outdoors month. You can learn more here.

Meet Heather

Heather West is the Executive Director at LOOP NOLA and has worked with youth-based nonprofits in the outdoor education field since 2009. She worked for Outward Bound for over five years, leading 3-4 week canoeing and backpacking expeditions for at-risk youth. After moving back to New Orleans, Heather began working for LOOP NOLA in 2016 as the Program Director and transitioned to the Executive Director role in 2022. She spends her spare time sailing, playing outside with her husband and dog, and enjoying New Orleans culture.

Resources

• Learn more about LOOP NOLA

In this episode, Candace Brendler speaks with Aaryn Kay and Mike Passo about the Trail Skills Project and the evolving landscape of trail building careers. They discuss their personal journeys into the trail industry, the importance of workforce development, and the role of volunteers in maintaining and building trails. The conversation also touches on the need for sustainable trail development, the various avenues into trail work, and the significance of language in defining trail professionals and their competencies. This conversation delves into the multifaceted world of trail professionals, exploring their daily lives, the importance of professional development, the need for inclusivity in the industry, and the balance between passion and pay. The speakers discuss the various roles within trail work, the significance of training and education, and the ongoing efforts to create a more diverse workforce. They emphasize the rewarding nature of trail work, despite the challenges, and the importance of spreading awareness about career opportunities in this field. Meet Mike Mike Passo is the Executive Director of American Trails. Mike has also served as the Executive Director of the Professional Trailbuilders Association and the owner and operator of a sea kayak outfitter called Elakah Expeditions. Mike has led groups of all backgrounds, ages and abilities on sea kayak expeditions in the San Juan Islands of Washington, Vancouver Island in British Columbia, and in Glacier Bay, Alaska. Mike has conducted an extensive study of outdoor developed areas nationwide to determine the cost implications of construction according to proposed Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and a Congressional study on improving access to outdoor recreational activities on federal land. He has a B.S. in Recreation Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin—Madison, including three years' coursework in Landscape Architecture and Civil Engineering. He has presented on Universal Design and Programming at several national conferences and served on the Board of Directors of American Trails since 2000. His love of the outdoors and his own paraplegia has given him a great interest in the creation of an accessible outdoor environment that does not ruin the characteristics and value of that environment. Meet Aaryn Aaryn Kay has worked with more than one hundred non-profits in almost every U.S. state and Canadian province, and she brings this non-profit management skill set and two decades of experience in the trail industry to her role as Executive Director of PTBA. Aaryn is also co-owner of Kay-Linn Enterprises, a PTBA member company. Prior to founding Kay-Linn in 2009, Aaryn coordinated trailbuilding and advocacy events nationwide, co-taught 150 weekend long trailbuilding seminars for volunteers and land managers in 32 states, instructed a graduate-level environmental education course at Duke University, and directed Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment's Community Outreach. Aaryn has a Masters of Environmental Management and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Duke University with a focus on conservation biology and environmental education. Resources:

• Learn more about TrailSkills.org
• Learn more about American Trails
• Learn more about the Professional TrailBuilders Association