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Snowshoe Running 101. Looking for a fun way to keep up your running routine this winter? Try snowshoe running, trail running's wintry cousin, for an endurance workout in the mountains or on your own local routes. Outside's article gives you tips and gear ideas so you can get on the trail.

Oh the Weather Outside is...Too Cold? With the winter months and chillier weather setting in, we want to know: When is it too cold for kids to go outside? How do you stay active in the winter months? Join the discussion on our Facebook page.

Weathering Future Storms. With more than half of the world's population living on coasts, Superstorm Sandy prompted questions about how to protect coastal communities from severe damage. To keep things in perspective, the New York Times uses data from the USGS and NOAA to create an interactive map of projected sea level rises over the next few centuries. One architect suggests building massive sea gates like the Dutch to protect places like Manhattan. Another Dutch architecture studio takes us off land completely, launching a Kickstarter campaign to build self-sustaining floating homes from pacific plastic garbage.

Trails to Explore and Celebrate this Winter. The North Country Trail was extended 21 miles in area this year, offering more places to snowshoe, hike, ski, hunt, and get outside this winter. For a different taste of winter, check out the Iditarod National Historic Trail, which just celebrated a 100-year commemoration, or the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which provides some perspective on the cold!

What's Good in Your Hood? Author Akiima Price has created a tool to help children and adults figure out what is good in their neighborhood and give them hope to change the things that aren't. Read more about Price and her book here and learn to spot good things and opportunities for action in your community.

Building a Better Block. The Jefferson Park community came together with many partners in Denver, Colorado to create this "living art project" - a more walkable, bikable, community-centered neighborhood that supports local businesses. Check out the video.

International Trails Symposium. The International Trails Symposium is coming up in April 2013, take a look at the symposium home page. The symposium is for people and organizations who want to be on the leading edge of trail design, management, and marketing. There are opportunities to be a sponsor, present, and other information about logistics and lodging.

News and Events. The National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program maintains a list of recent news and events. Do you have one to share? If so, tell us about it on our Facebook page. 

Economic Contributions of Trails. Ever wanted to quantify the benefits of trails to a community? Check out the research of Distinguished Professor John L. Crompton of Texas A&M University, who is doing just that in Texas. View Crompton's lecture at the Washington State Trails Conference and download his presentation PowerPoint.

River Restoration Grants (Due 12.7.2012). American Rivers and NOAA are teaming up to offer communities river restoration grants of financial and technical assistance. These grants help remove stream barriers for migrating fish. More than 140 communities have benefited from the $5.3 million provided by this partnership grant over the last decade. The deadline is coming up quick, so head here for more information and applications.

Groundwork USA Grants (Due 12.14.2012). If you are working with a community that is interested in environmental stewardship and urban revitalization, check out this grant program. These grants work toward establishing new Groundwork Trusts within applicant communities. Visit Groundwork USA's website for additional details about the program, and how beneficial and exciting it is to be a part of a local trust.    

National Trails Fund (Due 12.17.2012). Does your nonprofit need funding to complete a trail project? The American Hiking Society is accepting applications for National Trails Fund grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for projects that have hikers as primary constituents, improve access and safety, avoid environmental change, and promote partnerships with surrounding trail projects. Check out the online application and guidelines.

Outdoor Nation Take Me Fishing Awards (Due 12.21.2012). This award supports youth-developed projects and initiatives that lead to increased participation in recreational fishing, one of the first and most important ways young Americans are introduced to the outdoors. Individuals between ages 18 and 28 and 501(c)3 nonprofits are encouraged to apply.

Outdoor Nation: The CamelBak Challenge (Due 12.21.2012). This award supports projects and initiatives developed by millennials that use $500 and 100 water bottles to connect millennials to environmental issues and create sustainable, eco-friendly practices in their communities around water conservation. Individuals between ages 18 and 28 and 501(c)3 nonprofits are encouraged to apply. Visit www.outdoornation.org/grants for more opportunities.

The Kitsap Water Trails are our trail of the Month! This Pacific Northwest water trail gives boaters access to some spectacular marine life and environments, scenic natural beauty, and historic port towns. The trail was formally dedicated at an annual tourism paddle event this summer following release of a trails map showing routes and access points to the county's nearly 300 miles of shoreline. The National Park Service worked with the North Kitsap Trails Association to develop a trails plan that was approved by the county commissioners in late 2011. Grab your paddle and hit the trail!

Ferry County Rail Trail Partners

Ferry County Rail-Trail 

Republic, Washington

Thanks to the dedication of a volunteer friends group and other partners, communities in northeastern Washington State are closer to being connected by a resurfaced rail trail.

The 25-mile Ferry County Rail-Trail is a multi-use, non-motorized trail that connects rural communities as it follows a rail corridor north to the Canadian border. The trail showcases the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the county while providing a safe, fun, healthy recreation and transportation experience for residents and tourists.

Many partners have come together to support the Ferry County Rail-Trail. One is the friends group, Ferry County Rail Trail Partners, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving the rail corridor for the long-term economic benefit of Ferry County and creating a non-motorized trail. They have been a key source of public information, grant-writing support, financial support, and advocacy.

The county-appointed Rail Corridor Committee and Ferry County Rail Trail Partners worked with the National Park Service to create a concept plan for the rail-trail. Trail supporters are using the plan and promotional events to help get funding to replace the coarse rock with a smoother surface accessible to all.

The Ferry County Rail-Trail placed seventh out of 20 projects statewide vying for funding from the state Recreation and Conservation Office this year. The community would use the funds to resurface a 2.8-mile section of trail along a lake with smooth, crushed rock. Local gold mining company Kinross has pledged $20,000 in matching funds, and the Ferry County Rail Trail Partners have raised $10,000 as match so far and are raising another $5,000 in volunteer, in-kind donations.

The Partners are hosting various promotional and fundraising events, including the Third Annual Ferry County Rail-Trail Ski Day this January, where visitors and residents can experience the beauty of the trail by cross-country skiing to the historic train tunnel.

Hats off to the Ferry County Rail Trail Partners for their collaboration with other partners and continued dedication to creating a trail for everyone to enjoy!