Recently, Areté Structures had the privilege of sponsoring the biannual World Trails Conference, hosted this year in Ottawa, Ontario. I was excited to connect with trail professionals from around the globe and better understand their diverse needs for bridges.
The WTC was a vibrant gathering of organizations and individuals dedicated to trail development and responsible stewardship of our natural recreation areas. The conference featured several indigenous North American presenters and attendees who shared unique and enlightening perspectives. Their insights into the deep connection between culture, land, and sustainability provided invaluable lessons. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring traditional knowledge and practices as we work towards an inclusive and sustainable future for our trails. Engaging with this diverse group of people about their specific needs for trail bridges reinforced my commitment to help Areté Structures deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the unique challenges of trail design.
I must also mention, however, that my journey to Ottawa was not without its trials. It took place directly following Hurricane Helene, which had a significant impact on my home in western North Carolina. Traveling so far while being frustrated that I couldn’t do more to help, and still not hearing from friends and family was challenging. It was disconcerting to go from a disaster area to a beautiful, bustling city and back again. Thankfully, by the time I returned home, eager to help, roads were becoming passable. I was finally able to reconnect with and assist my loved ones in the aftermath of the storm.
Hurricane Helene ravaged so much of our infrastructure, including our beloved trails. I’ve seen firsthand that many paths our community relies on for recreation and connection were damaged or destroyed. Returning trails in North Carolina’s mountains to a usable state will be a monumental task. Many folks from around the southeast and beyond enjoy traveling to western NC for outdoor recreation. If you are among these, I encourage you to consider reaching out to some local volunteer trail groups in the coming months and years to see how you can help restore these vital outdoor spaces. Your efforts can make a significant difference in revitalizing our trails and supporting our communities’ resilience.
In closing, it was an honor and a privilege to spend three days at the World Trails Conference. I thank the organizers and presenters for crafting an extraordinary experience and Areté Structures for allowing me to attend. The conference coming at such a singular time in my life reminded me of the importance of collaboration and community in overcoming challenges. Let’s work together to rebuild not only our trails but also the communities they serve and the connections they foster.