Trail Accessibility and Inclusivity Assessments in Northwest Connecticut

The Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) proposes to launch Trail Accessibility and Inclusivity Assessments in Northwest Connecticut in partnership with four land trusts. This project aims to strengthen community-centered conservation by addressing physical and cultural barriers to accessing land trust properties and programs. The grant will enable CLCC to work closely with four land trusts and up to four community user groups such as Latinos Outdoors, Outdoor Afro, UCONN League Walking for Exercise Group, and CT Black Women Hikers; to assess trails, gather feedback, and set the participating land trusts up to plan for and implement changes that make conserved lands more welcoming to all.

Project Timeline (January 2026 – December 2026)

January-March: Cohort Formation & Community Group Engagement

CLCC will identify and convene four participating land trusts in Northwest Connecticut to form the project cohort. Outreach to potential community user groups will begin, prioritizing those representing a diversity of backgrounds and outdoor experiences. Introductory meetings will establish project goals, timelines, and expectations among all partners. Land trusts and user groups will begin selecting properties for assessment.

April-May: Assessment Planning & Early Implementation

CLCC will coordinate planning for the accessibility and inclusivity assessments, including logistics, assessment tools, and facilitation guides. Weather permitting, early assessments may begin during this period on properties that are seasonally accessible for the community user groups. Preparatory work will include training land trust staff and providing orientation materials to community user groups. Assessment materials will be tailored for physical, language, and cognitive accessibility where needed.

June-August: Assessment Completion & Data Collection

The full implementation of trail assessments will take place across all four land trust sites. Community user groups will conduct on-site visits with CLCC and land trust representatives to provide feedback through facilitated discussion. CLCC will compile findings and develop tailored summaries of recommendations for each participating land trust.

September-October: Roundtable & Subgrant Awards

CLCC will host a regional roundtable event to share assessment findings and facilitate peer learning among land trusts, community partners, and regional conservation groups.

Land trusts will be invited to submit brief subgrant applications for planning or implementation projects based on the assessment results.

Subgrant funds will be awarded by mid-October, and land trusts will begin immediate use of funds for near-term actions (e.g., signage improvements, trail modifications, inclusive outreach materials).

November-December: Final Reporting & Close-Out

Land trusts will submit brief final reports on subgrant activities. CLCC will close out the project, prepare documentation for funders, and synthesize lessons learned to inform future program rounds. All grant funds will be expended by this point.