January 15–16, 2027 · Tulsa, OK
Two days for the people who build, maintain and care for Oklahoma’s trails.
About the Summit
The Oklahoma Trails Stewardship Summit grew out of a simple observation: trails built well the first time don’t need rebuilding every spring.
Over 2 days
trail stewards from across the state come together to learn sustainable trail design, construction and maintenance from people who’ve done the work. We’ll also explore the psychology of nature: why time outdoors matters so much to us, and what keeps people connected to the places they care for.
The goal is simple.
Fewer repairs down the road, and a stronger, better-trained community of stewards to carry the work forward.
Why We Keep Coming Back
Most people who walk a good trail never think about it, and that’s kind of the point. They don’t see the drain dip that kept the tread from washing out, or the rock steps someone hauled in on a 98-degree Saturday. They don’t know about the hours spent rerouting a stretch that used to turn to soup every time it rained.
And still, year after year, we show up. Nobody’s handing out applause at the trailhead. We do it because we love these places, because someone once did it for us, and because there’s a quiet satisfaction in knowing a kid’s first hike went a little smoother thanks to work they’ll never notice.
As it turns out, there’s real science behind that pull. This summit is for the people who keep coming back: a chance to understand why the work matters to us, and to learn how to make it last.
Who Should Attend & What to Expect
Who should attend
Anyone who builds, maintains or cares about Oklahoma’s trails:
- Trail volunteers and crew leaders
- Land managers and park staff
- Trail organizations and “Friends of” groups
- Outdoor educators and nature enthusiasts
- Anyone curious about how good trails get made
No experience required. Bring your questions, your stories and your work gloves.
What to expect
- Hands-on, practical sessions from people who’ve done the work
- Sustainable trail design, construction and maintenance techniques
- Talks on the psychology of nature, from why green spaces are good for us to what keeps stewards and volunteers coming back
- Time to swap stories, tips and lessons learned with fellow stewards from across the state
- Skills and insight you can take straight back to your local trail
Schedule: [Full agenda coming soon]
In Cooperation With
– Due December 18th by 5:00pm via email sent to OTSS@tuwc.org
Overview: Students and Young Professionals can apply for a scholarship to the 2027
OTSS. Three applicants will be selected to have their 2-day conference fee waived and
a hotel voucher / transportation costs in the amount of $133 provided upon submission of receipt.
Please note – This check would be mailed after the conference.
Essay Prompt: Please describe what advocating for Outdoor Recreation looks
like for you and your community.
Essay Length: Minimum of 500 words, maximum of 800 words.
Draft Essay Rubric:
Call for Presenters about our Partners
Got something to teach? We’d love to hear it. If you have a skill, a hard-won lesson or a project worth talking about, please consider presenting. Topics can be big or small: drainage, tool care, leading a volunteer crew, the psychology of time outdoors, or the one trick that finally kept water off your trail. You don’t need to be a professional speaker. You just need experience worth sharing.
The Oklahoma Trails Stewardship Summit is hosted by the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition in partnership with Tulsa County Parks and the River Parks Authority, with funding support from TSET.
The Oklahoma Trails Stewardship Summit is hosted by the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition in partnership with Tulsa County Parks and the River Parks Authority, with funding support from TSET.
Got something to teach? We’d love to hear it.
The Oklahoma Trails Stewardship Summit, January 15–16, 2027, is built by and for the people who care for Oklahoma’s trails. If you have a skill, a hard-won lesson, or a project worth talking about, please consider presenting. Topics can be big or small: drainage, tool care, leading a volunteer crew, or the one trick that finally kept water off your trail.
Our audience is volunteers, crew leaders, land managers and park staff who want practical knowledge they can take straight back to the dirt. You don’t need to be a professional speaker. You just need experience worth sharing.
Tell us your topic idea(s) and a little about yourself, and we’ll be in touch.
Submissions due NOV 7
FAQ
Do I need trail-building experience?
No. Sessions are designed for first-timers and seasoned crew leaders alike.
Will there be outdoor or field sessions?
Absolutely, we suggest you plan for all weather conditions. As this is one we cannot easily reschedule.
Is food provided?
We are still working on firming this up but will have details soon!
Where should I park or stay?
Chandler Park is positioned to offer easy access to Sand Springs or with a little more travel time you can easily travel to Downtown Tulsa or Tulsa Hills.
What if the weather is bad?
January in Oklahoma can come with wildcards. Our Team is working on contingencies.
Can I come for just one day?
Absolutely! We offer a single day ticket for just this situation!
Need further assistance?
Need help finding the answers you need? Let’s have a conversation.