Join us on Thursday, June 18, 2026 for the Capital Trails Coalition 10-Year Anniversary Summit!
The Capital Trails Coalition is hosting the 2026 summit to celebrate ten years of trail engagement, partnerships, and advocacy in the Washington, D.C region.
This event will celebrate the progress of the Capital Trails Coalition since it’s formation in 2016 and build momentum for our ongoing work.
Trail planners, agency staff, community groups, and all trail enthusiasts are welcome to join us for an afternoon of discussion, collaboration, and celebration.
During the summit, you will:
- Hear from experts and practitioners.
- Brainstorm with community leaders.
- Provide feedback to guide the coalition’s future.
Breakout sessions will provide the opportunity for attendees to discuss trail accessibility, maintenance, and creation. Attendees will have the opportunity to collaborate and reconnect as we begin the next decade of work towards improving, expanding, and activating the capital trail network.
Register Now!
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SUMMIT AGENDA
Pre-Summit Trail Tour Bike Ride (OPTIONAL) | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Check-In | 12:30-1:00 pm
Opening Remarks & 10-Year Review | 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Keynote Address | 2:00-2:30pm
Breakout Session #1 | 2:30 pm – 3:10 pm
- Creating Welcoming Spaces for all Trail Users: Placemaking, place-keeping, and trail activation to make trails welcoming for all
- SOS: Finding Problems & People on Trails: Addressing safety and health concerns with wayfinding, signage, and agency partnerships
- Shifting Federal Priorities for Active Transportation and Recreation: Explore successes and discuss ongoing changes at the federal level
- Gap Filling Projects to Support Trail Network Expansion: Review advocacy best practices & learn about current trail campaigns
Breakout Session #2 | 3:20 pm – 4:00 pm
- Generating Community Support for New Trail Projects: Responding to community needs and uplifting equity and community voices to advance trails
- Maintenance for Aging Trail Systems: Learn from ongoing maintenance efforts on and around trails
- Leveraging Business Interests for Trail Advocacy and Expansion: Discuss the benefits of trails and trail oriented design for businesses
- Managing Congestion & Reducing Trail User Conflict: Discuss how infrastructure, responsive signage, and education can reduce conflict as trail user numbers increase
Breakout Session #3 | 4:10 pm – 5:00 pm
- Washington, D.C Working Group
- Virginia Working Group
- Maryland Working Group
Closing Remarks | 5:10-5:30 pm
Futuremaking: Pushing the CTC Forward
Post-Summit Social | 6:00 – 7:30 pm
