SESSIONS

TOPIC THEMES

The 2024 Outdoor Recreation Summit offers a variety of sessions including talks and workshops which can be classified in the following tracks. Stick to one for deeper understanding or mix and match for a broader knowledge of various aspects of outdoor recreation in Maryland- there’s something for everyone! We hope you choose to join us and learn more about #MDOutdoorRec.


Wednesday, October 9

Optional Outdoor Excursions

CYCLE THE GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE

Start Time: Wednesday at 8:45am
Duration: 2.5 hours
Capacity: 28 participants
Cost: $20 + rental bike costs. Participants have to contact Wheelzup ahead of time to coordinate rental and pay Wheelzup directly for rental. Participants may also bring their own bike.

Description: Meet in Cumberland at Wheelzup, Shuttle to Deal, PA, and ride back to Cumberland, MD. We will ride 24 miles along the Great Allegheny Passage dropping 1,754 ft. in elevation and stopping at interesting landmarks along the way. If you need to rent a bike please contact Wheelzup Adventures and mention that you are renting a bike for the Cycling the Great Allegheny Passage Excursion on 10/9 being hosted by the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit: Wheelzup at Canal Place 14 Howard Street, Cumberland, MD 21502, (301) 777-8724

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MOUNTAIN BIKING AT DAN'S MOUNTAIN

Start Time: Wednesday at 10:00 am
Duration: 2-3 hrs
Capacity: 15 participants
Cost: Free

Description: This mountain biking excursion will be for intermediate-level riders and is byob (bring your own bike). We will explore Dan’s Mountain State Park via the new Lanacona Trail, a 4.4 mile mountain biking and hiking path atop this mountainside park. This group park will be led by Sarah Myers of the Deep Creek Adventure Bureau.

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ROCK CLIMBING AT CANYON OVERLOOK- SESSION 1

Start Time: Wednesday at 10:00am
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 8 participants
Cost: $15

Description: Join the Western Maryland Climbing Coalition at the beautiful Canyon Overlook. The experience will include an introduction to climbing for complete beginners or a refresher on the basics for those with climbing experience. This is a great opportunity to get time on the crag. Meet at the Touch of Nature Trailhead parking on the west side of the Casino Parking.


ROCK CLIMBING AT CANYON OVERLOOK- SESSION 2

Start Time: Wednesday at 11:30am
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 8 participants
Cost: $15

Description: Join the Western Maryland Climbing Coalition at the beautiful Canyon Overlook. The experience will include an introduction to climbing for complete beginners or a refresher on the basics for those with climbing experience. This is a great opportunity to get time on the crag. Meet at the Touch of Nature Trailhead parking on the west side of the Casino Parking Lot.

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AVIARY VISIT AT ROCKY GAP STATE PARK

Start Time: Wednesday at 1:00 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 30 participants
Cost: Free

Description: Come meet the birds at the Rocky Gap Aviary and have a special up close encounter with our resident Black Vulture, Selma. You will also get a chance to meet our Bald Eagle Mo who has famously gone to the White House. This excursion will meet at the Aviary located in the Rocky Gap State Park Campground.

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KAYAK AND CANOE AT ROCKY GAP STATE PARK

Start Time: Wednesday at 1:00pm
Duration: 2 hours
Capacity: 20 participants
Cost: Free

Description: Join a ranger and paddle alone or with a group on beautiful Lake Habeeb. Choice of single or tandem kayaks or canoe. This excursion will meet at the day use boat house at Rocky Gap State Park.

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GRIT Adventure Challenge Course

Description: GRIT Adventures has designed an exciting Adventure Course for summit participants to team up in groups of 2-4 and navigate using maps to locate seven checkpoints throughout the park. At each checkpoint, participants can choose between a mental or physical challenge (or both!), allowing them to tailor the experience to their preferences and abilities. The course encourages teamwork and problem-solving as teams work together to complete their chosen tasks. With a mix of physical and mental challenges, it provides an enjoyable and engaging way to explore the beautiful surroundings of Rocky Gap. Take on this course in one session or break it up over several outings. Teams that complete all seven checkpoints and challenges will receive a prize! More information will be available in the registration area.

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Thursday, October 10

Optional Outdoor Excursions

SIP AND PAINT AT ROCKY GAP STATE PARK

Start Time: Thursday at 7:00 AM
Duration: 1.5 hours
Capacity: 15-20 participants
Cost: $10

Description: Join us for a morning Sip & Paint experience overlooking beautiful Lake Habeeb. Start your morning with a warm cup of coffee on the terrace as you watch the sunrise over the lake. Let the beauty of nature inspire your creativity as you paint your own interpretation of the lake and surrounding landscape at Rocky Gap State Park. Perfect for both seasoned artists and beginners. This fun activity will get you inspired for the day ahead. All supplies included. Registration required.

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BIRDING AT ROCKY GAP STATE PARK Start Time: Thursday at 7:30 AM

Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 15-20 participants
Cost: Free

Description: Join a naturalist to learn about native birds in the area. Binoculars will be provided. All skill sets are welcome.

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Off Highway Vehicle Demonstration

Start Time: 4:15 PM
Duration: One Hour
Capacity: 25 participants
Cost: Free
Location: Ampitheater Area, Rocky Gap State Park

Description: JJoin the Maryland Park Service and the Maryland Off Highway Vehicle Alliance to take a spin in a side by side in the park. Learn more about the type of OHVs and the Wolf Den Run State Park (WDRSP), Maryland’s first State Park that offers ORV recreation as well as opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, and hunting.


Riders will be accompanied by a park official and will be on a first come first serve basis.

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GRIT Adventure Challenge Course

Description: GRIT Adventures has designed an exciting Adventure Course for summit participants to team up in groups of 2-4 and navigate using maps to locate seven checkpoints throughout the park. At each checkpoint, participants can choose between a mental or physical challenge (or both!), allowing them to tailor the experience to their preferences and abilities. The course encourages teamwork and problem-solving as teams work together to complete their chosen tasks. With a mix of physical and mental challenges, it provides an enjoyable and engaging way to explore the beautiful surroundings of Rocky Gap. Take on this course in one session or break it up over several outings. Teams that complete all seven checkpoints and challenges will receive a prize! More information will be available in the registration area.

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Summit Sessions

Nature Networking: A Dialogue Between Employers and Emerging Talent in the Outdoor Industry

Join us for a facilitated discussion between employers and job seekers in the recreation/environmental industries. We will explore what job seekers are looking for from employers and vice versa, examine the shifts in demand and preferences, and evaluate emerging workforce trends to keep an eye on the future.


Featured Speakers:

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Business and Recreation Considerations Under Climate Uncertainty

This session brings together business and natural resource management professionals. The discussion will focus on business considerations and adaptation techniques that are being implemented to address current and future challenges associated with an uncertain climate.

Featured Presenters:

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Youth Mountain Biking Through National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA)

This session brings together national, state, and local youth cycling advocates to highlight the positive impacts that organized youth mountain biking has brought to communities. Come join the conversation and learn what NICA is all about and how you could support the mission of this important organization.

Featured presenters:

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Where Am I? Navigating the Outdoors

This session is all about getting lost in the outdoors – without truly getting lost. This diverse panel will discuss how user experiences can be positively influenced by current and accurate information. This conversation will touch on trends in digital trail applications and adventure maps in print.


Featured Presenters:

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Sustainable Recreation Best Practices and User Education

This session will focus on the principles of sustainable recreation and best practices being used to educate users. The conversation will center around reducing human impacts to ecosystems, protecting wild spaces, and educating users on responsible behaviors.

Featured Presenters:

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Adaptive Recreation: Making the Outdoors More Accessible

This session will bring together adaptive recreation subject matter experts that have experience in making the outdoors more accessible. If you are interested in developing an adaptive recreation program, are interested in where to look for resources, or have questions about adaptive equipment, then this is a must attend conversation.

Featured Presenters:

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GRIT Adventures: Micro-Experiences and Adventures

Despite the increased participation in outdoor activities during the pandemic, outdoor programs have seen a sharp decline in enrollment as people return to normal life. By creating micro-experiences and adventures in neighborhood parks and utilizing local natural resources, we can bridge the gap between the screen-dependent youth and the natural world. By incorporating experiential learning and activity based curriculum along with positive psychology and mindfulness, we can help children and teens develop mental resilience in a time of mental health crisis. In this hands-on, interactive session, come learn how GRIT Adventure uses the sport of adventure racing as a vehicle for instilling physical and mental resilience and offering micro-experiences and adventures to create a lasting impact for participants.


Featured Presenter:

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Creating Economic Opportunities through Unique Recreation and Tourism Experiences

From the mountain towns of the west to the island communities off the eastern shore and the family-owned creameries in between - Maryland is full of hidden treasures. In this session, you'll hear three different stories about how unique outdoor recreation experiences have been leveraged to promote tourism to hidden gems. Come and join the discussion about how to grow locally-based recreation and tourism opportunities across the state.


Featured presenters:

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Embracing Every Trail: Fostering Inclusivity in the Great Outdoors Panel

Join us for an insightful panel discussion where our expert panelists will share their personal experiences and strategies for promoting inclusivity in the great outdoors. They will highlight the barriers faced by underrepresented communities and offer real-world examples of successful initiatives that enhance accessibility and representation.


Featured Presenters:

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Health Benefits Of the Outdoors

In this interactive session, participants will explore how exposure to nature promotes wellness and stress management, and enjoy the opportunity to experience these benefits first-hand with an outdoor joy walk! The session will be moderated by Bob Stephens, the retired Health Officer for Garrett County. Theresa Stahl, nutritionist and author of "I'm Full: Remindful Eating Tips to Feel Great and Make Peace with your Plate", will share a “Mindfulness, Awe, and Stress Management” presentation which will focus on our nervous system, our relaxation response, and the general role of mindfulness, awe, and activities in nature in managing stress and improving health, including our eating habits. Jamil Mott, the founder and executive director of Yieldcamp will then present on "The Nature of Nature: Our Best Wellness Model" to discuss how nature does not just provide health benefits but that it actually provides us with a blueprint to achieve and maintain wellness in every area of our lives. Following the presentation, Jamil will lead participants in an outdoor Joy Walk to end the session.


Featured Presenters:

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Mountain Bike Trail Planning and Development Workshop - Presented by IMBA and FOREI

This workshop, led by the International Mountain Bike Association, will focus on the planning, design, and implementation phases of trail development and will guide attendees through the early stages of creating their own high-quality trail system. The workshop is designed for stakeholders looking to build new infrastructure or significantly enhance their current trail system. This workshop is being presented in coordination with the Frostburg Outdoor Recreation Economy Institute.

Featured Presenters:

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Pathways to the Marketplace: How to Work with Your State and Local Tourism Offices

The Maryland Office of Tourism Development (MOTD) and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO) from Allegany, Charles and Worcester counties will share information on how they work with stakeholders to maximize marketing opportunities in domestic and international marketplaces. Key takeaways include why Maryland is a world-class outdoor recreation destination that is in high demand, how collaborating with MOTD and your DMO can help maximize marketing exposure, why tourism marketing is a multi-platform approach and what tactics to use to increase visitation in off-peak times. Participants will be provided with MOTD's “How to work with us” checklist as a tool for future action.


Featured Presenters:

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Breaking Barriers: Women in the Outdoors

Join us for a captivating session exploring the groundbreaking work of women in the outdoor industry and the importance of empowering girls and women to embrace nature and sports. Hear from three trailblazing speakers as they share their journeys running outdoor programs for women, thriving as professionals in the outdoor industry, and championing the current movement in women’s sports. Learn how innovative partnerships like the Washington Spirit's with DC DOEE are empowering women to connect with nature, develop new skills, and become active participants in conservation. Hear about free introductory fishing and wildlife education courses that are inspiring women in the DMV and beyond. Explore lessons learned from 30 years of running the Maryland "Becoming an Outdoorswoman" Program. Our esteemed speakers will share their personal journeys, insights, and strategies for creating inclusive and engaging outdoor programs. Gain insights and discover practical strategies to empower women in your community to embrace the outdoors. The future is female!


Featured Presenters:

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Conducting Business on State Lands

Curious about the potential of working on state lands but not sure where to start? Join us in an informative discussion on how companies and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources can collaborate to bring fantastic services to the public. You will hear from the State Parks Business and Marketing Manager as well as two companies who work on state land. Come learn the process of working with the state and see if it is right for you!


Featured Presenters:

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Out-of-Park Social at 1812 Brewery

Pop Up Frisbee: The Allegany County Disc Golf Club is teaming up with 1812 Brewery to offer a pop-up disc golf course from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit attendees and local disc golf fans. Multiple divisions available, and prizes will be awarded to division winners. There is no cost to play. Discs will be available to borrow for each player. Call 301-338-4533 or email alleganyplayground@gmail.com for details.

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Friday, October 11

Trails: The Intersection Between Communities and Public Lands

Come learn about how communities and public lands interact with and are influenced by one another. In this session you will hear from prominent community leaders from around Maryland who will discuss how their spaces interact with public lands.


Featured Presenters:

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What Your Customers Want, But Won’t Tell You

It’s not just “what” types of programs we offer to our users that matters, but “how.” Understanding some of the driving forces and current trends influencing consumer behavior and expectations today and incorporating them into your programs and services can provide a boost to your participation, revenue, and customer satisfaction. Bigger than hearing for the hundredth time that "pickleball is the fastest growing sport," we'll showcase examples where outside influences and trends are shaping that way that your customers are making decisions about how to spend their time and money and strategize ways you can adapt them to your own program and services.

Featured Presenter:

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Invasive Species and Outdoor Recreation

The Great Chesapeake Invasives Count, empowering recreational anglers to support science and community based actions to tackle challenges invasive fish present to our watershed.

Featured Speakers:

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Restoring History and Cultivating the Future: Preserving Black History and Revitalizing Agriculture in Maryland State Parks

Join us to learn more about Enoch George Howard, who purchased freedom for himself and his family in the 1850s and established a legacy in Montgomery County, and Beauty Blooms Farm, a woman-owned regenerative farm that supplies organic produce. Together, these stories underscore the importance of history and sustainable practices for community equity.


Featured Presenters:

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Developing Programs and Services That Stick

When it’s time to develop new programs to add to your offerings, how confident are you that they will be successful? Instead of launching new programs and services and waiting to see what sticks, we’ll explore a set of exercises and techniques you can use to brainstorm, test, and evaluate new and service program ideas. In this session, you’ll have the opportunity to take a more thoughtful approach to expanding your program offerings and the customers you target with the goal of increasing your new programs’ potential for success.
(It is helpful to the attend the first session as a lead in, but not at all necessary).

Featured Presenter:

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Storytelling: Your Outdoor Experience

Join Winn Brewer of the Department of Natural Resources and Sarah Myers of the Deep Creek Adventure Bureau for a discussion on engaging your curiosity and building community through the use of storytelling. Hear about the ways storytelling can build a strong outdoor recreation community, and how to get inspired when you're out there.


Featured Presenters:

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Summit Partners