‘It Takes a Village’ is a proverb rooted in African culture. Speakers use these words to illustrate the importance of a community being supportive, involved in, and sharing responsibility. The message is that success happens through the collective efforts of a group.
An ecosystem is an interconnected community of living organisms and their environment. Pieces of the ecosystem interact with each other nurturing and giving energy to each other. As ‘it takes a village’, an ecosystem thrives through the collective efforts of a group.
The Ohio to Erie Trail board has spent the past year developing a comprehensive plan to secure the trail's future. This roadmap is nearing completion and will soon be implemented.
Success hinges on collective effort. To thrive, the board must embrace and foster a collaborative ecosystem where diverse stakeholders contribute, participate, and share ownership. This approach mirrors the 'it takes a village' mentality, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and empowering all in the ecosystem.
Think of this time as being the planting of a seed. Over time it grows, blooms, and yields seeds. These seeds are shared, planted, and nurtured by others. It takes a village working together to plant seeds and nurture this trail ecosystem.
The hands in a trail ecosystem
Listed alphabetically, not ranked by importance.
Active transportation advocates building communities where people can easily walk or bike to essential services. This strategy enhances connectivity between trails, businesses, and community resources.
·Community residents embracing visitors, contributing to trail funding, volunteering their time, and inspiring others to enjoy the trail.
Economic development programs, including convention and visitor bureaus, chambers of commerce, and Main Street programs, encouraging trail users to explore local communities.
Environmentalists and conservationists using the trail as a pathway to protect nature, by offering programs that encourage public exploration and appreciation of the outdoors.
Foundations and non-profits funding citizen, government, and regional planning projects, that expand and improve natural resources, attracting residents and visitors to enjoy the trails for health and recreation..
Historic preservation societies revitalizing and protecting the history of local communities, canals, railways, and industries, offering valuable insights into the trail's role in shaping the community's evolution.
Local government supporting the trail through funding, seeking grants, and community outreach highlighting the trail's vital role in the community's present and future.
Media Influencers inviting visitors, educating their audiences, and showcasing the trail and outdoor recreation through traditional print and social media.
Ohio to Erie Trail board leading and collaborating with partners to expand, protect, and improve the Ohio to Erie Trail and its ecosystem.
Outdoor recreation providers attracting out-of-state visitors to experience Ohio's trail network and natural beauty through unique on-foot and on-bike adventures.
Parks and recreation organizations offering a range of programs, experiences, and facilities centered on nature, history, and the environment, both along the trail and in surrounding areas.
Regional, statewide, and national Trail organizations collaborating to develop, connect, and maintain trail systems that enhance accessibility, boost tourism, and drive economic growth.
Social media channels providing user-friendly, engaging, valuable resources and information to trail visitors.
Speaking engagements from small town clubs to conference presentations raising awareness, encouraging support, and visits to the trail.
State and federal governments utilizing government infrastructure programs and business development funds to enhance pedestrian and cyclist accessibility in communities, on trails, roads, and streets.
Trail businesses offering shopping, dining, and essential services catering to the needs of trail users, boosting the local trail economy and fostering a memorable visitor experience.
Trail communities embracing the economic, health, mental well-being, and tourism benefits the trail brings to their doors.
Trail managers and organizations from park districts to volunteer trail groups ensuring trails are safe, maintained, provide needed amenities, and are always open.
Trail visitors sharing their experiences support the trail, trail communities, and local businesses by encouraging others to follow in their footsteps.
In closing
I am certain that I missed some pieces of a trail’s ecosystem. They are complex with many moving pieces, and sometimes with conflicting priorities. A trail ecosystem thrives when the pieces collaborate and support each other. Shared responsibility makes the work easier when many carry the load.
Much like a seed planted in fertile soil, the concept of a cross-Ohio trail took root in 1992. Over the past thirty-two years, it was nourished, flourished, and produced seeds that grew and yielded today’s Ohio to Erie Trail.
The Ohio to Erie Trail is more than just a path; it's a seed for economic growth, tourism, recreation, health, and community development. It's a vital connection between people, places, and possibilities. All of these seeds grew from the seed planted in 1992.
To ensure the Ohio to Erie Trail thrives, we must adopt a 'many hands make light work' mentality of 'it takes a village'. By empowering diverse partners, we can cultivate a robust trail ecosystem.