The Missing Piece in Trail Stewardship: Why Social Media Matters More Than You Think

Most trail organizations are doing incredible work, but almost no one sees it. Saturday morning crews shape tread, clear corridor, and fix drainage issues that keep local trails alive through another season. Yet outside the handful of volunteers who show up that day, the story disappears. There are no photos, no short updates, no narrative showing what was accomplished or why it matters. For small volunteer-led groups and nonprofits with limited staff, this is normal. But in a world where visibility equals credibility, staying quiet has real costs. This article explores why social media matters for trail organizations and how even the smallest groups can use simple storytelling to grow volunteers, attract sponsors, and strengthen relationships with land managers.