The University of Wyoming (UW) Extension, UW’s Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Initiative (WORTH), and Colorado State University (CSU) Office of Engagement and Extension have collaborated to offer a series of free monthly webinars addressing opportunities and challenges in the outdoor recreation industry. The “Outdoor Recreation Knowledge Exchange” aims to provide valuable resources and networking opportunities for a diverse audience within the sector.
The webinar series caters to outdoor recreation providers, retailers, local nonprofits, public land managers, policymakers, outdoor enthusiasts, volunteers, and students.
Hailey Sorg, WORTH Initiative Extension educator, states, “This series offers valuable insights that can benefit anyone involved in or passionate about outdoor recreation projects. Attendees can gain a deeper understanding of industry trends, network with professionals and discover collaborative opportunities to enhance outdoor recreation in their communities. There is something for everyone.”
Interested participants can register for the webinars online. All sessions run from 12 to 1:30 p.m., offering a convenient lunchtime learning opportunity. Participants must register for each webinar individually, allowing them to tailor their participation to their specific interests and schedules.
The series began on October 24 with a session on workforce development in outdoor recreation. This webinar will discuss workforce needs with major industry partners and feature experts in tourism and hospitality. Taylor Phillips, founder of EcoTour Adventures and WYldlife for Tomorrow, will share his expertise in engaging the travel and recreation industry to support conservation projects across Wyoming.
On November 14, the webinar explored public-private partnerships in outdoor recreation. The session will examine how public land management agencies leverage these partnerships to enhance outdoor recreation offerings.
The December 12 session focuses on providing resources, tips, and tricks for turning outdoor recreation ideas into reality. This webinar will introduce various agencies and organizations that can help bring outdoor recreation ideas to completion.
The January 9 webinar explores best practices and lessons learned from local government officials in outdoor recreation development. This session offers practical insights and real-world experiences to help attendees avoid common pitfalls and maximize success in their initiatives.
The final scheduled webinar on February 13 addresses the future of outdoor recreation development. This session explores research from Colorado and Wyoming, addressing challenges such as wildlife conservation, climate change, and wildfire management.
The collaboration between UW and CSU in offering this webinar series highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing challenges and opportunities within the outdoor recreation industry. By bringing together expertise from both states, the organizers aim to create a comprehensive and insightful learning experience for all attendees.
