2025 Spring Partnership Meeting & Regional Trail Coalition Kick-Off Meeting


 9:00 – 11:30 am | Spring Partnership Meeting

 12:00 – 1:45 pm |Regional Trail Coalition


Twice annually, the Partnership holds a meeting in which all partners and interested parties are invited to come together and build relationships and collaborations across the region. We are excited to gather in Adams County for this two-part meeting. The events will be held under a pavilion, so please dress appropriately for the weather. We will have snacks and coffee available.

Our Spring Meeting and Regional Trail Coalition Meeting are both being held on May 16; read on to learn more and register for one or both.


About the Event

Part 1: Spring Partnership Meeting 9:00-11:30 AM

Our hallmark Spring Partnership meeting digs into updates from Adams County. Hear from the County Planning Department, as well as key county representatives, on the news and initiatives affecting our region. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy(with cake!), hear about SMP’s next steps on the State of the Region, and learn about groundbreaking research from our South Mountain Research Corps. Finally, Michaux State Forest will share updates on their top priority projects.

Our meeting will also include time for your organizational updates. This meeting is packed with key opportunities such as;
– Connect or reconnect with the Partnership, learning more about initiatives and on-going projects
– Build and strengthen our network of people and organizations working throughout the region
– Hear from local and state officials and spark conversation and collaboration across political and sectoral boundaries
– Engage 50+ partners in on-going work throughout the region
– Involve partners in defining the direction of the Partnership

If you would like to stay for an optional lunch, there is an opportunity to pre-order a Taco Lunch for $12, or we welcome you to bring a bagged lunch from home.

Part 2: Regional Trail Coalition 12:00-1:45 PM

Are you a passionate advocate for connecting communities to one another and the ability to spend time outside? If so, join the SMP Regional Trail Coalition! Are you knowledgeable about multi-use pedestrian trails or trail planning and construction? The Coalition is for you, too!

During this meeting, we will kick-off efforts that explore building a Regional Trail Coalition in the South Mountain region of Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, and York counties. We will facilitate individual and group activities where you can review the draft scope of work and contribute your knowledge and feedback. Your feedback will have a direct impact on the first year of the Coalition’s work.


Event Details

DATE:

Friday, May 16, 2025

TIME:

Spring Meeting: 9:00-11:30AM

Trail Coalition: 12-1:45PM

LOCATION:

Oakside Community Park
Pavillion #2 2880 Table Rock Rd, Biglerville, PA

COSTS:

SMP Spring Meeting – $8.00

Taco Lunch (Meat and Vegetarian Options) -$12.00 (optional or bring your own bagged lunch)

Regional Trail Coalition Meeting – Free

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

Friday, May 9, 2025 or until 75 person registrant cap has been reached

Agenda

Part 1: Spring Partnership Meeting 9:00-11:30 AM

9:00 | Welcome
Adams County Commissioners, SMP Staff, and Sponsors will welcome you to the meeting.

9:20 | Adams County Spotlight
Learn about current events in Adams County, including planned studies on the Fruit Industry, the County’s participation in the Chesapeake Bay Commission, America250, and more.
Speakers: Commissioner, Marty Karsteter Qually, Adams County Planning Commission, Destination Gettysburg

10:00 | South Mountain Partnership Updates
What is the next step in the State of the Region Implementation? Tune in to find out!
Speaker: Katie Hess, SMP

10:10 | ATC’s Centennial Anniversary
Happy 100th! ATC is excited to share its reflections on its first century, as well as a new brand and continued focus for the next century.
Speaker: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

10:20 | Break

10:30 | SMP Research Corps Spotlight
Learn about new student research in the South Mountain Region

10:40 | News from Michaux State Forest
Hear about the priority projects of the District Forest Team as they manage our key forested land.
Speaker: Michaux State Forest

11:10 | Round Robin
Bring your organizational updates to share

11:30 | Optional Lunch
Bring a bagged lunch from home, or reserve a Taco lunch for $12.

Part 2: Regional Trail Coalition 12:00-1:45 PM

12:00 | State of the Region Implementation: Regional Trail Coalition
Explore how we got here, and the big picture of what this Coalition could be over the next decade in the region.

12:45 | Regional Trail Coalition Scope of Work Review
Participate in individual and group feedback opportunities to help us shape the scope of work to hire a consultant and begin work of the coalition.

1:30 | Conclusion and Final Discussion


Registration Form