Mass Audubon releases Accessible Trails Manual – free!

Dear Friends,

Mass Audubon (an Access Recreation Boston member organization) is pleased to announce the release of our Accessible Trails Guidelines Manual, a FREE comprehensive guidebook for developing and sustaining accessible interpreted trails. With this, we hope to share what we have learned with other organizations that seek to build nature trails for people of all abilities. The manual provides ideas for collaborative partnerships, developing and testing trail materials with volunteer expert users and resource professionals, and outreach. Get the manual >

Since 2008, Mass Audubon has installed 12 “All Persons Trails” at wildlife sanctuaries across the state. These half- to quarter-mile trails are constructed to physically meet or exceed Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and thus feature smooth, gentle grades for improved access by foot, stroller, or wheelchair. All feature multi-sensory interpretive content to provide a richer experience for visitors with a wide range of abilities. Find a trail near you >

A fun note about this short video on the making of the trails: Mass Audubon staff met Mark Priest, featured in the video, and the writer/producer/director, Kathryn Dietz, at Access Rec conferences!

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and project partners from Perkins School and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Outdoor Access Program.

We hope that you enjoy the manual. Please feel free to share with your constituency and/or reach out to me directly with any questions.
All the best,

Lucy Gertz

Statewide Education Projects Manager
Education Department
Massachusetts Audubon Society
208 South Great Road
Lincoln, MA  01773

Phone 781-259-2177
Fax 781-259-2377
Email  lgertz@massaudubon.org