At SORBA, we know that world-class singletrack relies not only on passionate volunteer advocacy, but also on a thriving, professional trail-building industry. That is why we were thrilled to have our Executive Director, Philip Darden, represent SORBA on stage at the Great Trails State Conference in Winston-Salem, NC, participating in an inspiring panel discussion on the evolution of trail construction and workforce development.
About the Great Trails State Conference
Hosted by the Great Trails State Coalition at the Benton Convention Center, the Great Trails State Conference stands as the premier gathering for trail professionals, planners, designers, builders, land managers, and community leaders across North Carolina.
The conference serves as a dynamic forum for sharing best practices, exploring innovative funding models, and advancing trail and greenway development. From hands-on field trips to technical sessions, the event highlights how connected, sustainable trail networks drive local economies, boost tourism, and elevate public health.
Panel Focus: The Trail Builder Economy
As part of the Building the Outdoor Economy track, Philip Darden joined a stellar group of regional trail leaders for a panel session titled “The Trail Builder Economy – How Trail Building Became a Professional Career.”
The discussion explored how public-private partnerships have become the dominant engine behind modern trail networks—placing long-term environmental sustainability first, with an elevated user experience a close second. As community demand for high-quality trails skyrockets, expanded workforce training and professional career pathways are vital for the long-term sustainability of our trail systems.
Featured Panelists Included:
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Philip Darden | Executive Director, SORBA
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Chris Kehmeier | Executive Director, Pisgah Area SORBA
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Jessie Birckhead | Executive Director, Conservation Corps of NC
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Jeremy Poore | Director – Trail School and Outdoor Economy Division, McDowell Tech Community College
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Joseph Litkaer | Founder, Black Diamond Designs, Inc.
Together, the panelists brought a complete 360-degree view of the trail ecosystem, spanning regional advocacy, local chapter leadership, youth workforce training, higher education curriculum, and professional private contracting.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
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Cross-Sector Synergies: How non-profits, educational institutions, private contractors, and government agencies can collaborate to build durable trail careers.
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Education & Workforce Training: The vital role of specialized programs—such as McDowell Tech’s Trail School and the Conservation Corps of NC—in equipping the next generation of professional builders.
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Elevated Trail Experiences: Designing and constructing trails that withstand heavy user traffic while delivering the exciting, high-quality riding experiences modern mountain bikers expect.
Gratitude & Looking Ahead
Events like the Great Trails State Conference reinforce the power of working together across every corner of the outdoor industry.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Great Trails State Coalition for hosting an outstanding conference and providing a platform to highlight these critical workforce conversations.
A special thank you to Chris Kehmeier, Jessie Birckhead, Jeremy Poore, and Joseph Litkaer for sharing the stage, offering their deep expertise, and championing the future of the trail building profession. Together, we are building more than just trails; we are building sustainable careers and stronger communities across the Southeast!