CASE STUDY | ADVOCACY
The Trail Breakfast: Building Support for the Buckeye Trail
Strengthening the relationships that will help carry our work, and the Trail, into the future.
May 12, 2026 | Ohio Chamber of Commerce, during Ohio Tourism Day | Pro bono
54
people attended the first Trail Breakfast
Sen. Tim Schaffer speaks at the Trail Breakfast.
The situation
The Ohio General Assembly passed HCR 13, which recognizes the Buckeye Trail's national significance and supports its pursuit of National Scenic Trail designation. The Buckeye Trail Association hosted its first Trail Breakfast to thank the people behind it and to bring together the people who can help shape the future of trails, outdoor recreation, and tourism in Ohio.
My part
This was a pro bono project, part of my work as a trustee of the Buckeye Trail Association, and it was supported by my fellowship with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. I led the process from the first idea to the wrap-up, and organized trustees, staff, and volunteers from across the state who brought their own expertise. Together we hosted legislators, tourism leaders, and outdoor recreation partners and told them the Buckeye Trail story. I also wrote the Trailblazer story about the day.
Who came
54 people, including 9 government and legislative leaders, 8 tourism and cultural organizations, 3 outdoor recreation partners, and 22 trustees, staff, and volunteers.
What they saw
Displays on Trail Towns, youth scholarships, volunteer trail maintenance, and the pursuit of National Scenic Trail designation. Board President Maureen Gatewood and Executive Director Andrew Bashaw shared the Buckeye Trail story.
Who we thanked
The legislators and partners who helped make HCR 13 possible each received a vial of soil collected from along the Buckeye Trail.
What it made possible
National Scenic Trail designation will need a strong voice with federal legislators, and Ohio's state legislators can be that voice. The breakfast started those relationships and gave the association a clearer story to tell for advocacy. Every survey respondent called the event impactful.
“This trail started with zero knowledge [from the Ohio legislature], and because of you and because of the Buckeye Trail's constant publicity about it, we have a 97-0 and 32-0, and we're going to get that designation.”
State Senator Steve Wilson
Left: Buckeye Trail Association Executive Director, Andrew Bashaw; Sen. Steve Wilson
Middle: Sen. Steve Wilson; Director of Travel and Tourism Policy at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce; Jill Moorhead
Right: Blue-blaze stamps designed by Ohio State artist Jenn Katilinic
Working on advocacy communications or a first event for your organization? Get in touch.
Supported by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio Environmental Stewardship Fellowship.
