UW and CSU Partner to Offer Free Webinar Series on Outdoor Recreation

The University of Wyoming has partnered with Colorado State University to offer monthly webinars addressing opportunities and challenges in the outdoor recreation industry.

Titled "Outdoor Recreation Knowledge Exchange: Wyoming and Colorado Roundup," the inaugural five-session series is a collaborative effort organized by UW Extension, UW's Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Initiative and CSU's Office of Engagement and Extension. The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office also are involved in the project.

The webinar series, which begins later this month and runs through February, is designed to share resources and facilitate networking opportunities for outdoor recreation providers, outdoor retailers, local nonprofits, public land managers and policymakers. Outdoor recreationists, volunteers and students also are welcome to attend.

"This series offers valuable insights that can benefit anyone involved in or passionate about outdoor recreation projects," says Hailey Sorg, WORTH extension educator. "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."

Discussion topics include workforce development, public-private partnerships, resources for launching new outdoor recreation projects and the future of outdoor recreation in the West.

Speakers include representatives of Wyoming State Parks, the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, Colorado Workforce Center and the Bureau of Land Management, as well as industry experts and university professionals.

The first webinar is Thursday, Oct. 24, from noon-1:30 p.m. Subsequent sessions will be held Thursday, Nov. 14; Thursday, Dec. 12; Thursday, Jan. 9; and Thursday, Feb. 13. Details are provided below; registration can be completed at https://bit.ly/outdoor-rec-knowledge-exchange-2024. Participants must register for each webinar individually.

Dates and topics for the five webinars are as follows. All sessions begin at noon and conclude at 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 24 -- Workforce Development in Outdoor Recreation

Nov. 14 -- Public-Private Partnerships in Outdoor Recreation

Dec. 12 -- Getting Your Outdoor Recreation Idea from Concept to Fruition: Resources, Tips and Tricks

Jan. 9 -- Lessons Learned in Outdoor Recreation Development

Feb. 13 -- Research and Resilience in Outdoor Recreation

For more information on the upcoming webinar series, go here. Email Sorg at [email protected] or call (307) 235-9400 with questions.

About University of Wyoming Extension

UW Extension serves Wyoming communities by helping residents apply university research and resources to practical problems. Since 1914, UW Extension has provided educational programs and tools to the state's 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. From 4-H programming and pesticide safety education to food preservation and nutrition courses, UW Extension upholds the university's land-grant mission by offering learning opportunities for people of all ages.

UW Extension staff help Wyoming residents boost agricultural production, care for lawns and gardens, cultivate future leaders, support individual and community well-being, and develop thriving businesses. To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwe or call (307) 766-5124.