Partner: Municipality of Ciales, Puerto Rico
Date: 2023-2024
Assistance Areas: Municipal Government, Greenway Design, Floodplain Planning, Site Design, Ecological Conservation, Outdoor Recreation
Partnered with the Municipality of Ciales through a collaboration between NPS-RTCA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop a visionary greenway concept within a designated FEMA floodplain. The project responded to the relocation of homes and businesses out of the flood zone, reimagining the area as a resilient public green space adapted to climate realities. The plan connected the town’s urban core with the Río Grande de Manatí and the surrounding Zona Cársica conservation area. It proposed a network of multi-use trails, passive recreation areas, and designated access points for camping, kayaking, birdwatching, and outdoor education. Emphasizing flood adaptation and long-term ecological health, the design incorporated green infrastructure, native tree planting strategies, a visitor center concept, and accessible trailheads. Extensive community input shaped the location and character of amenities, resulting in a cohesive vision that supports recreation, climate resiliency, and cultural connection.
Partner: Buena Vista County Conservation Board & Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Date: 2022-2023
Assistance Areas: Water Trail, Community Engagement, Regional Planning
Contributed to planning efforts for the 200-mile Inkpaduta Water Trail on the Little Sioux River, spanning eight counties in northwest Iowa, in coordination with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Water Trail Program, eight County Conservation Boards, local governments and Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Facilitated partner participation and collaboration, designed public engagement strategies, and conducted a comprehensive river access inventory to evaluate signage, infrastructure, and accessibility to inform targeted improvements. The resulting plan helped meet prerequisites for state designation and aligned with local priorities for environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and regional identity.
Partner: City of Valentine, Nebraska
Date: 2022–2023
Assistance Areas: Community Engagement, Local Government, Site Design, Trail Planning, Regional Planning
Led the development of a comprehensive Parks & Trails Master Plan for Valentine, a rural gateway community near the Niobrara National Scenic River in Northwest Nebraska. The planning process included trail, park, and facility assessments; robust community engagement; and a facilitated visioning process. A phased strategy was developed to establish clear priorities and guide implementation over time, with the goal of enhancing recreation infrastructure and positioning Valentine as a destination for nature-based tourism. A key deliverable was a bicycle and pedestrian plan that connects local routes to the regional Cowboy Trail, enhancing multimodal access and supporting active transportation in and around the community. The planning process was conducted in close collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including the City of Valentine, Cherry County Tourism, Niobrara National Scenic River (NPS), Middle Niobrara NRD, Niobrara Council, Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Valentine Economic Development, Nebraska Game and Parks, the Chamber of Commerce, and local outfitters and recreation industry representatives.
Partner: Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
Date: 2022
Assistance Areas: Nonprofit, Community Engagement, Cultural Resources, Interpretation
Supported local project to highlight African American heritage sites along the Mississippi River and developed a prototype interpretive plan for trail users in Davenport, Iowa. The project produced a map of key historical sites and narrative content shared via physical and web-based platforms, supporting inclusive storytelling and heritage tourism. The materials were presented at the Iowa Trails Summit and distributed to local cycling groups.