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In this episode of Beyond the Park Bench, we sit down with Karen Lutz, former Director of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. With over 30 years of experience in parks and recreation, Karen reflects on her career, the trail development projects she helped bring to life, and the dedicated teams and volunteers who made it all possible.

We explore the power of volunteerism, the importance of providing purpose and guidance to those who volunteer, and Karen’s advice for emerging leaders looking to make an impact in the field.

💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✅ How Karen led and accomplished several major trail development projects

✅ The role of volunteerism and how to inspire and guide volunteers

✅ Leadership lessons from a 30+ year career in parks and recreation

✅ Advice for emerging leaders looking to grow in the field

✅ The importance of teamwork, collaboration, and a shared vision

Karen’s passion for trails, conservation, and leadership shines through in this inspiring conversation.