Project: Land Between the Lakes National Forest Project Day
Location: Kentucky
Description: On March 25, 2026, a collaborative team of partners and volunteers gathered at Land Between the Lakes National Forest to refurbish and improve the youth Turkey Trot Trail education and motorized training trail in preparation for the spring recreation season.
With funding support from Firestone Tires and volunteer efforts from Morrison Outdoor Adventures and Black Flag Off-Road, alongside the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) team, significant improvements were made to enhance both the educational value and sustainability of the trail.
A key component of the project included the installation of two new educational signs featuring rules and regulations, incorporating the Tread Lightly! youth mascot, Lightfoot. These signs were mounted on durable cedar posts and strategically placed along the trail. Additional cedar posts were also installed to accommodate future signage and continued educational opportunities.
Simultaneously, USFS staff worked to restore trail conditions by spreading fresh gravel across the route. Over the past two recreation seasons, the existing gravel had largely absorbed into the ground, reducing trail durability and usability. The newly applied gravel will improve trail stability and accessibility for young riders and visitors.
Volunteers also conducted a thorough cleanup effort, removing approximately 225 pounds of trash from the Turkey Trot Trail and the surrounding 40 campgrounds. This effort significantly improved the environmental health and overall visitor experience within the area.
This project serves as a strong example of effective collaboration between partners, volunteers, and the USFS, demonstrating the power of stewardship and shared responsibility in maintaining and enhancing public lands.
Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
• Firestone Tires
• Morrison Outdoor Adventures
• Black Flag Off-Road
• U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
“The Forest Service greatly appreciates all efforts from volunteers and visitors to recreate responsibly in order to conserve the amazing resources that are available at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. We simply cannot do this work alone. The restoration of the Turkey Trot Trail highlights the importance of Tread Lightly, especially for a trail that is dedicated for youth to learn and develop sustainable practices.” – Jack Seisser, Assistant OHV/Trails Program Manager
“Being part of the Turkey Trot Trail restoration was a reminder of how much impact a small group can make when people are willing to step up. We focused on restoring sections of the trail and made it a point to clean up trash left behind—because maintaining access isn’t just about building and repairing, it’s about respect for the land. Work like this matters. If we want to keep these trails open, it starts with the community taking ownership—cleaning up after ourselves, leaving things better than we found them, and setting the standard for others who come behind us. We’re proud to be part of efforts like this and look forward to continuing to support keeping these trails in good shape.” -Diana Jackson, Black Flag Off-Road
“Morrison’s Outdoor Adventures is committed to reconnecting individuals and groups through the outdoors. Access to public lands and trails is essential to fulfilling this mission, making stewardship efforts like cleanup projects critically important. As a family-run business, we are passionate about preserving these spaces for future generations. Involving our two teenage sons in these efforts reinforces the value of conservation and responsible recreation. As a homeschooling family, we also prioritize community service, using opportunities like this to instill humility, stewardship, and a willingness to give back.” -Sarah Morrison, Morrison’s Outdoor Adventures
Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events, and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.
