JACKSONVILLE, AL – Orginally reported by Brett Bucker of Jax State’s Media Department, Dr. Ross Martin and Jacksonville State University’s Trail Science Institute have received a $25,000 grant to partner with the Trust for Public Land, advancing outdoor recreation projects across the Appalachian region.
The grant is part of a $10 million investment from the Appalachian Regional Commission to help communities tap into the nation’s $1.1 trillion outdoor economy. It will allow Jax State to collaborate with local leaders to plan, fund, and implement outdoor recreation initiatives that create jobs, enhance health, attract visitors, and build climate resilience.
“The big goals of the grant are to plan, build, and promote outdoor recreation in communities throughout the Appalachian region,” said Dr. Martin, associate professor of geology. “My and Jax State’s role in that will be to offer trail building and sustainable trail maintenance classes to those communities that need it, or maybe that can’t afford it on their own.”
The funds will cover travel expenses in addition to direct program support. Locally, the Trail Science Institute plans to expand its trail tool library, provide research support, and fund student travel to academic conferences.
“I plan to use the funds to help build up my trail tool library so that the trail building class and other local trail groups can use them,” Dr. Martin explained. “Some of the funds will go to research support and funding for students to travel to conferences. I also hope to use some of the money to improve and support the trails in our area.”
Dr. Martin emphasized that the grant not only benefits regional outdoor projects but also helps elevate Jax State’s visibility across Appalachia.
“When I go to these communities to talk about trails and outdoor recreation, I will get to talk about the cool research and teaching that I am doing at Jax State,” he said. “I will be essentially advertising for Jax State. Jacksonville is surrounded by opportunities for outdoor and trail-based recreation. I hope this opportunity shows what Jax State has to offer.”
The initiative highlights Jax State’s growing role in connecting education, recreation, and community development while fostering opportunities for both students and regional partners.
