Trail recreation is growing in popularity as more people are getting outdoors for wellness, camaraderie, and connection to the natural world. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated this growth in the Stowe area and across Vermont, as more long-time residents and recent migrants have gotten out to enjoy our public and conserved lands. However, trail recreation is not ecologically neutral and leads to disturbance of forests and wildlife. What do we know about the effects trail recreation has on wildlife and how do we manage trails to minimize their disturbance? Stowe Land Trust’s Conservation Program Manager and ecologist, Meredith Naughton, will share what science can tell us and what can be done to promote access to the outdoors for everyone, along with an ecologically functional landscape.