In Episode 99, the hosts welcome Heather Klein Olson, Executive Director of the American Hiking Society, for a wide-ranging conversation about trail stewardship, outdoor access, advocacy, and how hikers of all experience levels can get involved in protecting and enjoying public lands.
Heather shares her personal journey from growing up near Indiana Dunes to leading one of the nation’s foremost hiking advocacy organizations. The discussion explores AHS programs that support trail conservation, volunteerism, and community engagement — while also addressing current challenges facing outdoor recreation and public lands.
The episode also highlights how hiking doesn’t have to start with big mountains or long trips — sometimes it simply begins with stepping outside for a few minutes and building community around being outdoors.
Topics Covered
- Heather’s path to becoming Executive Director of American Hiking Society
- The mission and impact of American Hiking Society
- Volunteer Vacations and trail stewardship across the U.S.
- Alternative Break trips for college students
- New family-friendly volunteer programs
- National Trails Day and its nationwide impact
- Next Gen Trail Leaders program
- Advocacy efforts through Hike the Hill in Washington, D.C.
- Supporting trails during federal staffing and funding challenges
- Technology and access: hiking exoskeleton demo experiences
- How beginners can start hiking
- The importance of outdoor community and accountability partners
- The economic and social importance of public lands
Key Highlights
- AHS coordinates 35–45 volunteer trail projects annually across the country.
- Volunteers range from teens to participants in their 80s.
- National Trails Day now includes events in all 50 states, engaging tens of thousands of people each year.
- AHS operates with a small but mighty staff, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers annually.
- Outdoor access benefits not just hikers, but also gateway communities and local economies.
Advice for New Hikers
Heather’s simple starting advice:
- Go outside for five minutes.
- Walk around the block or visit a local park.
- Find an accountability partner or hiking group.
- Start small and build consistency.
Hiking doesn’t have to mean mountains — it can start with simply walking outdoors.
How Listeners Can Get Involved
Listeners can support or engage with American Hiking Society by:
- Donating or joining the Summit Club monthly giving program
- Participating in Volunteer Vacations
- Attending or organizing events for National Trails Day
- Following AHS on social media
- Joining advocacy efforts like Hike the Hill
- Volunteering on AHS committees
- Purchasing gear through the AHS online store
More info: AmericanHiking.org
Notable Moment
Heather discusses testing a hiking exoskeleton device that helped hikers conserve energy and improved mobility — showing how technology is expanding access to outdoor experiences.
Closing Notes
Episode 99 sets the stage for the podcast’s upcoming 100th episode celebration, marking a milestone for the show while spotlighting the importance of protecting and sharing outdoor spaces for future generations.
Gallery
