2024 National Outdoor Recreation Conference

The 2024 National Outdoor Recreation Conference in Stateline, Nevada, by the beautiful Lake Tahoe, was quite an adventure! I wasn't quite ready for the touch of winter weather, but it definitely added to the experience. I had the incredible opportunity to meet so many inspiring folks, including reconnecting with several members of the board of directors (past and present) and even met the very first president of our organization! Their passion and dedication were truly contagious.

Reflecting on my career, I realized just how much this organization had supported my professional journey. From offering invaluable resources and educational opportunities to providing a network of like-minded professionals, it had been instrumental in my growth and success. The mentorship and guidance I received were transformative, helping me navigate challenges and enjoy new opportunities.

 

To kick off the National Outdoor Recreation Conference, we had an amazing time at South Lake Brewing Company for our board of directors reunion! The atmosphere was welcoming, the folks were super friendly, and the beer was absolutely delicious. I especially loved their stout and hot wings – a perfect combo! Plus, their logo is really cool and adds to the charm of the place. If you're in the area, this place is a must-visit.

 

I got to endcap my first day of the conference with an unforgettable evening on the M.S. Dixie II dinner cruise around Lake Tahoe! The views were absolutely incredible – the shimmering lake and stunning mountains created a perfect backdrop for a memorable night.  The food was excellent, with a delicious variety that made the experience even more special. The staff were perfect, providing top-notch service and adding to the overall fantastic atmosphere of the evening. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend checking out this amazing cruise for a truly memorable dining experience.

 

Our first conference field experience took us to Van Sickle Bi-State Park, a somewhat newer park that straddles Nevada and California! We had the unique opportunity to learn about the challenges and rewards of managing a park across two states. The visit was incredibly informative, as we were introduced to many dedicated staff members from the Nevada State Park System. Their insights into park management were fascinating and provided us with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved. Connecting with such knowledgeable professionals and exploring this beautiful park made for an enriching start to our field experiences.

 

Our next stop took us to Spooner Lake, where we were greeted by a fresh layer of snow on the ground! The wintery setting added an extra layer of beauty to our visit. We attended a panel presentation from forestry and park professionals who shared insights into the unique challenges of managing this area. Nestled in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Spooner Backcountry is a true recreational and natural oasis, featuring a lake surrounded by aspens and over 12,000 acres of forested, open space.

 

Our last stop for the day was Sand Harbor State Park, where we were dropped off near the visitor center for a well-deserved lunch break. After recharging, we began our tour of the park with a leisurely stroll around the general area. We had a beachside discussion with professionals about the park's visitation challenges, which provided valuable insights into their management strategies. From there, we set out on the East Shore Trail—a truly breathtaking hike! Along the trail, we made several stops to chat with experts about their experiences managing visitor numbers, water resources, and trail development. Their stories of both challenges and successes were incredibly inspiring.

I took too many pictures to post them all, but trust me—it was absolutely stunning. The Tahoe East Shore Trail, often dubbed “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway,” offers spectacular views and direct access to public beaches, coves, and trails along the scenic Nevada shoreline. Open since June 2019, this 3-mile paved trail has been a monumental project involving multiple federal, state, and local governments. It provides unparalleled access to Lake Tahoe and has transformed the way we enjoy this beautiful stretch of North Lake Tahoe. This visit was a wonderful reminder of the diverse and expansive recreational opportunities this area has to offer. Looking forward to more discoveries on our journey!

 

To wrap up our day of field experiences, I joined a group of conference attendees for dinner and drinks at State Line Brewery. The place had an awesome vibe—walk through the doors and head downstairs into the brewery for a speakeasy-style experience.  I ordered their buffalo wings (of course!) and while I didn’t sample their beer, I enjoyed a smooth Woodford Bourbon on the rocks. It was the perfect way to end a fantastic day of exploring and learning. Cheers to great company, delicious food, and a memorable day at the conference!

 

Thursday at NORC 2024 was a whirlwind of educational sessions and my own presentation—yikes! I had the honor of leading a panel discussion on the future of outdoor recreation programs in higher education, joined by three incredible colleagues: Dr. Zajchowski from the University of Idaho, Dr. Goldberg from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and CJ Blye from RC Strategies. Our panel delved into the next chapter of outdoor recreation in academia, sharing insights, thoughts, and concerns about the evolving landscape. The discussion was vibrant and engaging, and while we ran out of time before we could address all the questions from the audience, the conversation was incredibly valuable. I’m excited to continue this dialogue and reconnect with everyone on this important topic. A special thank you to all who participated and contributed to such a thought-provoking session!

 

To wrap up the National Outdoor Recreation Conference, attendees were invited to a social at the Basecamp Beer Garden—a rustic indoor/outdoor space with local draft brews, games, and regular live music. The live music and great brews created a fantastic atmosphere, though it did get a bit chilly. I ended up heading back to my hotel room for my hoodie in May, a true testament to my Southern roots.

 

Despite the chill, it was a wonderful evening reconnecting with colleagues and friends. I enjoyed catching up and reflecting on the incredible conference we had the pleasure of attending. I tried to take some fun photos to remember the night, lots of smiles! I had to leave a bit early to catch my red-eye flight back home, but it was a perfect way to close out the 2024 conference. Until next time!

This conference reminded me of the immense value of professional associations. They provide a platform for personal and professional development, offering networking opportunities, industry insights, and the chance to learn from the best in the field. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned professional, being part of such communities is invaluable!  

The National Outdoor Recreation Conference (NORC) is hosted by the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP). For more information about SORP, visit www.recpro.org.