Beyond the Trailhead: How Access Can Build Advocacy

Join us as we talk with Maddie Bartosh, Trail Programs Manager at Rutherford Outdoor Coalition. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Maddie studied psychology and biology at Coastal Carolina University before heading to Western North Carolina to work with ROC. She served two 11-month terms as an AmeriCorps Trails and Education Coordinator, where she led trail workdays across 18.5 miles of trail in Rutherford County, guided outings on local trails and the Broad River, and helped coordinate youth education programs. That experience sparked a deep love for outdoor recreation, especially sustainable trail building, land stewardship, and youth education. Now as Trail Programs Manager, Maddie oversees trail programming, strengthens partnerships with groups like Conserving Carolina and the Carolina Climbers’ Coalition, and continues to engage volunteers and community members in meaningful outdoor work. She is currently developing a Regenerative Tourism Program for the Lake Lure area and a streambank restoration plan for the Broad River following Hurricane Helene, both aimed at connecting more people to the land and waters that make Rutherford County special.