Meaningful Impact
Enhancing Trail Access and Public Engagement
The Friends of Balcones Canyonlands NWR sought to enhance their new website with more engaging content about the refuge. With three public use areas featuring scenic trails, they aimed to expand public outreach as part of their Nearby Nature campaign.
GIS For The People developed an interactive trail map and downloadable GeoPDF maps to support this initiative. The interactive map allows users to zoom into each public trail area and explore trail details, including length, difficulty, and photos. The downloadable GeoPDF maps provide comprehensive trail information and are geo-coded for offline navigation using free apps like Avenza.
Looking ahead, the next phase involves collaborating with AllTrails® through its partnership with the Public Lands Alliance to update trail listings and install QR code trailhead signs, enabling visitors to access trail details on the AllTrails app.
Creating Virtual Hikes at Balcones Canyonlands NWR
The Friends of Balcones Canyonlands NWR, in collaboration with the refuge, are developing two mindfulness trails—one along the scenic creek at Doeskin Ranch and a new fully accessible trail at the Shin Oak Observation Deck.
The addition of the refuge's first accessible trail sparked conversations about how to share the beauty of more rugged areas with visitors who may not be able to explore them in person. At the same time, it highlighted a need to better showcase the existing public trails.
To meet both goals, GIS for the People proposed creating virtual hikes using 360-degree panoramic photography. The Creek Trail served as the pilot project, and plans are now underway to expand this virtual experience to other public trails throughout the refuge.
Click on the image to view a virtual hike of the Creek Trail
Mapping Advocacy for Equal Access to Transplants
The Disability Leadership Coalition of Alabama (DLCA) needed a clear, visual way to show that Alabama was one of the few states without a non-discriminatory transplant law. GIS For The People created a custom advocacy map illustrating how Alabama lagged behind in passing such legislation. This map became a key tool in engaging legislators and raising awareness.
While the flyer was created for DLCA, it was shared across multiple organizations. DLCA used it as a one pager leave behind at the state's legislative luncheon that session and advocates gave printed copies to representatives during one-on-one meetings. It was also used on social media platforms by various organizations.
In 2023, Alabama passed "Exton’s Law", ensuring individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities have equal access to life-saving organ transplants—a milestone in disability rights advocacy.
Trail Maintenance Reporting App
GIS For The People collaborated with the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands NWR to develop a trail maintenance reporting app, streamlining the process of identifying and tracking repairs for public trails on the refuge.
Compatible with iOS and Android, the app enables refuge staff and volunteers to log maintenance issues by adding descriptions and photos, with automatic location tagging. A map-based dashboard allows users to view reported issues, update their status, and track repair progress, improving efficiency in maintaining the refuge’s trails.
Promoting Guided Hikes at Balcones Canyonlands NWR
In partnership with the refuge, the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands NWR offer free Guided Hikes to the public, providing access to both designated trails and select non-public areas. To support outreach efforts promoting recreation and wildlife management, the refuge needed a promotional poster for its headquarters.
The Guided Hike Program hosted 40 hikes with 821 participants last season and is now serving as a model for other refuges looking to establish similar programs.
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