There is something rejuvenating about being in creation: the sound of boots on a trail, the wind in the trees, and the river flowing over the rocks. Kathy and I often find ourselves on those paths. One day, while we were watching the wildlife, a group of people came toward us carrying tools and equipment. They were a maintenance team inspecting the trail for erosion and bridge safety. I was surprised by how quickly and efficiently they repaired areas or reinforced a creek crossing. Before long, they were moving on down the trail.
Without teams of trail designers, engineers, safety personnel, and all the connected businesses, like restaurants, outfitters, and bike mechanics, our outdoor experiences would not be the same.
At McDowell Tech, that industry has taken shape in a new way through our Outdoor Economy Department, led by Jeremy Poore, Director of Outdoor Economy. Based at the Old Fort Workforce Education Center, Jeremy’s work is helping transform our region’s natural assets into educational and economic opportunity. Our vision is clear and growing in five key areas: Trail School, Recreation, Related Services, Public Safety, and Leadership.
The Trail School continues to serve as the cornerstone of this effort. Students are learning the fundamentals of trail building, maintenance, and stewardship. These skills combine environmental care with hands-on technical training. This year, we continue to equip students with the knowledge and experience to plan and construct sustainable trails that meet the highest standards of safety and conservation.
We are also launching courses that directly respond to the needs of our partners in land management and outdoor recreation. In collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, students will have the opportunity to earn chainsaw operation credentials, receive ATV driver training, and gain experience that can lead to careers maintaining public lands.
Our Recreation and Related Services initiatives will expand to include Wilderness First Aid, which is a course providing essential training for those who guide, camp, or work in the outdoors, and Expedition Leadership, which is a hands-on experience designed to strengthen teamwork, communication, and resilience in real-world settings. These programs support not only tourism and hospitality but also public safety and environmental education.
When we talk about the outdoor economy, we are really talking about people: the students who are learning new skills, the families whose livelihoods depend on outdoor tourism, and the communities that benefit when those two intersect. The work happening at the Old Fort Workforce Education Center is possible only through collaboration with partners like the McDowell Trails Association, Camp Grier, and the G5 Trail Collective. Together, they’ve shown what can happen when education and economic development walk the same trail.
As author John Maxwell reminds us, “Growth inside fuels growth outside.” That growth begins with students discovering new strengths, instructors sharing their expertise, and partners who share a vision for sustainable progress. Together, we are shaping an outdoor economy that values both work and wonder.
Whether you are interested in a new career, a new skill, or simply a deeper connection to the land we call home, I invite you to join us. Visit www.mcdowelltech.edu to explore our upcoming courses and programs. You may just find that your next great adventure begins right here, Right Where You Belong.
