Trust for Public Land Resources
The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors, offers how-to guides to articles and toolkits, and an extensive library of resources that help communities make the case for parks, open space, and conservation policies.
One great example resource is The Health Benefits of Parks. their recent publication, 
South Jersey Trails
A free-to-access blog and Facebook group highlighting trails across all of southern NJ. From the shore to the Pine Barrens, to Camden City, South Jersey Trails is an excellent resource for getting hiking in South Jersey.
Link to blog: https://southjerseytrails.org/
Link to Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/339515596184011
Workshop Recording
Slides download link.
Additional Free Resources
Forest Bathing... In Camden?
Believe it or not, Camden City is home to a growing number of parks and green spaces where the public can experience the benefits of forest bathing. Camden is reclaiming its natural spaces, offering peaceful retreats amidst the urban landscape. A prime example is Cramer Hill Nature Preserve, a property operated by the Camden Municipal Utilies Authority, wooded trails with breathtaking views of the Delaware River, deer, and bald eagles has now been reopened for the public. Soon, Petty’s Island, a once privately owned industrial site, will reopen as a nature preserve, providing even more opportunities to immerse in the healing power of nature. These green spaces, along with others throughout the city, offer Camden residents a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the natural world, right in their own backyard.
To find these and additional green spaces in Camden and beyond, check out the Camden Conservation Blueprint mapping tool which displays community green space and parks in an interactive map.
"Blue" trails in Camden
Did you know? You can go paddling right in Camden on the Cooper River! This hidden gem offers a peaceful escape for kayakers and canoeists, winding through parks, wetlands, and urban landscapes. The river provides a unique vantage point of Camden’s green spaces, including Gateway Park and Farnham Park, while also connecting to the Delaware River for more adventurous routes.
Organizations like the Center for Aquatic Sciences offer guided paddles and educational experiences, helping participants explore local waterways while learning about Camden’s aquatic ecosystems. Plus, if you’re looking for a fun community event, check out Floatopia, an annual event held by the Upstream Alliance that brings people together to paddle, float, and celebrate the Delaware River and its back channel. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, Camden’s waterways offer a refreshing way to connect with nature, right in the heart of the city.
More information about paddling programs in Camden: https://aquaticsciences.org/kayaking/
More information about floatopia: https://sjclimate.news/3999/features/floating-parade-envisions-a-swimmable-delaware-river-in-camden/
