Trails are places to connect,
a place to champion justice, and forge healthy, thriving communities.
a place to champion justice, and forge healthy, thriving communities.
When trails are just, they are more than just trails.
Why Just-Trails?
Are you a champion for trails as a path to a more just and sustainable future?
Everyone deserves the restorative joy of walking through nature.
A just trail welcomes all people.
A just trail kindles environmental stewardship.
A just trail acknowledges history and honors culture.
A just trail forges healthy, thriving communities.
If you are working with trails to regenerate nature and communities, then let us walk together!
Connect with fellow trail champions around the world.
Learn about inclusive and community-led trail plans.
Access practical resources such as for school curriculum, climate risk assessment, affinity groups, or trail design.
About Julie Judkins
As a Consultant, Educator, and Project Manager, Julie is Co-Founder of Just-Trails, centered on regenerating nature and communities through the connective power of trails.
She advances justice and equity through technical assistance for healthy communities and consults on capacity building for environmental justice, including through the EPA’s Community Change Grant. Julie serves on the boards of the Partnership for the National Trails System and the World Trails Network. She holds a BA from NCSU and a Master’s from Duke.
She’s a mom, gardener, cook, and outdoor enthusiast.
Steering Committee Member
Board of Directors,
Board of Directors,
Recent Work
Technical Assistance
Providing technical assistance and supporting communities through programs such as:
Community Change Grants, focused on environmental justice through climate resilience and pollution reduction
The Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program through the U.S. EPA, Washington, DC and the Appalachian Regional Commission
International Leadership & Program Development
Creating a global World Trails Ambassador program that supports rising leaders to build local action plans with a focus on their own community needs, honoring their specific culture and place. She currently serves as the World Trails Network's Co-Chair of the International Steering Committee for the 2024 and 2026 World Trails Conferences, as well as the Co-Chair of the Education and Inclusive Engagement Task Team.
Connecting schools and communities along the Camino de Costa Rica to those along the Appalachian Trail with a goal of sharing bilingual, environmental curricular resources and facilitate cultural exchange.
Equity and Inclusion
Creating a board committee of the Partnership of the National Trails System to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in trail organizations, currently serving as co-chair.
Leading the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Emerging Leaders' Summit, and partnership with the Children's Forest Network to deliver professional development workshops and foster youth leadership in the outdoors.
Serving on the leadership team of the regional coalition, Everybody’s Environment, and the advisory group of the Growing Outdoor Communities in Western North Carolina.
Working almost 20 years to foster a culture of inclusion at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), Julie’s work cultivated greater strength and resilience within and beyond the organization as she worked with managers to protect the Appalachian Trail and its greater ecosystem of communities and people. As the Director of Education and Outreach, Julie developed ATC’s networks of new people and partners through education initiatives, youth programs and community partnerships. She continues to consult with the ATC, as well as other trail organizations and communities.
Prior to ATC, Julie served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Armenia, and also worked with Hurricane Island Outward Bound in Key Largo for opportunity youth. She has a BA in Communications from North Carolina State University and a Masters of Environmental Management through Duke’s Environmental Leadership program at the Nicholas School of Environment. During family time, she loves volunteering on trails and paddling down the river with her son.
Clients
I had the privilege of working with Julie as we worked to plan the first fully digital Emerging Leaders' Summit for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Julie showcased exemplary executive oversight, provided clear visions of expected work goals and outcomes, oversaw the development of the Summit, and helped to keep multiple employees in many time zones (including international!) on track to meet established deadlines. Julie's sincere upbeat attitude combined with her perfect balance of professionalism and personal connection, made my time working with her last summer all the more rewarding. Julie made herself available to help troubleshoot any problems as they arose, and also served as a great mentor helping me to gain valuable insights into the world of conservation and event planning. With each meeting we had, I found myself genuinely looking forward to meeting with her and would recommend Julie to any prospective team.
Christina Oyelowo
USDA Forest Service
USDA Forest Service
Julie is like a breath of fresh air. No doubt, her enthusiasm and commitment to trails and outdoor recreation has shaped the lives and careers of many during her 18 years with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. She and I first met at a conference 10+ years ago. She was managing the Appalachian Trail Community Program and I was managing a similar program at the time. We connected instantly regarding how trails can transform both communities and the people who live in them. In the years since, I've watched as the A.T. program grew to include over 50 communities under Julie's direction. Even more impressive was Julie's work with students and young professionals seeking to build trail careers. It's exciting to know Julie is on the horizon of new projects and initiatives that put a focus on justice and inclusion and draw upon her impressive tenure along one of America's most iconic trails.
Amy Camp
Cycle Forward
Cycle Forward