The Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Community Needs Assessment completed in 2019 indicated that more community parks and greenspaces are a priority of Campbell County residents. The Extension Environmental Advisory Council took on a project to encourage walking, hiking, and exploration in our communities. The Extension Agent for Natural Resources and Environmental Management provided frequent meetings with the council, cities, and planning and development services to design and promote the Campbell County Trail Passport Project highlighting 20 trail maps featuring over 40 miles of walking and hiking trails in Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, Southgate, Wilder, Highland Heights, Cold Spring, Fort Thomas, Alexandria, Melbourne, and the unincorporated county.

 https://campbell.ca.uky.edu/campbell-county-trail-passport

The first challenge event was held in fall 2021, requiring people to hike all 20 trails in exchange for a hat featuring a logo that was developed to promote the project. 29 individuals completed that challenge event. A second challenge event occurred in spring 2022 with 31 people finishing that event. The most recent challenge event happened April 15 – June 30, 2024. 18 individuals completed the event this spring. Evaluations completed by the participants indicate that each person spent 19 hours on the trails and walked / hiked 22 miles. In total, 78 participants walked / hiked 1716 miles and spent 1482 hours in parks and greenspaces throughout the county because of these challenge events.

These challenge events were popular with families. About half of the program participants were kids. Evaluations indicated that all individuals reported feeling better after the hiking experience. The events encouraged economic development in the areas featured. 73% of individuals indicated that they stopped for fuel, food, etc. while exploring communities.

Individuals provided testimonials as well. “I have just finished filling out the survey for the Trail Passport Challenge. My friend and I did this together, so we've combined both of our photo documentations into one google doc, linked here. We had such a great time walking through all of these parks!” – Abby De Angelis, Ft. Thomas, KY and Kain Womack, Cincinnati, OH. 

“I forgot pictures at 3 of the locations (I thought from the flyer that they were optional), but I walked all 20 parks! The Highland Heights Nature Trail was a hidden gem. Alexandria Community Park had some nice native plants. AJ Jolly has so many trails! That's always appreciated. Couldn't believe I had never hiked the Environmental Education Center's trails out there.” - Cole Perry, Ft. Thomas, KY.

“I really enjoyed this challenge! Thank you for organizing it. If any opportunities to volunteer to clear or maintain the trails come available please send me an email.” – Matthew Franck, Mentor, KY.