Compiled and edited by members of the NET Communications and Executive Committees: Natalie Chin, Kristen Devlin, Mercedes Fraser, Molly McManus, Ann Savage, and April Turner.
Table of Contents
- Letter from NET Vice Chair, Natalie Chin
- NET Webinar update: “Agritourism: Understanding Benefits, Challenges and Needs throughout the USA” on October 6, 2026.
- Updates from the NET Design Team and Partners
- NET personnell changes
- Call for volunteers – join the NET Communications Committee!
- NET 2027 Conference Update
- “Destination Ready” Webinar Series concludes June 6 with a look at mental health for tourism workforce
- University of Minnesota Extension agritourism emergency planning resources
- Regional Spotlight on the Western Region
- Ride Utah! Expanding Access to Outdoor Recreation Through Extension
- New Report Explores the Contributions and Impacts of Montana’s Museums and Paleontological Tourism
- 2026 Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit – Call for Proposals and Mark Your Calendars
- Updates from Agritourism and Outdoor Recreation Working Groups
- Agritourism Working Group Update
- Outdoor Recreation Working Group Update
Letter from NET Vice Chair, Natalie Chin
Dear National Extension Tourism NETwork,
I’m honored to be stepping into the role of Vice Chair for NET, as of last month. I’ve been a member of the Design Team since 2020, serving as the North Central region’s Sea Grant representative. I also chaired the 2023 Conference in Milwaukee, WI, and have been a member of the Communications Committee since 2021. My involvement with NET has been a highlight of my work, particularly because of the connections that it’s allowed me to build since I started with Wisconsin Sea Grant in 2019.
This past week, I helped play host to attendees of the 2026 National Outdoor Recreation Conference, which took place in Duluth, MN, from May 11-14. It was invigorating and inspiring to be in community with over 500 other outdoor recreation professionals from across the United States – and several other countries – and a great reminder of the importance of our work to connect people and place. As spring finally starts to bloom here in northern Wisconsin, I am feeling hopeful about what’s to come!
In this edition of the quarterly NET newsletter, you’ll find spotlights from the Western region, which will host the 2027 NET Conference from October 18-21, 2027, in the Jackson Hole region of Wyoming. And don’t forget that you can also stay up to date on all things NET by connecting with us on LinkedIn.
Wishing you all a happy end to May and beyond,
Natalie Chin, Ph.D.
Outreach Specialist
Wisconsin Sea Grant
Webinar: Agritourism — Understanding Benefits, Challenges and Needs throughout the USA
Join NET for a webinar on October, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET, which will explore the questions, “What are the primary concerns and challenges for agritourism operators in the USA — and how are these concerns being addressed?” This webinar summarizes key findings from interviews with farmers and a nationwide survey of agritourism operators conducted in 2025.
Hosted by the Global Agritourism Network and the National Extension Tourism Network, this webinar will be moderated by Lisa Chase of University of Vermont Extension. Panelists include Claire Whitehouse from the University of Vermont Center for Rural Studies who led the survey research; Rusty Rumley from the National Agricultural Law Center who will share the latest information regarding liability and regulations impacting agritourism; Americo Vega-Labiosa and Annelise Straw from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service discussing programs that support agritourism; and Scottie Jones from Leaping Lamb Farm in Oregon who will talk about ways that farmers, ranchers, tourism professionals, and policymakers can use this information to strengthen agritourism locally, regionally, nationally, and even internationally. Register for the webinar here.
Updates from the NET Design Team and Partners
NET personnel changes
The NET Design Team would like to thank two outgoing Design Team members for their service to the NETwork. Gwynn Stewart, who served as Vice Chair from January – March 2026, and Hailey Sorg, who served as the NET 2027 Conference Chair and co-chair of the Outdoor Recreation Working Group, have both taken new positions outside of Extension. Thank you, Gwynn and Hailey!
Natalie Chin, Outreach Specialist Wisconsin Sea Grant, was elected to fill the Vice Chair role vacated by Gwynn. Taylor Kruger, Assistant Research Scientist with the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute at the University of Wyoming, has stepped forward to take the lead on the 2027 conference planning. Thank you, Natalie and Taylor, for stepping forward to serve NET!
Call for volunteers – join the NET communications committee!
Are you interested in becoming more involved in NET? Joining a committee is a great way to get to know other members of the NETwork and to contribute to the organization. Currently, NET is seeking volunteers to join the Communications Committee. The communications committee meets quarterly over Zoom and collaborates over email to plan the quarterly NET newsletter and social media posts, maintain the WordPress website content, and assist with meeting accessibility standards. If interested, please contact committee co-chair Mercedes Fraser (mercedes.maness@uky.edu) or Kristen Devlin (krd111@psu.edu)
NET 2027 Conference Update
Planning is underway for the 2027 NET Conference in Jackson, Wyoming! The conference committee has been making steady progress and is excited to welcome everyone to this iconic location. Most recently, they confirmed the venue: The Lodge at Jackson Hole. More information will be shared as planning continues, but make sure to mark your calendars for October 18-21, 2027, to be in the Cowboy State!
University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension agritourism emergency planning resources
UMN Extension Educator Freya Thurmer developed an agritourism emergency and crisis planning guide (PDF). Alongside the guide, a fill-in-the-blank emergency planning worksheet (PDF) helps farms put information in the guide into practice.
“Destination Ready” Webinar Series concludes June 3 with tools for dealing with stressful situations
As destinations face increasing disaster risks, it is important to put plans in place and know the available resources. NC State Tourism Extension launched a webinar series this spring to provide destination leaders and tourism stakeholders with valuable resources and perspectives from those who have faced difficult decisions amid disasters. (Registration Link). The final webinar in the series will take place on June 3 at 12:00 p.m. ET and will focus on “Tourism Workforce Mental Health Toolbox” with the expertise of Resources for Resilience. For more information and recaps of previous webinars, visit https://tourism.ces.ncsu.edu/ or contact Ann at aesavage@ncsu.edu.
Spotlight on the Western Region
In each newsletter, we’ll feature NET-affiliated people and programs from a particular region. This time, we’re shining a light on the West.
Ride Utah! Expanding Access to Outdoor Recreation Through Extension
Submitted by Karl Hoopes, karl.hoopes@usu.edu, Extension Professor, Utah State University
Ride Utah! is a Utah State University Extension program that increases access to outdoor recreation and agritourism through guided horseback riding experiences. The program places a strong emphasis on serving military veterans, along with individuals who face barriers to participation such as disabilities or limited prior exposure to horses. Many veteran participants are seeking opportunities for connection, purpose, and time outdoors, and Ride Utah! is intentionally designed to meet those needs in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
Through partnerships with veteran organizations, local land managers, and equine professionals, Ride Utah! delivers accessible, low-cost trail rides across Utah’s diverse landscapes. Programming incorporates trauma-informed engagement strategies, recognizing the unique experiences of veterans and emphasizing trust, communication, and choice. Horses play a central role in this process, offering a powerful, non-verbal way to build confidence, reduce stress, and foster connection.
A key component of Ride Utah! is the intentional removal of barriers. Activities are offered at little to no cost, communication is clear and consistent, and experiences are adapted to accommodate a wide range of physical and emotional needs. In addition to supporting participant well-being, the program highlights Utah’s equine industry and working landscapes, strengthening public understanding of agriculture through direct experience.
Ride Utah! demonstrates how Extension programs can successfully integrate agritourism, outdoor recreation, and community engagement to serve veteran populations and other underserved groups. Its adaptable model provides a meaningful framework for other regions seeking to expand inclusive, purpose-driven programming that connects people, agriculture, and the outdoors.
New Report Explores the Contributions and Impacts of Montana’s Museums and Paleontological Tourism
Submitted by Emma Keinath-Lopez, emma.keinath-lopez@umconnect.umt.edu, Social Scientist, Institute of Tourism and Recreation Research (ITRR), University of Montana
The Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research (ITRR) recently released a new report examining the socioeconomic contributions of Montana’s museums and paleontological tourism. Drawing on visitor surveys and input from museum professionals across the state, the study highlights how these institutions extend beyond preservation to serve as important drivers of local economies, education, and community engagement. Findings show strong visitor satisfaction, with most respondents reporting high-quality experiences, along with local spending tied to museum visits that benefits surrounding businesses and communities. The Montana Dinosaur Trail and the vast variety of Montana museums also play a key role in supporting rural areas by attracting visitors, extending travel stays, and reinforcing place-based identity. In addition to economic contributions, the report emphasizes social impacts such as increased learning opportunities and providing a source of community pride. Together, these findings provide valuable insights for tourism planners, cultural leaders, and policymakers working to support sustainable, community-centered tourism across Montana. Read the full report here!
2026 Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit – Call for Proposals and Mark Your Calendars
Submitted by Chelsea Taylor, Oregon Trails Coalition
The 2026 Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit will take place this fall in Ashland, OR, from October 22-24. The Call for Proposals goes into detail about the topics the planning committee hopes to elevate and leaves room for other ideas. NET members are encouraged to submit a proposal and to share this opportunity widely with your networks. Proposals must be submitted by May 31st, 2026.
This event brings together Oregon’s outdoor community to learn, build relationships, and seek solutions to the challenges we face. The Summit seeks to accelerate efforts around four key goals:
- Access & Reconnection to Nature
- Sustainable Recreation
- Economic Prosperity
- Creativity & Innovation
Come connect with recreation professionals, land managers, advocates, and community leaders to build energy, find common ground, and shape shared goals for the future of outdoor recreation in Oregon. The event is being produced by the Oregon Trails Coalition, in cooperation with Travel Oregon. One-day, half, and full scholarships are available.
Updates from the Agritourism and Outdoor Recreation Working Groups
Agritourism Working Group Update
The Agritourism Working Group has scheduled quarterly meetings for the remainder of the year (July 21st and Oct. 20th), and all meetings will be held at 2:00 pm Eastern. During the April meeting we focused on opportunities for regional collaboration, which was identified as a top priority at the January meeting. We have already begun plans for the July meeting and will be turning our focus to potential funding/research collaboration opportunities, specifically around assessing the community and economic impact of agritourism. Be sure to join the Agritourism Working Group listserv for more information and updates.
Outdoor Recreation Working Group (NEORWG) Update
The Outdoor Recreation Workgroup spent the spring of 2026 building capacity within its regional workgroups. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the regional leads, each region began meeting every other month which has provided a new space for regions to expand their local networks and establish and begin making progress on regional initiatives and goals. At a national level the Outdoor Recreation Workgroup has invited Dr. Jordan Smith from the Utah State Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism and Eric Kingston from the Western Rural Development Center to our national meetings to share a short presentation on their work and programs. These spotlights are intended to showcase the outdoor recreation work happening across the country and spur more collaboration and networking.
For questions or to get involved in the outdoor recreation workgroup or any regional workgroups please contact Jake Powell (jake.powell@usu.edu).
Thanks for reading! The next NET newsletter will be published in August. View older newsletters here.
The National Extension Tourism Network (NET) is an all-volunteer organization. NET Executive Officers and Regional Representatives are employed in various capacities by Land Grant and Sea Grant institutions throughout the U.S. In addition, NET receives administrative support from the Regional Rural Development Centers, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the submitting author(s) and should not be construed as an endorsement by NET or employers of NET officers/representatives, or to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy or that of other funders.