July 6th: Weekly Dose of Training Opportunities

 Are you New to MPS? Save These Dates! 

• All New Employees - Core Training Sept 15-17 - Woodmont
• New Rangers - Ranger School 2027- Jan 24- Feb 19, 2026 - North Bay

Corporate Purchasing Cards - Presentation from Fiscal 

Conducting Better Safety Talks 

Six Best Practices for Conducting Workplace Safety Talks!  

Better Safety Conversations 

Turning Safety Talks into Safety Behaviors 

www.mdrpa.org

Applications are now open for all MRPA University programs! These professional development opportunities are designed to help parks and recreation professionals grow their skills, expand their networks, and prepare for the next step in their careers.  Ritch Stevenson Leadership Institute Designed for emerging and experienced leaders looking to strengthen their leadership skills and contribute more deeply to the parks and recreation profession. Application Deadline: July 31, 2026  Operations University An eight-month professional development program designed to prepare the next generation of park operations leaders through hands-on learning, technical training, site visits, certifications, and collaborative projects. Application Deadline: July 31, 2026  Recreation University A six-session program for new employees, part-time or seasonal staff, administrative professionals, and those without a formal recreation background who want to build a strong foundation in parks and recreation. Application Deadline: September 4, 2026

Ambassador Animal Training and Welfare Online Course This course is designed for all animal care professionals working with, or managing, ambassador animal programs. The course has the following three main goals: 1) Provide ambassador animal handlers and trainers with information that will improve their training outcomes, empower them with problem-solving skills, and create more reliable behavior in their animals 2) Improve the welfare of ambassador animals through adding more choice and control in their environment including positive reinforcement training that leads to enhanced husbandry, medical and program-related behaviors 3) Provide information that will empower presenters to create engaging programs that inspire caring that leads to conservation action Course Details:  Cost: $400.00 USD Dates: (Thursdays) July 23, 30, August 6, 13. Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Click below for more information and to register for this course.

Register Now

Upcoming Webinar Series with SORP FREE Learning Credit Opportunity American Trails is excited to partner with SORP again to offer learning credits for their upcoming webinar series this April!   The webinars and learning credits are FREE for everyone! Learn More July 2026 Webinar Series SORP is thrilled to announce a landmark achievement for the outdoor recreation profession— the launch of the Outdoor Recreation Professional Competency Framework (ORPCF), developed through a collaborative partnership between the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) and the U.S. Forest Service. This framework represents years of dedicated effort and the collective wisdom of hundreds of experienced professionals across the country.   It is designed to do something our profession has long needed: provide a shared language, structure, and set of standards that legitimize outdoor recreation as a profession give planners, managers, and practitioners the tools they need to grow throughout their careers.   Webinar Lineup: July 8: What Are Core Competencies, and Why This Framework? July 15: How Is the Framework Adaptable to Organization-Specific Needs? July 22: Incorporating Competencies into Degree Programs July 29: Using Competencies to Identify Career Pathways   The launch of the ORPCF is more than the release of a document, it is a defining moment for our profession. It signals that outdoor recreation planning and management is a serious, skilled, and valued field deserving of the same professional recognition as any other discipline.   SORP invites you to explore the framework, share it with your colleagues and networks, and join them for their upcoming FREE four-part webinar series to learn how to put it to work in your career and organization. All webinars in the series start at 1:00pm Mountain Time. National Recreation Trails: FAQs for Designating Your Trail (2026) Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026 Time: 10:00am to 11:00am Pacific (1:00pm to 2:00pm Eastern) Cost: Free for anyone Learning Credits: Free for members REGISTER NOW Synopsis Presenters will highlight the benefits and the value of National Recreation Trails Program and National Water Trails System (a subset of NRTs) designation, will share the criteria and requirements for designation, and explain the application process. Learn more about the webinar, learning objectives, presenters, and more here.   ATTENTION FEDERAL AUDIENCE: We are also holding a special webinar for the federal audience on Tuesday, July 7 at 10:00am PT. This particular webinar will also go over the Connect Trails to Parks (CTTP) funding opportunities which is a funding source for NRTs that NPS units can use. Send us an email for the registration link.    Presenters Lindsay Brisko, National Trails System Specialist, National Park Service Brenda Yankoviak, National Trail Program Manager, USDA Forest Service New Learning Credit Opportunity August 10-12, 2026 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina American Trails is proud to partner with The Great Trails State Coalition and Recreation Resources Service, North Carolina State University Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management to bring you professional learning opportunities for these in-person courses. Every course includes American Trails learning credits— no extra fee required! Overview: The Great Trails State Conference will bring together trail planners, designers and builders, recreational professionals, community and elected leaders, tourism partners, and others to learn and share best practices to advance trail and greenway development and promotion throughout North Carolina and beyond. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect with other trail professionals and advocates for three days of learning, networking, and exploring. Discounts available for coalition members and students. Hotel block expires July 20. Learn More and Register Leading Beyond is built specifically for conservation managers who are leading up, leading down, and doing the work in between. Whether you've been at it for two years or fifteen. Seven sessions. One hour each. Built for the complexity you're actually navigating. What we'll cover: The Room Where Decisions Get Made - Working with boards, commissions, and elected officials Making the Call When There's No Perfect Answer - Strategic decision-making in conservation leadership Leading When Everyone's Watching - Navigating conservation controversies and public scrutiny Conservation's Funding Future Is Everyone's Problem - R3 and the modern conservation leader's role The Hardest Part of Change Isn't the Change - Leading people through transitions that weren't their idea Your Best Leadership Tool Might Be One You Haven't Used Yet - AI in conservation leadership The Leader Who Stays - Sustaining yourself for the long haul Presenter: Tabbi Kinion One-hour session every Thursday from 1-2pm ET, starting July 23rd and ending September 3rd $220 Learn more and register Earn 0.8 CEUs |  On-Demand |  Use Code COMMUNITY I NEED CEUS WHY IT MATTERS Safer play is supported through consistent maintenance, informed decision-making, and a commitment to ongoing education. Playground professionals play a key role in ensuring spaces remain safe, functional, and inviting for every community member. As part of Park and Recreation Month and this year’s The Power Of theme, take the next step in building safer play environments with focused, practical learning. WHAT YOU GAIN Learn how to prioritize tasks, address common challenges, and build a consistent approach to keeping playgrounds safe and well-maintained. Free with code COMMUNITY 0.8 total CEUs I NEED CEUS