For outdoor enthusiasts who cherish the rush of tearing down a dirt trail on an ATV or gliding through snowy paths on a snowmobile, the availability of well-maintained trails is everything. These trails don’t just appear—they’re kept open, safe, and enjoyable thanks to the tireless work of local clubs and volunteers. In Spring 2025, Polaris, a leading name in off-road and snowmobile vehicles, showed its commitment to these efforts by distributing over $120,000 in grants through its TRAILS GRANTS program. This funding is a lifeline for 13 organizations across the United States, each working to preserve trails and promote safe, responsible riding.
A Legacy of Support for Trail Access
Since launching the TRAILS GRANTS program in 2006, Polaris has poured more than $3.5 million into over 425 organizations nationwide. This long-term investment reflects the company’s dedication to ensuring that trails remain accessible for riders of all kinds, from ATV enthusiasts to snowmobile adventurers. The program operates on a biannual cycle, with grants awarded in spring and fall to support projects that range from trail maintenance to safety education and new trail development.
Image credit: Polaris
Reid Wilson, Polaris’ President of Off-Road Vehicles, emphasized the vital role of local trail groups. “These clubs and organizations are the backbone of the riding community,” he said. “Volunteers often use their own time and money to maintain trails and teach others how to ride responsibly. Our grants help them keep doing this important work so families and friends can make lasting memories outdoors.”
Diverse Projects, Nationwide Impact
The Spring 2025 TRAILS GRANTS cycle supports a wide range of projects, each tailored to the unique needs of local trail systems. In Sitka, Alaska, Sitka Trail Works is using its grant to rehabilitate trails and repair bridges in the rugged Southeast Alaskan rainforest. Executive Director Ben Hughey explained that the funding is critical for maintaining safe access to trails used by both residents and visitors exploring the outer coast. “Polaris’ support makes a huge difference in keeping our multi-use trail system open,” Hughey said.
In California, the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship in Quincy is focusing on fire recovery efforts along the Mt. Hough Trail and its connecting routes. Wildfires have devastated many trail systems in recent years, and this grant will help restore access to a beloved riding area. Similarly, the Sawtooth Society Inc. in Hailey, Idaho, is working to preserve and enhance trails within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, ensuring that this scenic region remains a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Minnesota’s trail communities are also seeing significant benefits. The International Voyagers Snowmobile Club in International Falls is building an enclosed shelter along a sharp trail corner to improve safety and provide a warm gathering spot for riders. Meanwhile, the Central Lakes ATV Club in Nisswa is investing in a storage trailer to house equipment for youth ATV safety training events, helping to educate the next generation of riders.
In Pennsylvania, the Piney Rail Riders in Strattanville are transforming a former railway line into nearly 24 miles of new trails. Their grant will fund equipment to build and maintain this exciting new addition to the state’s trail network. The Pennsylvania Off Highway Vehicle Association in Galeton is also receiving support to promote safe riding practices and trail stewardship, ensuring that trails remain sustainable for years to come.
Other recipients include the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council in Vaughn, Montana, which is organizing a Sand Dune Training Summit to share best practices for managing off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation in sandy environments. In Oregon, the Heart of Oregon Corps, Inc. in Bend is supporting the Central Oregon Youth Conservation Corps in maintaining 20 miles of trails, while in South Carolina, Southern Trail Advocates and Riders in Huger are improving trail signage to encourage responsible riding among diverse trail users.
Rounding out the list, the Upper Valley Snow Packers in Fairlee, Vermont, are repairing and rebuilding trails for safer snowmobile and ATV use, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources in Olympia is focusing on trail repairs in the Walker Valley ORV area. In Missouri, Partnership for Youth Inc. in St. Louis is tackling trail maintenance to reduce erosion and improve access, ensuring that trails remain usable for all.
Why TRAILS GRANTS Matter
The TRAILS GRANTS program isn’t just about writing checks—it’s about sustaining the places where people connect with nature and each other. Trails are more than paths through the wilderness; they’re spaces where families bond, friends share adventures, and communities come together. By funding projects that maintain trails, build safety infrastructure, and educate riders, Polaris is helping to preserve these spaces for future generations.
The program also promotes responsible riding, which is critical for protecting natural resources. Many of the funded projects focus on reducing environmental impact, whether through erosion control, trail restoration, or educating riders about low-impact practices. This aligns with Polaris’ broader mission to balance adventure with environmental stewardship.
How Organizations Can Get Involved
For trail organizations looking to benefit from future funding, Polaris makes the process straightforward. The next grant cycle, set for Fall 2025, will accept applications through the Polaris website. Clubs and organizations involved in trail maintenance, safety education, or new trail development are encouraged to apply. With grants of up to $10,000 available, the program offers a significant opportunity to make a difference in local trail systems.
A Partnership for the Future
The Spring 2025 TRAILS GRANTS recipients showcase the diversity and dedication of trail communities across the country. From Alaska’s rainforests to Pennsylvania’s former railways, these organizations are working tirelessly to keep trails open, safe, and sustainable. Polaris’ financial support, combined with the passion of local volunteers, ensures that riders can continue to explore the outdoors, make memories, and connect with the landscapes they love.
As trail use continues to grow, programs like TRAILS GRANTS are more important than ever. They represent a partnership between industry leaders like Polaris and the grassroots groups that keep trails alive. For every rider who hits the trail, whether on a snowmobile, ATV, or OHV, this collaboration means more opportunities to experience the thrill of the ride in some of America’s most beautiful places.
