Kudos to the Sunflower Foundation for receiving the 2025 “Trails for Health” award from American Trails. The foundation was honored for its years of leadership working collaboratively with Kansas communities to improve trail access across the state and promoting the physical, mental, and community health benefits they provide. The Sunflower Foundation has supported over 200 Kansas trail projects through grants, support of volunteer programs, and trail planning efforts.

Elizabeth Berger, Senior Vice President of Programs and Strategy at the Sunflower Foundation, accepted the award on April 15 at the International Trails Summit in Madison, Wisconsin.

Douglas County has greatly benefitted through the generosity of the Sunflower Foundation’s trail grants, which have helped fund the construction of multiple trails in Baldwin City, Eudora, and Lawrence. Chris Tilden, Friends of Lawrence Area Trails (FLAT) Chair, shared, “Dr. Berger and the team at the Sunflower Foundation are incredibly deserving of this recognition. They have long recognized the value of trails to personal and community health. They are a valued partner and trail champion, and their funding and technical assistance has been a vital ingredient in the development of our local trails. We are so fortunate to have such a great partner supporting our work!”

FLAT congratulates Dr. Berger and the Sunflower Foundation for being recognized nationally for their efforts, and thanks them for the incredible support that has helped build the strong trail system in Douglas County and across the state of Kansas we all benefit from each and every day. Thank you for all you do!