Trail Master Steward – Introduction Course

Overview

The Trail Master Steward online course is intended to provide volunteers, trail organizations, and land managers both a foundational understanding of the values inherent in trail stewardship as well as introduce the basic skills required to be steward of our trail resources.

By the end of this course you will be able to identify the properties of a sustainable trail, explain the process by which trails are planned and designed, and the be aware of the impacts of unauthorized trail construction. You will be able to identify key parts of a typical trail and explain why each part is important. You will also be able to name and know the functions and safe use of a variety of common trail hand tools.

Once you have competed this introductory course you will receive a digital badge certifying your completion. Obtaining this badge will allow you to register for future online, and in-person, field based trails trainings that will provide hands-on demonstration of knowledge and techniques. These subsequent modules will cover topics such as: trail planning and design, trail maintenance, trail construction, volunteer management, and specialized topics such as mountain bike trail design and construction, and advanced trail construction techniques.