Drainage & Water Management Workshop

Join the Appalachian Mountain Club for a trail maintenance workshop on Saturday, June 20th, in partnership with the Friends of Germany Hill and Roxborough-Manayunk Conservancy. Learn about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into caring for Philadelphia's trails, get outside with friends and neighbors, and help to make these spaces more sustainable, safe, and welcoming for our community! FREE workshop - registration is required.



AMC's Trails Training Instructors will train volunteers in Drainage & Water Management, an essential skill for anyone seeking to maintain safe and sustainable trails. Our meeting location will be at Germany Hill, with exact details to be sent to registrants in the week leading up to the event. This training is beginner-friendly, and open to anyone regardless of experience. Participants interested in becoming more active volunteers at Germany Hill or other Philadelphia parks are especially encouraged to join. Please note that any participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the event.



This workshop will take place outside, and will cover the following topics through a mix of classroom style and hands-on lessons:



Understand natural and stormwater induced drainage effects on trails

Restore the function of existing trail drainage features by re-establishing outslope, de-berming, and clearing organic material and rocks out of drainage features

Construct different types of drainage features

Identify locations and the appropriate drainage features



We will be outside for approximately 4 hours. To facilitate a safe and enjoyable day on the trail, please be sure to bring the following:



Sturdy closed-toe shoes - Required

Long pants - Required

Comfortable socks (wool advised)

Water (at least 1 liter)

Camp chair (optional – if you prefer not to sit on the ground during classroom portion)

Snacks

Layers appropriate for the day’s weather conditions

Rain gear (barring dangerous conditions, we do work in the rain!)

Bug Spray

Sun Protection

Backpack



AMC will provide all the necessary personal protective equipment (hard hats, gloves, eye protection) but please feel free to bring your own if you have it.



The Appalachian Mountain Club is the nation’s longest serving conservation and recreation organization. From volunteers teaching essential outdoor skills, to public advocacy seeking to preserve and expand the spaces we love, AMC is the leading organization ensuring that people have the opportunity to be outdoors - now and for generations to come. The Appalachian Mountain Club’s Trail Training Program delivers hands-on trail maintenance training and professional trail skills workshops at Camp Dodge Trails Center and other AMC sites across the Northeast. In partnership with public agencies and trail organizations, we help set the standard for sustainable trail building and stewardship. Through our events, AMC is growing a knowledgeable, connected trail community—equipping the next generation of stewards with the tools to care for the outdoors.



This training is part of a two-year program led by the Appalachian Mountain Club in partnership with park friends groups across the city of Philadelphia. These trainings provide park volunteers with the skills and experience they need to be effective stewards of Philadelphia's parks and trails. Lead support for this program is provided by the William Penn Foundation.

Participants must be 18 or older, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the event.

Location

4849 Smick Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19127

Trail Competencies

• Trail Maintenance
• • Tread Maintenance - Hand tools
• • Drainage Features/Water Management

Relevant Trail Types

• Hiking Trails
• Nature Trails
• Shared-Use Trails
• Urban Trails