Skill Sessions And Work Parties Help Train Trail Volunteers
Take a day or a weekend to gain the know-how of trail building and maintenance. In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service, the AMC is proud to offer the Trails Skills Series, a unique blend of skill instruction and practical trail work, offered in beautiful locations throughout the Appalachian region.
Learn the nuts and bolts of trail maintenance in one of our daylong Basic Maintenance Skills Sessions, or join one of our trail experts to learn the specifics of trail layout and design, to build rock stairs, to identify and install the best drainage for a location, and even to build new native bog bridges. Instruction, tools, lodging, and meals are included in the charge.
If you are part of a group interested in learning the basics of trail maintenance, please contact the North Country Volunteer Coordinator at 603-466-2721, ext. 192, or email us by selecting "Volunteers" from this email form.
You can also join one of our scheduled workdays or other Work Parties throughout the year. Learn trail maintenance techniques while working on the trail. Work may include brushing, blazing, rock and wood structure work! Take a look at our Volunteer Vacations too!
See the full 2008 schedule for more information and to register today!
AT Corridor Monitoring Workshop, CT
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is protected by a buffering corridor that helps to preserve the wild nature of the trail. Volunteers inspect this public land on a regular basis to help maintain boundaries and monitor activity. If you can venture into the woods a couple days each year to help manage this valuable resource, join us for an introduction to the Monitor Program taught by an instructor from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. You will learn to bushwhack with a map and compass, find and follow property boundaries, and identify and report problems... then sign up to maintain your own section of AT corridor lands! Bring a compass, bag lunch, and be prepared to bushwhack.
AT Maintainers Workshop, CT
For current and prospective maintainers and all who want to learn basic trail management skills. The workshop begins with a hour's discussion of trail issues and continues with a walk-through plus drainage construction work in the West Cornwall section.
Basic Maintenance Skills Sessions
Learn the nuts and bolts of trail maintenance: drainage, clearing, brushing, and blazing. Advanced skills are covered as time allows. This is the perfect opportunity for new trail adopters or anyone wanting to maintain a trail but not yet confident with their skills. Adopters registering for this Session must take the session in the same region as where they plan to adopt a trail. Programs are free of charge for new or current trail adopters.
Alpine Skills Session
Spend the day above tree line in the White Mountains! Learn about alpine trail construction and maintenance techniques such as cairns, scree walls, rubble, drainage cleaning, and brushing. Also learn more about the alpine environment and vegetation. This is the perfect opportunity for new trail adopters or anyone wanting to maintain an alpine trail but not yet confident with their skills. In the event of inclement weather preventing the session from entering the alpine zone alternative locations will be selected with similar work focus. New Adopters with the White Mountain Adopt-A-Trail Program who adopt a trail in the alpine zone must register for this session. It is free of charge for new or current trail adopters.
Basic Chainsaw Training
Learn how to use and maintain a chainsaw during this two-day, intensive workshop. The emphasis of this workshop is to enhance your knowledtge of safe chainsaw use, identification and mitigation of hazards, and gain practical experience using chainsaws. This workshop is for both the occasional firewood cutter as well as those using a chainsaw to perform trail work. It is recommended that participants bring their own saw and personal protective equipment (PPE), but chainsaws and PPE will be provided for those who do not have them. Lunch is provided both days. Participants should bring necessary clothing to be outdoors all day in inclement weather. Sturdy leather boots are also required.
Mt. Greylock Trail Adopter Workshop
This is a one day workshop for new or returning trail adopters or AT trail maintainers. The group will meet at at the Mt Greylock visitor center and spend most of the day hiking and working on trails.
Appalachian Trail Chainsaw Certification
This is the workshop to attend if you are looking to be certified for using a chainsaw on Appalachian Trail Lands. There is a fee and registration often fills up early. You will be required to attend the entire workshop for two full days.
See the full 2008 schedule for more information and to register today!
Trail Opportunities Overview | Types of Crews | Volunteer Vacations | Work Parties | Skills Series | Schedule | Locations | Program Guidelines | FAQs | Registration (PDF)
