1,059 views • posted 08/28/2018 • updated 08/23/2023

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Featured providers of training and resources

Read more details on important programs and trails training provided by National Trails Training Partnership supporters

Organizations

• American Trails sponsors Webinars on key trails topics and the International Trails Symposium, the premier opportunity for a wide range of educational sessions.
• Appalachian Trail Conservancy provides Trail Skills Workshops for volunteers on maintenance, sawyer certification, rock work, winch skills, wilderness first aid, environmental monitoring, and more.
• Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals monthly webinars reach a wide audience of agency staff, consultants, and advocates on bike/ped programs, facilities, and urban trails
• Backcountry Horsemen sponsor "Leave No Trace" Trainer Programs
• Beneficial Designs, Inc. and American Trails sponsor the Universal Trail Assessment Process training for improving the accessibility and maintenance of trails.
• Ice Age Trail Alliance hosts the Mobile Skills Crew, a group of highly trained volunteers whose mission is to educate and empower other volunteers in trail work, structures (bridges, retaining walls, etc.), and leadership development.
• International Mountain Bicycling Association is working to spread its three decades of trail and community-building expertise through a series of educational programs and initiatives.
• National Association of State Trail Administrators is a professional organization of program managers for trails and greenway funding and planning in all 50 states. States meet annually for training on Recreational Trails Program administration, trail development, accessibility, and other issues.
• National Center on Accessibility provides training courses and distance learning programs on many aspects of accessibility, including parks and recreation facilities and programs.
• National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council sponsors several statewide workshops for OHV planning and management, as well as an annual conference.
• National Recreation and Park Association provides a wide range of educational opportunities. Professionals looking to maintain certification levels can earn CEUs.
• New York-New Jersey Trail Conference provides a variety of workshops on trail maintenance and improvement.
• Partnership for the National Trails System sponsors the annual Conference on National Scenic and Historic Trails.
• Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society hosts a variety of training on trails and greenways
• Rockingham Community College's Duke Energy TRAILS program focuses on trail design and layout, construction, maintenance, and management skills at their North Carolina campus.
• Student Conservation Association trains youth in trail work as well as Ecological Restoration, Natural Science, and Resource Management.
• The Tread Trainer courses from Tread Lightly! train participants in innovative, practical methods of spreading outdoor ethics.

Agencies

• Bureau of Land Management sponsors the Partnership series in local communities, and classes at the National Training Center.
• The Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center was established to "foster interagency excellence in wilderness stewardship" with courses and educational materials.
• Federal Highway Administration provides funding for the Recreational Trails Program, research publications, programs for State Trail Administrators, and accessible trails.
• Marshall University Park and Recreation Resources program of Huntington, WV, has developed and is teaching a series of off-highway vehicle courses via the internet.
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service sponsors the Trail Management Process course and operates the National Conservation Training Center.
• National Park Service provides a wide variety of resources through its Rivers & Trails Conservation Assistance and other programs.
• Shawnee National Forest Volunteer Corps program offers the Master Trail Steward trails training course in partnership with Shawnee Community College.
• Trails Unlimited provides Consulting, Construction and Maintenance services, as well as Training as a formal lecture/hands-on lab course or on-the-job during a planned project
• The Missoula Technology and Development Center of the USDA Forest Service develops products and information for the public to improve trail construction and maintenance

Businesses

• Chinook Associates LLC - Kim Frederick provides a wide variety of training for youth as well as professionals through webinars, state park agencies, and locally-sponsored workshops
• Off Road Consulting and Driving Instruction - Teaching safe and smart trail riding on legal/designated trails. Preserving nature and the environment is a key component in our training classes. The trainer, Kyle Buchter, is a certified trainer for the International Four Wheel Drive Trainer's Association and a certified Master Tread Lightly trainer.
• PENN TRAILS LLC provides specific curriculum, materials and instructors needed to teach understanding of contemporary natural-surface trail planning, technology, rehabilitation and conservation practices.
• Professional Trailbuilders Association sponsors the annual Trailbuilders Conference and maintains a roster of experts in trail design and construction.
• RecConnect: training and education presentations that are packed with the tools for success,; specializing in OHV trails.
• Tony Boone Trails, LLC provides training for volunteers, staff and trail builders, as well as training and certification on Sutter and SWECO Trail Dozer and other types of trail building equipment.
• Trail Design Specialists (Mike Riter) offer design, construction, maintenance and crew leader courses
• TrailsGuy, LLC - John Favro teaches sustainable trail planning, construction and maintenance for agencies and other local sponsors

States and statewide groups

• Alaska Trails: Building better trails, and developing better trail-users, including courses in trail building methods and trail route selection.
• Outdoor Stewardship Institute works to improve leadership and training sponsored by Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado
• Florida's Natural Areas Training Academy provides training on conservation, land management, visitor management, and revegetation
• Missouri Master Trail Builder program is sponsored by Volunteers for Outdoor Missouri
• Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society
• Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado