A manual for working with volunteers to build quality nonmotorized, multi-use, natural surface single-track trails
This manual was created to accompany the Crew Leader training program developed by the Ozark Trail Association (OTA). It serves as an aid to volunteer Crew Leaders working with other volunteers to build and maintain single-track natural surface trails in the Ozarks region of Missouri. This manual is designed to serve as a baseline for trail construction and maintenance and as an introduction to leading small groups of volunteers on natural surface trail construction and maintenance events.
In simplest terms, a leader is someone who has the capacity to guide, organize and motivate people to achieve a common goal. A Crew Leader is responsible for applying this skill set to constructing and maintaining recreational trails while building lasting volunteer relationships.
There are many different styles of leadership with no single style being better than the others. Volunteers building trail will be a diverse group, as will be the goals and objectives of the crew. It is the Crew Leader’s responsibility to ensure volunteers have a safe and quality experience. A person in this role not only serves as a teacher of safety, leadership and trail construction and maintenance, but also as an ambassador for the trail. It is essential that a Crew Leader promote a positive volunteer experience. This encourages volunteers to come back time and time again, feel a sense of pride and stewardship, and essentially take ownership of the trail.
Among the many tasks of a Crew Leader, these are critical: lead, teach, listen, direct activities, provide knowledge of the trail and trail building skills, and emphasize a safe and fun experience. This is not an easy role, but the effective leadership of Crew Leaders is among the top reasons why people form a lasting connection with the trail, bring their families and children to events, and help sustain the trail organization and trail throughout the years.
Come explore the rugged, natural beauty of the Missouri Ozarks on the Ozark Trail.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail: Trail Stewardship Notebook
posted Mar 27, 2024
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail (NST) is a thousand-mile footpath highlighting Wisconsin’s renowned Ice Age heritage and scenic beauty. The Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA) and its partners can shape users’ experiences. As stewards of the land and the Trail, we can help users develop a connection with the land and create a sense of wonder — even pique their curiosity enough to further explore the Trail.
OSI Guide to Independent Stewardship for Trails
posted Mar 27, 2024
This training was developed to teach the fundamentals of basic trail maintenance to volunteers working independently in groups of three or less people. Local, state and federal land management agencies will benefit from this training because participants will gain skills that allow them to perform needed routine trail maintenance with minimal supervision and coordination.
National River Cleanup® Organizers Handbook
posted Jul 26, 2021
American Rivers makes it easy for you to get involved. This National River Cleanup Handbook will provide all the information you need to organize a river cleanup.
FAQ: Apps for Trail Management and Volunteers
posted May 19, 2021
Information on apps that can be used for trail management that would be suitable for volunteer-type organizations.
593 views • posted 05/03/2022
