Up your trail building game.
Build more trail more effectively.
Learn how to utilize mechanized tools to create more durable, sustainable trails.
Operate safely and effectively in challenging terrain.
Mechanized trail building is common in today’s trail building world, but knowing how to operate this equipment and knowing how to build trail with it are two very different things. Effective machine operators are safe, efficient, and skilled at creating a variety of trail textures and shapes in different corridors.
This takes time and the right training.
This course is an introduction to building sustainable trail with mechanized equipment.
In this hands-on training you will learn
Critical communication, safety & risk management in mechanized trail work settings
Mobilization to and movement in basic work site conditions
Basic mechanized maintenance and construction techniques
Proper function and care of common mechanized equipment
Course Pre-Requisites:
Previous experience with mechanized construction is not required for this training, however all participants should have prior experience with non-mechanized trail building. Participants should also have participated in OSI’s Introduction to Trail Development and Fundamentals of Handwork trainings, or have been exposed to equivalent content elsewhere.
Thanks to our hosting partner, Elliotsville Foundation, this course will take place over two and a half days at the Peavey Brook Outdoor Center near Patten, ME, and will include
Interactive classroom sessions
Hands-on guided field-based sessions
Open Q&A with instructors and peers
Opportunities to assess and discuss your own local trail challenges with pros
Itinerary
Day 1 - AM Classroom Session & PM Field Session - trail tour and equipment overview
Day 2 - AM & PM Field Session - machine safey & care
Day 3 - AM Field Session - machine operation
Topics Include
Safety & Risk Management Practices for machine operators
Understanding how terrain types, seasons, and weather affect jobsite safety
Essential maintenance and construction on sustainable trails including building grade reversals, establishing bench, constructing rolling grade dips, and capping obstacles
Managing erosion and puddling on sustainable trails
This course is ideal for the person with some experience building or maintaining sustainable trails by hand but is new to working with machines in construction and maintenance. This includes land managers, trail managers, trail crew leaders, crew members, and volunteers.
Check Out What Others Have Said About Learning in OSI’s Trail School Workshops.
“The sessions were well done and provided a great base for any trail builder!”
“I really enjoyed the combination of classroom time and time spent in the field. It made it much easier to understand and process the information being taught.”
“All instructors were extremely knowledgeable and were easily able to articulate all information during each session.”
“The course content was perfect.”
This course is being taught by OSI’s Professional Trails Staff.
Steve Kasacek, Director of Trail Development & Education
Steve Kasacek brings over 10 years of professional consulting experience to the Outdoor Sport Institute team. With an education and foundation in civil engineering focusing on stormwater management and restoration, Steve brings years of low impact design, natural resource protection, and sustainable trail expertise to OSI’s Trail Development initiatives.
Steve has worked in over 20 states helping communities navigate complex trail development projects from vision to management. He has assisted with more than 1000 miles of high-quality trails planning and design and has directly managed over 50 miles of trail construction, helping land managers, government agencies, organizations, and communities secure more than ten million dollars in funding for natural surface trail projects.
Steve brings his passion for local capacity building to the variety of workshops and trainings he leads for volunteers, land managers, and professionals. He is dedicated to growing local pipelines of leadership to support trail projects big and small.
*Course Tuition - $475
Tuition includes -
All classroom and field sessions
Lunch each day
Free camping on-site (tent space w/ access to indoor bathrooms)
Register and pay securely online. We stand by the education we provide. If you’re not satisfied with your experience, we’ll refund your money. It’s as simple as that.
Course Pre-Requisites: Previous experience with mechanized construction is not required for this training, however all participants should have prior experience with non-mechanized trail building. Participants should also have participated in OSI’s Introduction to Trail Development and Fundamentals of Handwork trainings, or have been exposed to equivalent content elsewhere.
Our hosting partner for this training is Elliotsville Foundation.
All sessions will be held at the Peavey Brook Outdoor Center & Trails, outside of Patten, ME.
The Outdoor Sport Institute & Our Community
Our mission is to empower resilient, active outdoor communities. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization. Through OSI you can access resources, support, and a network of peers to connect with and share ideas.