Trail Skills Training—Mid-Atlantic

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy presents the latest collaborative listings of trail skills training opportunities offered to volunteers in the mid-Atlantic region. The goal of our partnership is to provide a comprehensive schedule of these opportunities each year, as we strive to help volunteers maintain the Appalachian Trail to the best possible standard. ATC's volunteer crews  also provides training opportunities.

For more information on workshops, including those marked "To Be Announced" (TBA), contact the individual listed in the description. If your club needs additional training, we encourage you to contact your ATC regional office. We appreciate all your hard work in maintaining the A.T.

Sawyer certification courses

For more information on ATC's sawyer training program, including how to register for a chain-saw course or to download a course application form, see Sawyer Certification

Chain-saw certification

The following workshops offer certification for chain-saw use on the A.T. The course covers all areas of safe and efficient saw use. Participants may meet the requirements for certification, which is valid for three years, and may be eligible to order needed personal protective equipment (PPE).

April 19–20, 2008
Location: Shenandoah National Park, VA
Instructor: CT Campbell, Roger Dovel, Don Harvey (National Park Service Instructors)
Contact: Bob Sickley, bsickley@appalachiantrail.org, 717-258-5771

June 14–15, 2008
Location: ATC Scott Farm, Carlisle, Pa.
Instructor: Peter Jensen, ATC Contract Instructor
Contact: ATC, Bob Sickley, bsickley@appalachiantrail.org or 717-258-5771

November 1–2, 2008
Location: Shenandoah National Park, VA
Instructor: CT Campbell, Roger Dovel, Don Harvey (National Park Service Instructors)
Contact: Bob Sickley, bsickley@appalachiantrail.org, 717-258-5771
 

Rockwork and Griphoist

Rock is the preferred building material on the A.T., due to its natural look and durability. Learn how to install steps and other structures that will stand the test of time. The workshops will focus on different aspects of working with rock and the tool most often used for moving large rock—the Griphoist.

Turnpike/Causeway Construction

This workshop will focus on building an elevated earthen trail through a seasonally wet area.  Participants will move and set stones from the surrounding forest (for use as soil retainers).  This is an excellent place for first-timers to get an introduction to both stone and trail work.

Stone Splitting and Shaping

Learn how to cut and shape stone to build durable trail structures out of the preferred building material of A.T. trail builders. Participants will learn to read stone for planes of weakness and to use electric rotary hammer drills, feathers and wedges, and carbide stone chisels and hammers to split and dress stone to desired dimensions.

April 12, 2008
Location: Bear Mountain State Park, NY
Instructor: NY-NJ Trail Conference Staff
Contact: Matt Townsend, townsend@nynjtc.org or 201-512-9348

Stone Pinning

Building over bedrock—where enough soil to build trail is lacking, stone can be pinned in place. Learn how to use steel pins to anchor crib wall base to bedrock ledge and build a two- to three-foot crib wall.

Stone Step Construction for Beginners

Learn the basics of using native stone to build steps suitable for a hiking trail, including how to move stone safely with minimal effort and impact on the environment

April 19–20, 2008 (participation both days required)
Location: Bear Mountain State Park, NY
Instructor: Eddie Walsh
Contact: Matt Townsend, townsend@nynjtc.org or 201-512-9348

Crib Wall Construction

Participants in this workshop will learn to build dry stack stone retaining walls, also known as crib walls.  In addition to key structural and design requirements, participants will learn how to use stone shaping tools to cut rock to desired shapes and sizes.

May 3–4, 2008 (come either or both days)
Location: Bear Mountain State Park, NY
Instructor: NY-NJ Trail Conference Staff
Contact: Matt Townsend, townsend@nynjtc.org or 201-512-9348

Stone Paving

Also known as rip-rap or pitching, stone paving is the construction of a patio-like surface in the treadway that allows a heavy water flow across the surface of the trail without erosion. While many of the tools and techniques are similar to those used in other stone work, often smaller, more easily handled stone is used.

May 17–18, 2008 (come either or both days)
Location: Bear Mountain State Park, NY
Instructor: NY-NJ Trail Conference Staff
Contact: Matt Townsend, townsend@nynjtc.org or 201-512-9348

Rigging and Highline Basics

Learn the basic safety and operational methods of using Griphoists™ and wire rope to erect high-line systems to move large stones.

Stone Cribbing - Intensive

This workshop will cover the basics of building dry-stone retaining walls to support a treadway and retain a hillside.  Some taller walls may be constructed (up to 3 feet), and some pinning into bedrock may also be incorporated to anchor the retaining walls. 

Invasive/exotic plant identification and removal

Help protect the Appalachian Trail and surrounding lands from invasive/exotic plants threatening the biodiversity of our special natural resources. Learn to identify exotic invasive plants and find out about some of the methods for controlling them.  There will be an indoor session in the morning and hands-on field session along the Appalachian Trail in the afternoon.  Light morning refreshments will be provided.  Bring lunch, water and hiking gear. 

Leave No Trace (LNT)

The Leave No Trace (LNT) Master and Trainer courses emphasize three components: low-impact camping, wildland ethics, and teaching techniques. LNT courses are informative, practical, hands-on, and fun! Participants must have a strong interest in outdoor recreation, a commitment to training others, and a desire to protect wilderness resources and be in good physical condition. For more information, visit the Leave No Trace Web site.

LNT Master Educator Course

A Master Educator course is typically five days in length and designed for people who are actively teaching others backcountry skills or providing recreation information to the public. The Master Course provides participants with a comprehensive overview of Leave No Trace skills and ethics through practical application in a field-based setting. The first day is spent in a classroom, introducing the course and schedule, providing in-depth information on the overall Leave No Trace program and the Center for Outdoor Ethics, reviewing gear, and packing. The remaining days are spent in the field on a short backcountry trip learning and practicing the principles of Leave No Trace.

May 2–6, 2008
Location: Allegheny National Forest, PA
Instructor: NOLS Staff
Contact: Jennifer Heisey at AMC, jheisey@outdoors.org or 610-868-6906
Cost: $629 AMC members, $699 non-members

Wilderness Medicine

These courses cover backcountry medical care in varying levels of detail. These are vital skills for trail workers who work in potentially dangerous conditions and in remote areas. Those who wish for more basic First Aid information may prefer a standard First Aid and CPR workshop.

For more information please contact:

Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Mid-Atlantic Regional Office
P.O. Box 625
Boiling Springs, PA 17007
717.258.5771
atc-maro@appalachiantrail.org