Who Should Attend
Our courses are suitable for anyone involved in trail management or interested in learning more about this field. Whether you are a seasoned professional looking for advanced techniques or a newcomer eager to learn the basics, Chinook Associates has something to offer.
Our Courses
At Chinook Associates, we offer a diverse range of courses tailored to meet the needs of various stakeholders involved in trail management. Whether you are part of an agency, a non-profit organization, or a volunteer group, our courses are designed to enhance your knowledge and skills effectively. Our in-person training sessions are designed to provide hands-on experience and are fully customizable to address the specific needs of your team. Our virtual classes are ideal for those who prefer the convenience of online learning without compromising on the interactive and engaging nature of the coursework.
In-Person Courses
An in-person workshop is one where the outcome results in the participants developing technical expertise in a particular area or area. These workshops are fully customizable and based on the specific needs of the participants and host agency. Oftentimes, different types of skills are combined to cover a wider range of skill development. Instructors are trail professionals with years of experience in the industry. Examples of trail skills workshop content might include:
- A maintenance workshop might focus on sealing or re-decking a bridge/boardwalk, removing non-native vegetation in the trail corridor, replacing wayfinding signs, and/or improving/installing erosion control structures on the trail tread.
- Trail construction workshops could include techniques for tread construction, building a stream ford, constructing a timber causeway, or methods of erecting a dry stack rock wall or other form of trail infrastructure.
- Topics for a design workshop could include creating a barrier-free tread alignment, creating a sign/communication plan, developing construction documents, or identifying trail alignments for specific types of trail visitors, e.g., x-country skiing, mountain biking, equine visitors, hiking, etc.
In-Person Workshop Categories
Planning
The distinction between and relevant content of different types of plans, e.g., Master, Conceptual, Strategic, or Management plans, could be presented. How to develop a vision/mission for planning purposes could be reviewed. Conducting a Needs or Gap Analysis and identifying Funding Strategies are elements that could be included. Local, state, and federal permit considerations will be discussed. Methods for partnership development and engaging stakeholders will be introduced.
A typical four-hour planning workshop agenda can be viewed here.
Design
A design workshop would include the introduction of guidelines that result in sustainable trail development. A workshop might include design features like barrier-free access, signage/wayfinding systems, and structure specifications, which are typical content. Methods of conducting a site assessment to identify opportunities and constraints will be reviewed. Mapping, field staking, and flagging considerations will be discussed. Construction and maintenance cost estimating methods for budget development may be included.
A typical eight-hour design workshop agenda can be viewed here.
Construction
The trail construction content workshop elements might include construction project management for staff, volunteers, and or contracted services. Techniques for tread development using hand and mechanical methods will be reviewed. Risk management associated with tools and worksite safety will be highlighted. Procedures for removal and management of vegetation pre-, during, and post-construction can be a topic. Tread surfacing alternatives and trail amenities (bridges, retaining walls, and boardwalk construction methods will be practiced.
A typical sixteen-hour construction workshop agenda can be viewed here.
Maintenance
A trail maintenance workshop will focus on erosion and vegetation control. Methods of managing infrastructure like retaining walls, boardwalks, wayfinding signs, bridges, etc. could be taught. Reclamation and rehabilitation techniques of undesignated trails will be reviewed.
A typical sixteen-hour maintenance workshop agenda can be viewed here.
