Full program description
Course Introduction
The Foundations of Sustainable Trails Certificate includes five e-courses that introduce the basics of sustainable trail concepts, including hydrology, structures, tread and alignment, and tools. Begin with the Introductory micro-learning, A Trail From Start to Finish, and complete the other four e-courses in any order desired to earn your certificate. Each of the four e-courses includes a final quiz that must be completed successfully to earn the certificate. This program is self-paced, and content must be completed within six months of purchase.
Learning Outcomes
After completing the modules, you will be able to:
- Define "sustainable trails."
- Describe the iterative phases of a trail project.
- Identify key resources to support the planning and implementation of a sustainable trails project.
- Explain how knowledge of hydrology in trail planning and design will result in a more sustainable trail.
- Identify and describe best practices for designs that "get the water out of the trail."
- Describe five types of water crossings.
- Match water crossings to anticipated use and construction needs.
- Identify structures critical to trail sustainability.
- Explain overarching principles of trail jobsite safety through using tools as the context.
- Differentiate between different categories of trail tools.
- Match commonly used hand tools to their uses in trail construction and maintenance.
- Recognize indicators for when tools may need repair or maintenance.
- Describe the trail design elements of trail tread, alignment, layout, grade, and location.
- Identify basic design, layout, and alignment principles and processes.
- Describe the basic trail design processes and considerations for establishing the trail tread.
Module Topics Include
- Sustainable Trails Projects
- Hydrology
- Structures
- Tools
- Tread and Alignment
Course creators:
The content in these courses was developed jointly by American Trails and the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands using the Trails Competency Framework.