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.

 

Length: Self-paced

 

Department: 
Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands

 

Credit: 0.4 CEU, Certificate of Completion

 

Audience: This certificate is ideal for developing trail workers interested in learning more about the sustainable trail projects and construction.