Foundations of Sustainable Trails Certificate

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.