Empowering Volunteers through Specialized Training Courses
As the popularity of Pisgah National Forest trails continues to grow, ensuring their sustainability and enhancing user experiences in the area while minimizing environmental impacts remains a critical priority for Pisgah Area SORBA. Regular trail maintenance is key to achieving this goal. That’s why we’re empowering our volunteers through specialized training courses to enhance their skills and ability to contribute effectively.
Recently, Pisgah Area SORBA hosted a fully booked, two-day Trail Crew Training class. The training combined classroom theory with practical, on-trail experience. Led by Jon Lane, our Training Course Instructor, the first day was all about building a foundation - participants got to know each other while learning more about trail maintenance terminology, tools of the trade, and key skills for proper and effective trail work. The following day, they put their newfound knowledge to the test on the trails, witnessing first hand the impact of their work on the environment and trail users.
Training doesn’t just end with the class; it serves as a stepping stone for work in the field and fits into Pisgah Area SORBA’s goal of continually raising the bar for trail work in the region. We encourage attendees to join future dig days and learn from seasoned Trail Crew Leaders, further refining their skills. This ongoing education is crucial for us to continually improve and evolve our practices, ensuring they both benefit the trails and surrounding ecosystems, as well as the community of trail users.
In 2024, we are excited to be hosting more Trail Training courses. If you’re interested in being part of this experience, contact Glenn Middleton at glenndavismiddleton@gmail.com and join us in the journey towards effective trail maintenance and environmental stewardship. And, of course, these courses wouldn’t be possible without our amazing team, including Glenn, Jon Lane, and Tyler Donaldson. The work that Pisgah Area SORBA does in the region would not be possible without countless other volunteers and organizations contributing their time and financial resources. Thank you to everyone involved with preserving and enhancing the trails in Pisgah National Forest and the surrounding region!
