Dates: Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13
Cost: $350
Level: Foundational (applicable to all levels)
Maximum Size: 24 students
Classroom Site: Lussier Family Heritage Center
Field Site: TBD
Schedule:
Day #1, 9 am-12 pm Classroom session, 12-1 pm lunch, 1-5 pm Classroom session.
Day #2, 9 am-12 pm Field session, 12-1 pm lunch, 1-4 pm Classroom session
This workshop provides an overview of the nature and mechanics of the ground we build trails across. Discussions and training will focus on using this knowledge in the selection of trail routes, structures, and drainage systems that work for, not against, ground stability. Topics covered include:
The ground as a dynamic structure
Slope stability
Soil mechanics
Surface and subsurface hydrology
The roles of bedrock and vegetation
All these factors in combination
Surface indicators of subsurface phenomena
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the ground as a complex dynamic structure having ultimate control over results.
2. Awareness of surface indicators, from topographic shapes to vegetation, of subsurface conditions and processes; how to take and analyze soil samples in the field.
3. Understand the need for trail routing/design to retain or enhance the ground's natural stability if it's to be called "sustainable".
Instructors
Michael Shields
Michael Shields Consulting (PTBA Member Company)
Mike Shields has designed, built and maintained trails throughout the western U.S. and Alaska since 1960, and managed trail systems from 1970 to 1996. Mike used his experiences as the Trail Crew Leader in Olympic National Park; Park Ranger at Big Bend and Canyonlands National Park; Roads and Trails Foreman at Big Bend; Trails Foreman for the then newly created North Cascades National Park; Facilities Manager at Kings Canyon and Asst. Chief of Maintenance in Rocky Mountain NP to build a truly exceptional professional trails career.
He retired as Chief of Maintenance for Denali National Park in 1996 and currently works as a consultant and educator.
Alex Man, PhD, PEng
Trail Tutors (PTBA Member Company)
Geological Engineer, Trail Designer
Alex has combined his passion for the outdoors and his background in engineering into a career of designing and building sustainable trails for mountain biking and hiking. He holds a PhD in soil mechanics and an MSc in environmental engineering. This unique combination of skills brings significant insight to current trail building issues and their solutions. Alex has been a competitive mountain bike racer at the expert level for the past 30 years. His cycling experience also includes international adventure races, coaching youth mountain biking, and assistant coaching for the Manitoba Provincial Cycling Team. He is an avid winter cyclist and participates in winter fat bike races.