Making Trails Last
Maintenance is an important component of what makes trails sustainable. As trails and trail building techniques become more advanced, so too does the need for skilled trail maintenance crews.
Partners on the Platte
Omaha, Nebraska, is working to become a top place to live through more trails close to home. This vision was central to an IMBA Trail Care School in Platte River State Park that welcomed attendees from IMBA Local Partner THOR (Trails Have Our Respect) and key area land managers. The two-day workshop provided the foundational knowledge for the assessment, maintenance, design, and construction of sustainable trails. Participants covered hydrology and erosion, triage techniques, planning and design of new trails and reroutes, construction methodologies, and an introduction to crew leading. Having land managers and mountain bikers working side-by-side became a pivotal moment for trail momentum in Omaha.
Omaha Trail Care
What’s a Trail Care School?
Trail Care Schools equip volunteers and organizations with the skills necessary to maintain modern mountain bike trails in partnership with the local land management. This course will begin with sustainable trail design principles, such as drainage via grade reversals. Covering these principles will help develop trail-wise eyes before heading out into the field to assess maintenance needs, identify appropriate solutions, and develop the techniques to implement solutions effectively.
Hosting a Trail Care School
These schools are two days in length with IMBA instructor(s) traveling to the location to deliver the class. Instructors arrive the day before to assess the site and do any necessary preparations. Organizations, clubs, or groups can contact IMBA to deliver the class in their area. It is the host’s responsibility to receive any necessary permissions for an event.
Currently, we are scheduling a minimum of 90 days out for any programs. Pricing is dependent upon the number of participants for the field portion. Schools can accommodate more attendees in the classroom portion. Pricing includes staff travel costs and fees.
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$5,400=Up to 10 participants for the field portion (1 Instructor)
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$10,800=Up to 20 participants for the field portion (2 instructors)
Have an education question? Get in touch!
Whether you are after solitude or community I am not sure if there is a better avenue than wheels on dirt. It is my goal to see these opportunities become ever more accessible through education and development.
Meet our teamJohn Cox
Education Coordinator
