Saturday | November 8, 2025 |8:00 a.m. to 12:
00 p.m. | Tilton Ranch Complex.
Staff introduction, program overview
Who, what, when, where of the Trail Master program
Safe use of hand and power tools
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Proper technique
Using the right tool for the right job
Power tools: Weed eater, power hedger, pole saw
Hand tools: Pick Mattock, McLeod
Staff led instruction and practice on site
Have you ever wanted to learn how to use a McLeod? Perhaps you crave the satisfaction of keeping our trail corridors in top shape? Looking for a volunteer opportunity with equal parts camaraderie and hard work? Then consider joining the 2025 Open Space Authority Trail Master training program!
Beginning on November 8, 2025 with an in-person program overview and technical instruction at the Tilton Ranch Complex. This day must be attended in order to achieve the qualification of trained Trail Master. Trainees then build skills and competencies by joining ongoing field opportunities led by staff in our preserves. Trainees are qualified after they have logged 35 hours of time in the field and demonstrated understanding of safety protocols and proper use of hand and power tools.
Trail Masters are active, hands-on, all season, field-based volunteers who love being outside. We enjoy the camaraderie shared amongst volunteers and staff while completing work together. We hike multiple miles on foot to complete our work, while carrying our own water, snacks, and gear. A Trained Trail Master is a volunteer who knows and follows established protocols for using hand and power tools safely in the presence of the public, other volunteers and staff.
There will be weekly, ongoing Trail Master volunteer opportunities in the field for trainees to join. Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday of each month through spring, advertised in advance to trainees. We expect trainees to participate in the technical instructional session laid out here and participate in at least one field opportunity per month in order to complete training requirements in timely fashion.
Questions about training should be directed to Gavin Comstock, Volunteer Programs Administrator. Those who register for this training, should consider their ability to join regular events in the field, during training and thereafter. Regular volunteer attendance is the best means to building and maintaining the habits that lead to safe participation and successful stewardship efforts. This is why we have weekly events.
