Sustainable Trail Building 101
Topics covered in this class will include the following:
- Sustainable trail design
- Basic Construction
- Turns, drainage, and bridges
- Trail re-routes
- Trail reclamation
- Rock Work
- Mechanized trail building vs. manual trail building
- Effective use of signage
- Political environment
The class will be taught by Nathan Burrell and Mike Burton of the James River Park System.
Nathan, the James River Park System trails manager, brings a wealth of knowledge to urban trail building and has lectured at the state and national level on sustainable trail building in an urban environment.
Mike, a principal in Long Cane Trails LLC, is a professional trail builder who just relocated to the Richmond area and is now on the staff of theJames River Park System. Mike has extensive experience in urban trail building and mechanized trail building in particular. Go to Mike's website at http://www.longcanetrails.com/portfolio.html to see examples of his work.
This class is a unique opportunity to gain insight into the rationale behind the methodologies and techniques we use to design and maintain the trails in the James River Park System. Participation in this class will greatly enhance your appreciation and evaluation of the local trail system.
Class participation will be limited to 25 participants. The class is free and open to the public. Food and beverage will be provided by RA-MORE.
For registration information, contact Clark Jones atC.Jones0679@comcast.net.
Where: The Byrd Pump House (1708 Pump House Drive Richmond, VA 23221). Located on the North West side of the Nickel Bridge (aka Westover Hills Blvd/Park Dr./161) Please park along Pump House drive near the Pump House building. You may also park in the gravel North Bank Trail Head parking lot just below the Dog Park and walk West along Pump House Drive if you wish.
When: Saturday, October 23rd, 9:00am to 4:00pm
Length: 1 Day
Cost: Free, Class limited to 25 participants
Bring: Water, work gloves, sturdy shoes, and an open mind


