Courses

Corridor monitoring helps protect the area the Appalachian Trail passes through including the boundary of the property it occupies. 

Appalachian Trail Corridor Monitors inspect their trail corridor section at least four times each year to protect the land boundary from illegal activities that threaten the AT, such as encroachment, unauthorized hunting, and dumping.

This course helps you gain or brush up on the skills necessary to become an Appalachian Trail Corridor Monitor. Skills include reading survey maps and navigating off trail using a compass and GPS, recognizing land encroachments and illegal use, preserving access to survey monuments, and reporting conditions.

By completing this Trail Conference University [link to landing page] course, you are one step closer to earning your Trail Conference Build Your Own badge! Click here to learn more about Trail Conference University.

Chainsaw Certification Workshop - for active trail volunteers.  Closed to outside registration.  Workshop will focus on enhancing skills of our existing sawyers with intensive training given to new sawyers. Chainsaw certification is necessary to use a chainsaw on Trail Conference managed trails if permitted by the land manager. Priority for this course is given to our existing sawyers needing re-certification, as well as to those who work on the AT.  Current First Aid/CPR is a requirement of certification.  Students do not need to own a chainsaw to attend, but it is preferrable that you bring a chainsaw and PPE if you have them.  

This course helps you gain or brush up on the skills to identify and mitigate hazards concerning bucking, limbing and eliminating spring poles with a chainsaw.  Focus is placed on safe chainsaw use.

Even beginners can learn to see trails through the "eyes of a trail builder" in this guided hike. As we walk, we'll discuss how to recognize erosion, spot wet areas (even in dry weather), look at trail grade with a critical eye, identify potential re-routes, weigh the pros and cons of trail structures, and much more. We'll also brainstorm solutions to the problems we encounter using modern trail building best practices.

Whether you're a casual trail user looking to learn about what goes into the art and science of trail building, or a volunteer looking to expand your trail skills and knowledge, we look forward to sharing the "eyes of a trail builder" with you!

By completing this Trail Conference University [link to landing page] course, you are one step closer to earning your Trail Crew Master Builder and Trail Maintainer Extraordinaire badge! Click here to learn more about Trail Conference University.

Graffiti defies Leave-No-Trace Principles, introducing unnecessary chemicals into the ecosystem and disrupting otherwise pristine natural and historical features, and the presence of graffiti often encourages more graffiti.

Graffiti neutralization is the process of using wire brushes, paint, and other special techniques to cover up or remove graffiti on rocks, trees, and other surfaces. This course will help you to gain or brush up on the skills necessary to neutralize graffiti on natural features such as rocks and trees.

By completing this Trail Conference University [link to landing page] course, you are one step closer to earning your Trail Maintainer Extraordinaire badge! Click here to learn more about Trail Conference University.

Habitat restoration is the act of closing down old trails to facilitate nature’s restoration.

This course helps you gain or brush up on the skills to permanently close a trail and restore it to its natural state by transporting and installing organic soils, vegetation, brush, and rocks.

Please register.  Space is limited.

For volunteers under age 18, please submit a Guardian Consent form to volunteer@nynjtc.org prior to the volunteer day or bring the paper form the day of. A parent or guardian must be present for the volunteer day.