2.5 Day Workshop
Classroom and Field-based learning
Dates:
Thursday 3/21, 1 pm - 5 pm (Classroom)
Friday 3/22, 8 am - 5 pm (Field)
Saturday 3/23, 8 am - 5 pm (Field)
Cost: $800
Level: Intermediate and Expert
Instructors:
Erin Amadon, Town 4 Trail Services, LLC
Willie Bittner, Great Lakes Trail Builders, LLC
Description: Stonework is not for everyone. However, for those with patience, attention to detail, a hard work ethic, and a general love for puzzles, stonework can be one of the most rewarding forms of trail work because of its longevity and aesthetic. This two and a half-day workshop will explore the ideal rock size and shapes for structures, safe transportation methods, and construction techniques for stone structures.
Day one (1/2 day) of the workshop will highlight different examples of stonework through a photographic representation of completed projects. Day two will focus on the planning, design, and layout of your stone project while beginning a field-based project. Day three of the workshop will focus on finishing the field-based project.
Emphasis will be placed on proper moving techniques, stone shaping, and stone setting. Participants will demonstrate the trail skills by applying knowledge learned through hands-on demonstration throughout the workshops. Participants will receive direct feedback from the instructor on how to improve techniques. Participants should plan on bringing hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, work gloves, sturdy boots, lunch, and water for the workshop. This workshop is suitable for recreation planners, land managers, trail advocates, policymakers, designers, architects, trail stewards, volunteers, trail builders, trail contractors, and trail enthusiasts.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify and describe what type of stone structure is needed and why.
2. Demonstrate appropriate body mechanics and safe stone moving techniques.
3. Demonstrate proper stone stetting practices.
INSTRUCTORS:
Erin Amadon, Owner, Town 4 Trail Services
Erin Amadon’s passion for trail work began over two decades ago when she first served as a member of a youth conservation corps, and she has been doing trail work ever since. She currently is the owner of Town 4 Trail Services based out of Troy, ME.
As a former Training Coordinator for the Maine Conservation Corps, Erin developed and implemented an eleven-week environmental training curriculum for the Trail Training Academy. Erin is committed to youth conservation work and supporting the next generation of trail builders through her work as a Conservation Work Skills Instructor for the Student Conservation Association and in her role on the Maine Conservation Corps Advisory Board. Erin holds a United States Forest Service Sawyer certification, Wilderness First Responder, CPR, OSHA 10 Hour Construction Safety & Health, Leave No Trace Trainer, and American Canoe Association quick start certifications.
Willie Bittner, Owner, Great Lakes Trailbuilders
Willie Bittner started working on trails 20 years ago with the Wisconsin DNR and over the years he has worked from coast to coast building trails and teaching the different methods and styles to volunteer groups, conservation corps and state and federal agencies. He founded Great Lakes Trailbuilders, LLC in 2008 to bring a low impact and environmentally friendly approach to trailbuilding and design to the Midwest.
As owner and lead designer, Willie is dedicated to sharing his experiences, engaging users and developing leading edge trails. His projects have taken him from designing new National Parks trails in Patagonia to co-founding WisCorps, Inc. a Wisconsin based Conservation Corps to leading trainings on everything from sustainable trail construction to trail psychology and rigging.