July 27th, Weekly Dose of Training Opportunities

 

2026 Trail Development & Operations Institute

Hosted by WVU’s Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (Smith OEDC) and the National Training Center at Oglebay Park Resort

September 13-17, 2026
Oglebay Park Resort | Wheeling, WV

Purpose: Build stronger, more sustainable trail systems through hands-on training in planning, construction, operations, and stewardship—enhancing both performance and the visitor experience on shared-use, natural surface trails.

Designed for community leaders, land managers, recreation professionals, tourism and economic development teams, and trail advocates, this program is ideal for cohort participation—empowering teams to learn together and move forward with shared momentum.

Description: The Trail Development & Operations Institute is a multi-day, immersive experience that blends classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork. Set within Oglebay’s unique indoor and outdoor learning environments, participants gain practical insight from seasoned trail professionals. Whether planning new trails or maintaining established systems, communities will find guidance for every stage of the journey.

Recognizing that trail systems are managed from both a leadership and field perspective, this program offers dedicated tracks for Supervisor/Director and Field Management/Maintenance roles. While core concepts are shared, each group engages in tailored learning—both in the classroom and out on the trail—building the specific skills and confidence needed for their work.

Each track is grounded in nationally recognized, NOCTI-approved Core Competencies for Trail Management, enhanced by real-world case studies and decades of on-the-ground experience.

Participants can also earn professional credits through our partnership with American Trails. Sessions are eligible for APA Certification Maintenance (CM), LA CES credits through ASLA, and additional equivalency options—providing meaningful value that extends well beyond the program.

Learning Outcomes:

By the program’s end, participants will be able to:

• Explore the full trail lifecycle—from planning and design to construction and maintenance

• Apply principles of sustainable trail design and thoughtful visitor management

• Navigate industry resources and best practices for trail development and redevelopment

• Assess trail conditions and implement drainage and erosion control solutions

• Identify tread failures and apply effective stabilization techniques

• Mitigate visitor conflicts through smart design and maintenance strategies

• Understand modern construction methods, tools, and techniques

• Plan and implement clear signage and wayfinding systems

• Manage visitor and landowner risk in open space environments

• Activate trails through programming, marketing, and community engagement

• Create a customized action plan for your local trail project

Schedule at a Glance

Travel Time:
Plan to arrive at Pittsburgh International Airport in time for a 75-minute drive to Oglebay Park Resort.

Transportation:
Transportation may be booked through LED Transportation, Inc. Please use the following passenger booking link: Book Shuttle

School Itinerary

Sunday, September 13
4:00 PM
Oglebay Lodge Check-In | Registration
Orientation/Buffet Dinner

Monday, September 14
8:00 AM
Buffet Breakfast
Classroom Session | Lunch
Dinner on Your Own

Tuesday, September 15
8:00 AM
Buffet Breakfast
Classroom Session | Lunch
Field Session | Buffet Dinner

Wednesday, September 16
8:00 AM
Classroom Studies | Planned Breakfast
Lunch & Graduation Banquet/Dinner

Thursday, September 17
6:30 -10:00 AM
Breakfast on You Own
Departure

All Inclusive Package:

$2,379.16 per person, single occupancy
$2,029.04 per person, double occupancy  

*Package rates include Tuition, 4-Night's Lodging, 3 Buffet Breakfasts, 2 Buffet Lunches, 1 Grad-N-Go, 3 Buffet Dinners, 1 Plated Dinner, 5 Beverage Tickets, Continuous Coffee Breaks, and all applicable taxes and fees.

Double occupancy rates apply when there are two students staying in the same room. Roommates will not be randomly assigned. You must provide the name of your roommate when registering for the event.

Turning Trail Work Into Measurable Impact: Trailfunds in Action

Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026 Time: 10:00am to 11:00am Pacific (1:00pm to 2:00pm Eastern) Cost: Free (live webinar and for 24 hours after airing) REGISTER NOW

Synopsis Following the introductory Trailfunds webinar (held on June 25), this session takes a practical, hands-on look at how organizations are using the platform to plan, document, and communicate stewardship work. Learn more about the webinar including the learning objectives and presenter(s) here.   Presenters Jared Vandeventer, Founder and CEO, Trailfunds     Sign up for an offsite field trip during the 2026 NAI National Conference and explore the University of California Botanical Garden—a 34-acre oasis in the heart of Berkeley featuring one of the world's most diverse living plant collections. Learn more information here.   NAI CALENDAR   July 2: New “What’s Up, Interpreters?” Episode | Subscribe July 9: NAI Conference Registration Opens to Everyone | Register July 16: New “What’s Up, Interpreters?” Episode | Subscribe July 29: InterpTalk | Register in the Member Area July 30: New “What’s Up, Interpreters?” Episode | Subscribe July 31: Media Award Submissions Close | Submit     NAI Conference Registration Open to All The NAI National Conference will take place in Oakland, California, November 10–13, 2026, and as of today, registration is open to all, regardless of your NAI membership status!   This November, join NAI in Oakland, California, for four days of learning, networking, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences. This year's theme, Creating Community Rooted in Interpretation, celebrates how we grow together through shared stories, inclusive practices, and connections that sustain both people and the planet. Join interpreters from across the nation for a conference designed to inspire, connect, and strengthen our profession.   Register Now