Join us for a free hands-on workshop focused on the basics of trail building. Learn how thoughtful trail design keeps our communities, streams, and natural areas healthy. Local experts will cover proper tool selection, trail design, and building techniques to help you create or reimagine your own nature trail and maximize the enjoyment of your land.

We’ll cover tips to reduce trail maintenance, reroute trails or correct issues, and lower the impact on your natural area.

Participants will walk and learn from the trails at Seidman Park, have the opportunity to build a new trail, and decommission an existing trail.

Kent County’s Seidman Park is a 400-acre natural area of rolling hills, coldwater streams, wetlands, and oak woodlands. This park also contains a segment of the North Country Trail, which stretches from New York to North Dakota and is the longest continuous trail in the National Trails System.

All are welcome. Training and all supplies are included. Great for all ages! Bring a water bottle, gloves, and dress appropriately for the weather and for getting your hands dirty.

Pre-registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. To register contact Kent County Parks Volunteer Services at park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov or 616-826-0438.

This workshop is hosted by North Country Trail Association – Western Michigan Chapter, Trout Unlimited, Land Conservancy of West Michigan, Kent County Parks, REI, and U.S. Forest Service.