Land Stewardship Series: Soft Trail Planning & Development

This hands-on series is designed for landowners, natural resource professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of managing Iowa’s unique ecosystems. Participants will explore topics such as tree and plant identification, invasive species management, herbicide application, equipment operation, trail design, tree and shrub removal, wildfire planning, and ecosystem restoration. Some classes will include fieldwork at off-site locations, offering real-world applications and insights.

Hosted through Iowa Western Community College.

About this Course

This course focuses on the principles of designing sustainable soft trails in natural landscapes. Learn how to plan, layout, and build trails that minimize environmental impact while providing access for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Topics include trail alignment, erosion control, and long-term maintenance strategies, with an emphasis on creating trails that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

About the Series

Classes start Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm and continue one Tuesday evening per month until November.

March 11 - Wildland Fire Planning & Management
April 8 - Tree & Shrub Removal
May 6 - Herbicide Use
June 10 - Tree & Plant Identification
July 8 – Equipment Operations
August 5 - Soft Trail Planning & Development
September 9 - Intro to OSHA
October 7 - Seed Harvesting, Processing, & Cleaning
November 4 - Business Basics

Each class is $65, or register for all courses in the series for a total of $499.

Contact: Lance Brisbois
Phone: (712) 482-3029
Email: lance@goldenhillsrcd.org