"The Great Outdoors" - Trails, Maintenance and Customer Service

Three sessions will be offered for rangers, outdoor professionals, programmers and anyone dealing with customer service. Sign up for half or full day.

All Things Trails - Overview for Managing Natural Surface Trails

Claire Miller, Park Supervisor - City of Phoenix

Learning Outcomes: (8:30 - 11:30 AM)   Approved for .3 CEU's

45 minute classroom session then attendees will move outside for about 1.5 hours and do some hands-on trail work.  

Outside work will take place on the Javelina Loop Trail or Apache Fire Loop Trail (both are loops just under 2 miles round trip from Visitor Center where the classroom portions will be held). Meet at the visitor center for the classroom portion first. 

1. Learn key concepts of a sustainable trail system, how to recognize "problem areas" on natural surfaces.
2. Learn about trail assessments/inspections, how to prioritize maintenance projects to identify trail maintenance issues.
3. Complete basic trail maintenance activities, what tools to utilize and how to safely complete necessary maintenance activities
4. Introduction to Crew leadership, how to prepare employees or volunteers to lead a crew of trail maintenance personnel in the field.
5. Hands on session will take place near the facility after the classroom training.

Afternoon sessions will be a classroom setting:

Verbal Judo - Chris Kurtzhals, City of Glendale

Learning Outcomes: (1:00 - 2:15 PM)   Approved for .1 CEU's

1. Learn and recognize key words
2. Learn What Never to Say
3. Non-Verbal Clues and Techniques
4. Stop Verbal Attacks in Their Tracks

Nature Based Programming - Maricopa County Parks

Learning outcomes: (2:30 - 3:45 PM) Approved for .1 CEU's

1. Create programs with lesson plans and props
   
2. Helpful tricks when dealing with groups of all ages
   
3. Safety tips when dealing with critters and cactus