A little rain did not stop the Columbia Cascades Trail Skills College 2024 from absolutely shining once again for their annual training event. Jeanine Russell, Columbia Cascades Regional Representative, described it as one of her “favorite years yet,” crediting it being the third she and Landon Coates Welsh, Volunteer Training Coordinator, have partnered to coordinate Trail Skills College. Jeanine only had marvelous things to say about the weekend at Marine Park in Cascade Locks, OR. She and the Columbia Cascades staff really appreciate the Mount Hood Chapter Caretakers and Crew Leaders, new and returning volunteers, other PCTA staff who travelled to attend, and community members who gathered for the three-day event to learn and share trail maintenance skills and gather alongside fellow PCT lovers.
Goofy grins and spirits high amongst TSC attendees Photo Credit: Shonda Feather
With class offerings like Plants of the Gorge, Saw Crew Training, First Aid and CPR, Crew Leadership, and Intro to Trail Maintenance, there were abundant opportunities made to participants for both new and experienced volunteers looking to freshen up their toolbelts of knowledge. In the last few years, the event has been designed to focus on new volunteers interested in trying out trail maintenance. The Columbia Cascades staff is enthusiastic about providing the opportunity for brand new people to have a space to come learn trail skills starting from the very beginning, assuming no previous experience or knowledge. It is a unique chance to bring people together and focus on the basics.
Intro to Trail Maintenance Class Photo Credit: Lauren Ruhe
Volunteers demonstrate wound treatment in First Aid/CPR class. Photo Credit: Lauren Ruhe
The event is more than trail skills! USFS Botanist Brance joined PCTA once again to teach the Plants of the Gorge class, a new addition to Trails Skills College, and plenty of folks highlighted this when asked about their favorite moments from the weekend. One class member reported back that “Brance was a knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic botanist who identified many species and explained their role in the ecosystem,” while another asked PCTA to “please offer the botanist walk again!”
USFS Botanist Brance leading Plants of the Gorge class Photo Credit: Jen VanZee
In addition to basic skills, there are opportunities for experienced volunteers to advance their knowledge. Other highlights from the weekend included an incredibly successful Tread Reconstruction course taught by Caretaker and Mt. Hood Chapter Chair Susan McDonnell. One volunteer in our post-event survey said they “very much appreciated” the excellent way Susan answered questions and guided the class.
Susan McDonnell is all smiles at the Hand Tool Maintenance class Photo Credit: Shonda Feather
Jeanine, along with Claire Persichetti, Columbia Cascades Field Project Specialist, taught a Crew Leadership course that “far exceeded the expectations” of participants, many of whom are experienced volunteers looking to step into crew leader positions and take on the challenge of leading projects along the PCT. The PCTA thanks everyone who participated in this class and took the time to learn the critical leadership skills necessary to successfully lead volunteer trail crews!
The value of this event comes directly from the contributions of volunteers and agency partners who give their time to share their skills and teach classes. Will Jones, Trails Coordinator for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, supported an Introduction to Rigging & Mechanical Advantage class and returned to help teach an Introduction to Saw Crew class with Leif Hovin, Mount Hood Chapter Caretaker and leader of the Mount Hood Chapter’s saw program. Sam Getchell, Trails Coordinator for the West Zone of the Mount Hood National Forest, supported our Intro to Saw Crew class as well! We deeply appreciate the time our agency partners provide to support volunteer training and their partnership in providing quality care and maintenance to the PCT.
Rigging and Mechanical Advantage Class Photo Credit: Missy Fant
Basic Saw Crew Class Photo Credit: Lauren Ruhe
After long days of classes, TSC participants gathered for some remarkable meals put together by Mount Hood Chapter Caretakers Todd and Renee Janssen, who ensured that folks were well-fed while the always-beloved Thunder Island Brewing supplied ample beverage options for people to enjoy at the end of their days. The generous contributions of local community members and businesses are just one of the many reasons why Trails Skills College Events feel so special to us. This includes the endless generosity of site hosts, Port of Cascade Locks. Thank you to Jeanetta Blue, Port of Cascade Locks Event Coordinator, for all your help and support for our events and for providing us space for these important trainings!
Jeanine Russell, alongside caretakers (and chefs!) Todd and Renee Janssen Photo Credit: Shonda Feather
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this year’s Columbia Cascades Trail Skills College! It is inspiring to see so many people come together to learn about trail work in the interest of supporting maintenance on the PCT. This event is one we all look forward to every year, knowing it will re-energize us for another great season!
Trails Skills College Participants at Cascade Locks Photo Credit: Shonda Feather
Our incredible volunteers and donors lead the effort to care for the PCT and the lands it passes through. To get involved in trail work in 2024, contact [email protected] or make a donation to support this on-the-ground work.