What's a Trail Crew Leader?
Trail Crew Leaders are essential leaders in our trail community. They are SCMTS-certified volunteers who take the lead, guiding and inspiring groups of volunteers at Dig Days, our premier trail work events. They’re passionate about trails and love spending time outdoors making a tangible difference for their communities.
Trail Crew Leaders complete a comprehensive series of courses taught by your local trail experts at SCMTS. You will learn:
• The Big Picture: Why trails exist and how they impact people and their surroundings.
• Trail Science: Common terminology, best practices, and the technical skills for building and maintaining sustainable trails.
• Effective Leadership: The importance of volunteer management and how to successfully lead and motivate a group during a work day.
In addition to learning how to build and maintain trails in a group setting, our Trail Crew Leaders get some pretty sweet perks, too!
Trail Crew Leader Perks
As a thank you for your commitment and leadership, you'll receive great gear and exclusive opportunities that recognize your elevated role in the SCMTS community. Upon graduation, all Trail Crew Leaders receive the following:
• SCMTS-branded Trail Crew Leader shirt in bright orange color
• SCMTS-branded hard hat
• Trail Crew Leaders guide
• Invitations to special SCMTS events
• Access to discounted professional trainings
• Honor at the Trail Crew Leader graduation ceremony
• The respect and admiration of trail users throughout the world!
How do you become a Trail Crew Leader?
To be certified as a Trail Crew Leader, you must complete a comprehensive training program, which includes three online classes, a mandatory weekend field training, and volunteering at a Dig Day under the mentorship of an experienced, certified Trail Crew Leader.
2026 Class Schedule
Sign-up links coming soon. Fill out our interest form to get first chance at signing up for classes.
> Introduction to Trails (online)
Instructor: Emma Ussat, SCMTS Senior Community Engagement Manager
Date and Time: Thursday, February 5, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (2 hours)
Location: Zoom Webinar
> Introduction to Trail Maintenance (online)
Instructor: Travis Taylor, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Manager
Co-Instructor: Mati Benzoni, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Coordinator
Date and Time: Thursday, February 12, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (2 hours)
Location: Zoom Webinar
> Your Role as an SCMTS Crew Leader (online)
Instructor: Mati Benzoni, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Coordinator
Co-Instructor: Travis Taylor, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Manager
Date and Time: Thursday, February 19, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (2 hours)
Location: Zoom Webinar
> Field Training 1: Trail Maintenance
Instructor: Travis Taylor, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Manager
Co-Instructor: Mati Benzoni, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Coordinator
Date and Time: Saturday, February 21, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (6 hours)
Location: Wilder Ranch State Park (subject to change)
> Field Training 2: Trail Maintenance and Volunteer Management
Instructor: Mati Benzoni, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Coordinator
Co-Instructor: Travis Taylor, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Manager
Date and Time: Sunday, February 22, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (6 hours)
Location: Soquel Demonstration State Forest (subject to change)
> Dig Day at Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument
Date and Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (6 hours)
> Dig Day at Wilder Ranch State Park
Date and Time: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (6 hours)
Already a Trail Crew Leader?
Expand your role in local trail stewardship and become a Trail Sage! As an SCMTS Trail Sage, you gain the skills and autonomy to run your own independent volunteer trail work events, taking your leadership to the next level.
Learn more about the Trail Sage Program by clicking the button below.