Become a Trail Crew Leader

The SCMTS Trail Crew Leader Training series is a comprehensive program offered both online and in the field. Its purpose is to equip volunteers with the necessary knowledge and skills to become certified Trail Crew Leaders for SCMTS events. Certified Trail Crew Leaders from SCMTS are tasked with leading volunteer groups during trail work events and serving as ambassadors for SCMTS while in the field.

Our Fall 2026 Trail Crew Leader Training is a 6-part training consisting of 3 online classes, 2 field trainings, and 1 Trail Crew Leader shadowing at a '26/'27 Dig Day.

Class 1: Introduction to Trails (online)
• Instructor: Mati Benzoni, Trail Stewardship Coordinator
• Co-Instructor: Travis Taylor, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Manager
• Date and Time: Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (2 hours)
• Location: Zoom Webinar

Class 2:  Introduction to Trail Maintenance (online)
• Instructor: Travis Taylor, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Manager
• Co-Instructor: Mati Benzoni, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Coordinator
• Date and Time: Wednesday, November 25, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (2 hours)
• Location: Zoom Webinar

Class 3: 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: Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (2 hours)
• Location: Zoom Webinar

Field Training 1: Trail Assessment & Maintenance
• Instructor: Travis Taylor, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Manager
• Co-Instructor: Mati Benzoni, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Coordinator
• Date and Time: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (6 hours)
• Location: Soquel Demonstration State Forest

Field Training 2: Safety Talks & Volunteer Management
• Instructor: Mati Benzoni, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Coordinator
• Co-Instructor: Travis Taylor, SCMTS Trail Stewardship Manager
• Date and Time: Sunday, December 6, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (6 hours)
• Location: Soquel Demonstration State Forest

Shadow 1: Shadow a Trail Crew Leader
• Instructor: TBD SCMTS Trail Crew Leader
• Date and Time: TBD '26/'27 Dig Day
• Location: TBD

In order to be certified as an SCMTS Trail Crew Leader, you must complete all online and field sessions and attend one Dig Day event as a Trail Crew Leader where you’ll be paired up with an experienced Trail Crew Leader to mentor you for the day. Once certified, you’ll be able to lead crews of your own at SCMTS Dig Days & National Trails Day.

All certified Trail Crew Leaders will receive the following:

• Bright orange SCMTS Trail Crew Leader uniform
• Bright orange SCMTS hard hat
• Completion Certificate
• Completion Sticker

You will receive more information in a reminder email 24-48 hours before each event. 
Contact: events@santacruztrails.org