The Keystone Trails Association’s new Trail Academy series features educational webinars and in-person training events to maintain safer trails, develop wiser hikers, and create happier forests.

Events are hosted by Keystone Trails Association (KTA) staff members, outdoor industry leaders, conservation experts, and/or members of KTA.

“Our new Trail Academy is an effort to support each individual wherever they are in their hiking journey,” shares Brook Lenker, Executive Director of KTA. “It’s also a great opportunity to collaborate with and feature some of Pennsylvania’s incredibly talented conservation and outdoor recreation professionals.”

The Keystone Trails Association is a statewide organization committed to providing, protecting, preserving, and promoting hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania.

“Because we serve the whole state, we regularly meet brand new hikers who are searching for a safe place to go on their first hike,” shares Holly Tritt, Manager of Communications and Membership at KTA. “At the same time, we’re connected to hikers and trail club leaders who have been hiking or maintaining trails for decades and are looking for ways to advance their skill set.”

KTA’s Trail Academy educational webinars and in-person training events are grouped into three categories of outdoor skills, maintenance and safety, and hiking topics. Sessions cover a variety of topics such as  “What hikers need to know about invasive plants in PA”, “Wilderness First Aid”, “Hiking trails and road crossings”, and “Choosing a hiking trail”.

“Topics like Leave No Trace, invasive species, and trail care best practices are crucial for the health of our trails and the safety of hikers in PA,” shares Lenker. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to introduce these concepts to new hikers and to provide training for our members to continue providing excellent hiking experiences in PA.”

Click Here to view KTA’s Trail Academy training events.

Questions about KTA’s Trail Academy? Contact Holly Tritt, KTA Manager of Communications and Membership at tritt@kta-hike.org. 

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can become involved, visit the Keystone Trails Association website, read the KTA Blog, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

[Posted: July 24, 2023]

7/31/2023