Our ongoing volunteer training programs ensure compliance with Federal safety standards for chainsaw and crosscut saw use, as well as introduce new trail maintainers to tools usage and preparing new Activity Leaders to plan, promote and run FTA-sanctioned hikes.

Programs are generally open to Florida Trail Association members only and are held during the fall, winter, and spring trail maintenance seasons.  All of our training courses are provided at no cost for FTA members and our land management partners. Non-members will be accommodated on a “space available” basis.  While the courses are free to our members, you MUST sign up in advance, as most courses have a limited capacity.

A $50 deposit is required to hold your place in most classes. This was instituted with the approval of the FTA Trails Committee to help cut down on class No-Shows. Your deposit will be returned to you if you:
      a. complete the class,
      b. cancel with enough advance notification that another member may take your place.

If you do not complete the class, your deposit will be considered a donation in your name to the Florida Trail Association general fund. Of course, if you find the course of value to yourself and your FTA trail work, you may wish to make the donation even if you do finish the class.

Saw certification trainings generally have only 8-12 available slots, so sign up early. Non-certification workshops generally can accommodate 24-32 people. To sign up check the website for our currently scheduled classes or contact Deb Blick at dblick@floridatrail.org or call 1-877-HIKE-FLA.

A current First Aid and CPR card is a prerequisite for all sawyer certification courses. We recommend you check with your local Red Cross Chapter or American Heart Association for these classes.