2025 Trail Care Academy
To improve the knowledge and skills of trail management stakeholders along the PHNST and broader Northern Virginia trail network, NVRC, with support from Fina Trails LLC, is hosting an education series consisting of webinar events as well as viewshed inventorying and two, half-day in-person training events centered around key maintenance topics, including maintenance funding, volunteer management, invasive plant removals, environmental sustainability, and viewshed management.
Each education event will feature local experts who will share best practices, case studies, and other information that participants can apply to their individual trail systems and the greater PHNST network. The series also aims to emphasize the importance of safety, environmental stewardship, and community engagement in trail maintenance efforts.
​The program is made possible with funding from the National Park Foundation.
Event Schedule
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For any questions regarding the education series or events, please contact Rebecca Murphy at rmurphy@novaregion.org
Previous Events
Trail Management 101
April 1, 2025 | 1 - 2:30 pm
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NVRC’s first webinar in the Trail Care Academy education series provided an overview of what trail managers need to know about managing natural surface trails, including trail sustainability and management tasks such as way finding/maps, litter management, graffiti, vegetation management, blow downs, hazard trees, structures, tread maintenance, parking, access, restrooms, and emergency response plans. Workforce options, safety, and management were also discussed. The webinar was presented by local professional trail builder Robert Fina, of Fina Trails LLC, drawing on his twenty five years of experience in trail maintenance, trail construction, and managing trail volunteers.​​​​
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Presentation Slides​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​Invasive Species Identification and Management
April 29, 2025 | 1 - 2:30 pm
The second webinar in the Trail Care Academy education series provided an overview of the invasive species, plant and insect, that affect trails in Northern Virginia as well as information on effective identification and management.
The webinar was presented by local invasives expert Rob Lamar, PhD, former Natural Resource Management Specialist for the National Park Service. Currently retired, Rob serves as the Natural Resource Advisor and Invasive Plant Management Team leader for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.​​​​​
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Webinar Resources
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​Presentation Slides
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Trail Maintenance Funding 101
July 29th, 2025 | 10 - 11:30 AM
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NVRC and Fina Trails held a webinar event to share funding opportunities for trail maintenance and improvement projects across Northern Virginia. This session was designed for local governments, nonprofit organizations, volunteer groups, and community advocates who lead and support trail development and maintenance programs.
An expert panel provided an overview of various funding sources for trail maintenance, including grants from Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (VA DCR) and other relevant funders. Participants gained insights into funding program components, application development, and tips for creating successful proposals. Speakers included:
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Kellie Seaton: VA DCR
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Kristal McKelvey: VA DCR
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Elizabeth Burger: Sunflower Foundation
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Cece Kirkwood: AllTrails
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Webinar Resources
​Working with Foundations Tip Sheet - Sunflower Foundation​
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Presentations
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation:
Seeking Trails Funding From Foundation
​AllTrails - Stewards Fund​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Half-Day Maintenance Workshops
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Workshop #1: Bazil Newman Riverfront Park​
June 1, 2025 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
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Fina Trails hosted the first of two in-person, half-day workshops to guide participants on tools and techniques for key maintenance topics, including safety considerations, vegetation management, water control, and more!
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Workshop #2: Bull Run- Occoquan Trail​
September 12, 2025 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
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Workshop #3: Bull Run- Occoquan Trail​
October 17, 2025 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm ​
