Back-to-school is in the air. Walk into any store, and you can’t ignore the colorful displays featuring all of the items your school-aged children need to be successful in their upcoming academic pursuits. From #2 pencils and composition notebooks, to sneakers, water bottles, and backpacks, schools give us clear direction on what supplies and materials our kids need to make the grade.

Maybe you’ve signed up for a trail work day or your trails organization or City is bringing IMBA in for a Trail Care School. We know that having the right tools contributes to safety, efficiency, and the overall experience of a Trail Care School or work day. Here’s what IMBA recommends for your Back to Trail Care School List.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Tools

Creatures and Creature Comforts

This list is a good place to start. AND it’s 100% true that each unique “job” or trail event, may require unique or speciality tools, or tools like a clinometer which require training to use. Consult with IMBA’s Education team on what equipment, materials and supplies are right for your trail system, workday, or upcoming Trail Care School.

IMBA’s Chris Orr has been teaching Trail Care Schools for over a decade. His safety talk covers these details and more, and he always leaves communities well-tooled. *wink* 

“There are always invaluable parts to a trail work day, having a tool in every participants’s hand with either a smile or look of determination on their face is one. A sense of accomplishment at the end of the day is another. Sometimes the collaborations and the relationships that are built during a workday are the most valuable and long lasting in benefit of the trail community."

Having the right tools and equipment for any job can increase safety/reduce risk; increase efficiency by reducing time spent and effort; and can even save your trails organization money and contribute to great volunteer and trail crew experiences. Right tools = job done right. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of sharing a snack, meal, or beverage with your crew. Sometimes, a shared meal and a cold drink after a long day of hard work is the best tool of them all for building your trails community.