Please email our Volunteer and Outreach Associate, Amaya Horner, at [email protected] with any questions or to be added to the trainee list!
There are only 20 spots available. When you have completed the 12 hour training (trail classes and hike shadowing) and received your background check you will become an official TLC Trail Guide.
Fall 2025 Training
On-Trail Training Schedule:
You must attend at least four of the six on-trail sessions, including the two required sessions in the first week. These trainings are to help expose you to trails at TLC preserves as well as give you examples of how to lead a group on trail. Each training will cover points of interest at the preserves, cover general safety on trail, and go over land use history and current TLC projects. After training, you will shadow a Hike Leader on a TLC guided hike to complete the program.
[Required] Tuesday, September 16th: 4:00pm-6:30pm @ Brumley South
- Join TLC Senior Education and Outreach Manager, Kayla Ebert, and Volunteer and Outreach Associate, Amaya Horner, to explore the southern portion of our Brumley Nature Preserve. We will focus on the important features of Brumley South and and its diverse ecology and geology. [This is a required session]
[Required] Thursday, September 18th: 4:00pm-6:30pm @Williamson
- Join TLC staff Kayla Ebert and Amaya Horner to learn about Williamson Nature Preserve. We will be learning about the preserve’s history and the best routes for leading programs on-trail. [This is a required session]
Saturday, September 20th: 9:30am-12:00pm @ White Pines
- Join TLC Volunteer and Outreach Associate, Amaya Horner, at White Pines Nature Preserve to learn about the preserve’s history and explore the unique microclimate caused by the Rocky and Deep rivers.
Tuesday, September 23rd: 4:00pm-6:30pm @ Williamson
- Join Patrick Boleman, TLC’s Senior Land Manager, to learn about current agricultural practices, prescribed fires, and pollinator restoration projects at Williamson Nature Preserve.
Thursday, September 25th: 4:00pm-6:30pm @ Horton Grove
- Join Matt Rutledge, TLC’s Director of Natural Resources, to explore our Horton Grove Nature Preserve. This preserve is connected to Stagville State Historic Site, where we will focus on the land’s history as well as the identification of various tree species.
Saturday, September 27th: 9:30am-12:00pm @ Johnston Mill
- Join Senior Education and Outreach Manager, Kayla Ebert, to explore Johnston Mill Nature Preserve. We will learn about Johnston Mill’s land use history, common plants found at the preserve, and Kayla’s favorite trails to lead programs on!
As we schedule experts for in person trainings here are examples of past offerings:
General Mushroom ID with TLC Trail Guide Susannah Goldston
Birding on TLC Properties
Native Plant ID on TLC Properties
Interpretation on Trail
Best Practices for Leading Youth Groups
NC EE Certification
This training counts as 12 hours of Criteria II towards your NC Environmental Educator’s Certification. Please download the form below for Kayla Ebert to sign at the end of the course to gain your 12 EE hour credits. You do not need this form if you are not participating in the certification program.
