Please email Amaya Horner at [email protected] by January 5th to join the Spring 2026 Trail Guide Training! *Please note, the TLC office will be closed December 24th-January 4th, and we will get back to you on the 5th about registration.
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.
Spring 2026 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] Saturday, January 10th: 9:00am-11:00am @ Williamson
- Join TLC staff Kayla Ebert and Amaya Horner at Williamson Nature Preserve to learn about the preserve’s history and best practices in representing TLC during outreach events. [This is a required session]
Tuesday, January 13th: 3:00pm-5:30pm @ Horton Grove
- Join Amaya Horner, TLC’s Volunteer and Outreach Associate, 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 other interpretation practices used on the trails.
Thursday, January 15th: 3:00pm-5:30pm @ White Pines
- Join TLC Senior Education and Outreach Manager, Kayla Ebert, at White Pines Nature Preserve to learn about its land use history and explore the unique microclimate caused by the Rocky and Deep rivers.
[Required] Saturday, January 17th: 9:30am-12:30pm @ Brumley South
- Meet the TLC Advancement Team, who will share updates with volunteers about our upcoming “Force For Nature” campaign! During this training, integral volunteers will learn more about how they can create an impact on this work and become a Force for Nature Ambassador. This session is required for new trainees and open to the current Trail Guide cohort.
Tuesday, January 20th: 3:00pm-5:30pm @ 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, January 22nd: 3:00pm-5:30pm @ Johnston Mill
- Join Education and Outreach staff, Amaya Horner and Meera Butalia to explore Johnston Mill Nature Preserve. We will learn about Johnston Mill’s land use history, common plants found at the preserve, and our favorite trails to lead education 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.
