Skills College 2026

Skills College is a multi-day training event for volunteers to learn about trail maintenance and stewardship. This fun-filled weekend is a great opportunity to meet other active volunteers while learning the fundamentals of trail maintenance and stewardship. Courses are led by experienced volunteers and Forest Service recreation staff. No prior experience necessary. All skill levels welcome. Skills College is hosted in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service.

When is it?

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Where is it?

HJ Andrews Experimental Forest, 91991 Blue Riv Reservoir Rd, Blue River, OR 97413

How much does it cost?

Skills College is offered free of charge to inspire stewardship of our public lands. We encourage you to make an optional donation: Help support Skills College! Planning for next year starts the day 2026 Skills College is done! Donations of any amount help us continue offering this multi-day training and ensure volunteers have the resources needed to succeed in the field. Unable to donate? In exchange for attending the training session, we encourage you to volunteer at least 8 hours of work on stewardship projects in the coming year.

Are meals and lodging provided?

  • Camping and bunkhouses will be available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
  • Dinner will be provided Friday and Saturday.
  • Hot coffee and water will be available throughout the weekend.
  • Please plan to bring your own food for breakfast and lunch on all four days. There is plenty of community kitchen space available for use.

Lodging

Please tell us where you plan to stay by completing the RSVP form (step 1 above). The following options are available on a first come first served basis. We will do our best to accommodate your request.

On-site at HJ Andrews Experimental Forest

  • Reservable dorm style apartments on site – All apartments have a fully equipped kitchen and living area. Most have two bathrooms and four bedrooms with two single beds each, accommodating eight people. You will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow. You will also need to help clean the apartment before leaving. – Free
  • Small trailer/RV and car/tent camping (limited on-site options available) – Free
Showers and restrooms available on-site at HJ Andrews. Sleeping bags, blankets, tents and any other camping or sleeping supplies will not be provided. Please be sure to bring sufficient equipment for your own comfort. Dogs are not permitted at HJ Andrews.

Off-site Locations

American Land & Leisure and the Willamette National Forest are offering a limited number of tent and trailer/RV sites free of charge for the weekend at the following nearby campgrounds:

What classes are offered?

Click here to download the 2026 Class Schedule. The schedule below is subject to change.

Time Class
7:00AM to 8:00AM
  • Cafeteria
    Registration
8:00AM to 9:00AM
  • Cafeteria
    Leave No Trace With Q/A
9:00AM to 12:00PM
  • Cafeteria
    Rigging
  • Classroom TBD
    Rock Retaining wall
12:00 to 1:00PM
  • Cafeteria
    Lunch
1:00PM to 4:00PM
  • In the Field
    Rigging (Continued)
  • In the Field
    Rock Retaining Wall (Continued)
5:00PM to 6:00PM
  • Cafeteria
    Dinner
6:00PM to 7:00PM
  • Cafeteria
    Speaker TBD

Time Class
7:00AM to 8:00AM
  • Cafeteria
    Registration/Orientation (mandatory)
8:00AM to 9:00AM
  • Cafeteria
    Saw Program
9:00AM to 12:00PM
  • Conference Room
    Archaeology / Tim Fox
  • Classroom TBD
    Introduction Crosscut Logging Techniques
12:00PM to 1:00PM
  • Cafeteria
    Lunch
1:00PM to 4:00PM
  • Conference Room
    Forest Service and Cascade Volunteers Leadership Meeting
5:00PM to 6:00PM
  • Cafeteria
    Dinner Provided
6:00PM to 7:00PM
  • Cafeteria
    Fire Safety

Time Class
7:00AM to 8:00AM
  • Cafeteria
    Registration/Orientation (mandatory)
8:00AM to 9:00AM
  • Cafeteria
    Nonviolent Communication – “A Tool for the Trail”
9:00AM to 12:00PM
  • Conference Room
    Introduction to Trail Maintenance
  • Classroom TBD
    Project Planning, Managing Crews, Code of Conduct Review, Radio and Emergency Communications
  • Classroom TBD
    Bridge Building Basics
  • Classroom TBD
    Tread and Drainage
12:00 to 1:00PM
  • Cafeteria
    Lunch
1:00PM to 4:00PM
  • In the Field
    Introduction to Trail Maintenance (Continued)
  • Classroom TBD
    Chainsaw Maintenance
  • In the Field
    Bridge Building (Continued)
  • In the Field
    Tread and Drainage (Continued)
  • Classroom TBD
    First Aid Introduction
5:00PM to 6:00PM
  • Cafeteria
    Dinner Provided
6:00PM to 7:00PM
  • Cafeteria
    Wildlife Presentation
7:00PM to 8:00PM
  • Pavilion
    X-Cut Competition

Time Class
7:00AM to 8:00AM
  • Cafeteria
    Registration/Orientation (mandatory)
8:00AM to 9:00AM
  • Cafeteria
    Code of Conduct for Volunteers
9:00AM to 12:00PM
  • Cafeteria
    Scouting
  • Conference Room
    Burn Trail Maintenance
  • Classroom TBD
    Water Bars/Checks
  • Classroom TBD
    Chainsaw Sharpening
12:00 to 1:00PM
  • Cafeteria
    Lunch
1:00PM to 4:00PM
  • In the Field
    Burn Trail Maintenance (Continued)
  • Classroom TBD
    Hand Tool Maintenance
  • In the Field
    Water Bars/Checks (Continued)

What to wear?

Remember your PPE (personal protective equipment) and wear appropriate clothing. High top boots, pants, long sleeves, and gloves are required for field work and when working with saws. We have a limited supply of safety glasses, leather gloves, and hard hats. Be prepared for rain and cold.

How do I register?

Registration is NOW OPEN.
  1. Complete the required RSVP Response Form: RSVP by clicking here
  2. Log in to your MyImpact page to register for each course or by clicking the class links in the downloadable schedule below. Set up a MyImpact account here.
    • Go to the Opportunities tab → select Opportunities List → select Cascade Volunteers as organization → category: Forest Skills College 2025
    • Be sure to only register for one class per time slot. Class sizes are limited so sign up for desired classes as soon as possible.

Questions? Need help registering?

Please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@cascadevols.org