Master Sustainable Trail Design from Planning to Implementation

Unlock the secrets to crafting beautiful, enduring trails that not only enhance your property's value but also deeply respect and integrate with natural ecosystems. Our comprehensive digital courses guide you from initial ecological assessment to hands-on, low-impact construction techniques.

Experience foundational elements of biophilic design and see real-world applications in our course preview. Learn to create trails that thrive harmoniously with nature, reducing erosion, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing aesthetic appeal.

Ready to Transform Your Property?

Our next cohort begins September 15th, 2024. Enrollment closes September 10th. Secure your spot now and gain immediate access to introductory modules.

Expert-designed curriculum on biophilic principles
Hands-on project modules for real-world application
Certificate program recognized by conservation organizations
92% student completion rate in our flagship course

Enroll Now for $1,299

Limited seats available. Special early registration bonus ends August 31st.

Comprehensive Curriculum Designed by Industry Experts

Learn to read the landscape: soil types, water flow, existing vegetation, and wildlife corridors. Master techniques for identifying critical areas to avoid and opportunities for trail enhancement, setting a strong foundation for sustainable design. Includes interactive mapping exercises and field observation guides.

Dive into the philosophy of biophilia. Discover how to create trails that foster a deep connection between humans and nature. Explore natural patterns, fractal geometry, and sensory design to enhance the user experience while promoting ecological health.

Identify and select eco-friendly materials, prioritizing local and recycled options. Understand the impact of different materials on soil, water, and wildlife, ensuring your trail construction leaves the lightest possible footprint.

Gain practical knowledge in erosion control, proper drainage design, and construction techniques that minimize disturbance. This module covers everything from hand tool use to working with compact equipment, ensuring longevity and environmental integrity.

Learn to weave native flora into your trail design, enhancing biodiversity and creating resilient habitats. Understand plant selection, sourcing native species, and restoration practices to support local ecosystems.

Develop effective strategies for ongoing trail maintenance, including monitoring erosion, managing vegetation, and adapting to environmental changes. Ensure your trail remains a vibrant, functional asset for years to come.

Transform Your Property with Proven Design Skills

Ecological assessment tools and maps spread on a table — Before: Overgrown path, After: Integrated permeable trail.

Master Ecological Assessment

Accurately evaluate terrain, water dynamics, and biodiversity to place trails optimally for minimal impact and maximum benefit.

A serene, winding trail through a forest with soft light — Before: Uninviting space, After: Engaging nature path.

Apply Biophilic Design Principles

Create trails that resonate with human innate connection to nature, enhancing well-being and ecological harmony through thoughtful design.

Various sustainable trail building materials like wood chips, gravel, and natural stone — Before: Unsuitable materials, After: Eco-friendly choices.

Select Sustainable Materials

Gain expertise in choosing environmentally responsible and durable materials that complement natural aesthetics and endure for decades.

Workers carefully laying down permeable paving on a new trail — Before: Destructive methods, After: Gentle construction.

Implement Low-Impact Construction

Utilize techniques that protect soil health, preserve water quality, and minimize disruption to existing flora and fauna during construction.

Close-up of native wildflowers blooming beside a trail — Before: Barren edges, After: Thriving native plants.

Integrate Native Plants

Seamlessly blend native vegetation into your trail corridors to support local wildlife, enhance ecological function, and improve aesthetics.

A person performing routine maintenance on a narrow trail, trimming hedges — Before: Deterioration, After: Long-term vibrancy.

Adaptive Management for Longevity

Understand the principles of ongoing monitoring and adaptive management to ensure your trails remain resilient and functional through changing conditions.

Earn Recognized Credentials in Sustainable Trail Design

Module Completion
Final Project Submission (Portfolio Piece)
Certification Awarded
Access to Alumni Network

Our certification program is endorsed by the Land Stewardship Alliance and the National Trails Coalition, providing valuable recognition in conservation and landscape design fields.

Professional Standing

Gain a significant advantage in land management and environmental consulting roles. Our certificate demonstrates your expertise in eco-conscious trail development.

CEUs & Professional Development

Courses offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) applicable for various professional development requirements in related fields.

Portfolio Development

Each course culminates in a final project designed to become a cornerstone of your professional portfolio, showcasing your practical skills.

Vibrant Graduate Network

Join an exclusive community of certified PathLore Guides, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and ongoing learning opportunities.

See What Our Students Have Accomplished

All Rural Properties Urban Edges Recreation Areas

Before and after of a meandering forest trail designed for erosion control — Project Forest Path: Eroded, then restored natural trail.

Whispering Pines Nature Loop

Student: Eleanor Vance, Boise, ID

Transformed an erosion-prone woodland path into a resilient, permeable trail system, enhancing water absorption and native undergrowth.

Before and after of a revitalized creekside trail with restored habitat — Project Creekside Walk: Neglected, then flourishing riparian trail.

Creekside Revitalization Path

Student: Marcus Thorne, McCall, ID

Designed a biophilic trail adjacent to a seasonal creek, focusing on riparian zone restoration and low-impact bridge construction for wildlife passage.

Before and after of a homestead trail connecting gardens and woodlands — Project Homestead Trails: Disconnected, then integrated property paths.

The Homestead Connector Trails

Student: Sophie Chen, Sandpoint, ID

Interconnected five acres of personal property with accessible, naturalistic trails leading through orchards, vegetable gardens, and a small woodlot.

Learn from Award-Winning Sustainable Design Professionals

Dr. Elara Vance

Lead Instructor, Ecological Landscape Architect

Dr. Vance holds a Ph.D. in Ecological Design from the University of Idaho and is a licensed Landscape Architect with over 20 years of experience. Her groundbreaking work in biophilic urban planning and regenerative land management has earned multiple awards, including the 2022 "Innovator in Conservation" by the Western Land Trust. She has published extensively on green infrastructure and sustainable trail systems specific to diverse ecosystems.

Jake Harrison

Guest Expert, Conservation Trail Builder

Jake Harrison is a veteran conservationist and master trail builder with 30 years of field experience across the Pacific Northwest. He specializes in hand-built, low-impact trails in sensitive wilderness areas. Jake is a key consultant for national parks and private land trusts in Oregon and Idaho, known for his pragmatic approach to blending durability with minimal environmental disturbance. He contributes practical lessons on material sourcing and construction.

Choose the Learning Path That Fits Your Schedule

Feature	Self-Paced Online	Live Cohort Program	Corporate Training
Access Duration	Lifetime	6 Months + Lifetime Material Access	Custom
Instructor Feedback	Not included	Weekly Q&A, Project Reviews	Dedicated Instructor
Peer Interaction	Via Forums only	Dedicated Cohort Group & Projects	Team-based Learning
Certificate	Yes, upon completion	Yes, upon completion (with cohort distinction)	Yes, customized for team
Price	$1,299	$1,999	Contact Us
Enroll	Enroll Now	Join Cohort	Inquire

Flexible payment plans are available for all individual course formats. Contact us for details.

Start Your Sustainable Trail Journey Today

For a limited time, enroll in our flagship Sustainable Naturalistic Trail Design Course and unlock exclusive bonuses designed to accelerate your learning and impact.

Exclusive Enrollment Bonus:

Free 60-Minute Land Stewardship Consultation!

Discuss your specific property challenges and project goals directly with a XervanDolium expert, a $250 value.

Offer valid for enrollments made before September 10th, 2024.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Immediate Access to Course Materials

Community Forum & Ongoing Support

Secure Your Spot Now!

Questions? Email us at info@xervandolium.org or call 208-938-5541