AAT Team Leader Resources
Welcome, Adopt-a-Trail Team Leaders. This page includes everything you need to plan, lead, and report your trail workdays. Please bookmark this page for easy access throughout the season.
Quick Access
Team Leader Responsibilities and Support
Team Leader Expectations
- Choose and adopt a trail that aligns with your team’s interests
- Attend the required Team Leader training (early May)
- Complete at least 2 workdays or 6 hours of trail maintenance each season
- At least one event with an AAT crew leader
- Schedule workdays at least 2 weeks in advance
- Recruit and register volunteers for your events
- After each workday, submit:
- Maintenance log (within 24 hours)
- At least 3 photos
- 1 quote + 1 takeaway
- Participate in the end-of-year survey
- Be safe, have fun, and enjoy the experience
What VVMTA Provides
- Trail Stewardship Coordinator support (project planning + leadership)
- Tools, materials, and equipment
- Training opportunities to build your skills
- Recognition:
- Trailhead signage
- Website + social media features
- Team & Volunteer of the Month awards
- Volunteer rewards program
- Snacks and drinks at trailheads
- End-of-season celebration event
How It Works
Step 1: Schedule Your Workday
- Use AAT calendar
- Must schedule 2+ weeks in advance
- VVMTA will prep tools + project
Step 2: We Will Create Your Event Online (VolunteerHub)
- Create account
- Receive team landing page
- Share with volunteers
- As team leaders, you can track registrations as people sign up.
Step 3: Recruit Your Team
We understand that recruiting can sometimes be hard, so we’ve created email templates to help! Click below to expand.
Hey Team!
Let’s get our Adopt A Trail trail work on [ENTER TRAIL NAME] with the VVMTA on the calendar. There are a number of projects that need to be done on the trail and we need as many of you to join as possible.
Here are some dates and times that are available:
[ENTER DAY/TIME(S) FROM AAT CALENDAR]
Please let me know your availability by the end of the week so we can get it scheduled.
The VVMTA has some exciting and awesome rewards to offer us this year too. Once you hit 6 hours of volunteering on the season you receive access to Volunteer Rewards including ExpertVoice and Outdoorly Pro Deals, local business discounts, and you are entered to win a full Epic Pass for the 2026/27 season!
They are also awarding a Team of the Month this year which is a $200 gift card to a local restaurant/establishment. Let’s win one and go out for lunch or happy hour!
Let’s have some fun out there and get some quality trail work done.
Thanks!
Hi Team,
Our Adopt A Trail trail work on [ENTER TRAIL NAME] is confirmed for [ENTER DAY/TIME].
Please register for the event on VVMTA’s website here.
Registration Instructions
- Click the “SIGN UP” button on the event.
- Create an Account: The user must create an account with the following information:
- Name, mailing address, phone number, DOB, emergency contact, dietary restrictions, and answer a few questions about trail use.
- Waiver: Read through the waivers and click “I understand and accept this waiver”.
- You are registered for the event!
- Note: You will only need to fill out the user information / sign waivers one time. We ask for waivers for the first event sign up and then it’s much easier (only one click!) to register for other events.
Registering helps the VVMTA plan the project, bring the number of tools necessary, and also ensure your volunteer hours are reported.
Why should I sign up?
The VVMTA has some exciting and awesome rewards to offer us this year. Once you hit 6 hours of volunteering on the season you receive access to Volunteer Rewards including ExpertVoice and Outdoorly Pro Deals, local business discounts, and you are entered to win a full Epic Pass for the 2026/27 season!
They are also awarding a Volunteer of the Month ($100 gift card to a local restaurant / establishment) and Team of the Month ($200 gift card to a local restaurant / establishment). Let’s win one and go out for lunch or happy hour!
Let’s plan on meeting at the [ENTER TRAIL NAME] trailhead at [ENTER TIME]. The VVMTA will meet us there and lead the project on the trail.
Let’s have a fun day out there, thanks for joining and giving back to the trail.
Step 4: Day of Your Event
Before:
- Confirm details with VVMTA (24 hrs prior)
Bring:
- Water
- Closed-toe shoes
- Sunscreen / hat
- Snacks
- Eye protection
During:
- Follow safety + tool talk
- Complete trail work as planned (either with VVMTA staff or independently)
- Support your team, communicate clearly and work safely
- Have fun and enjoy your time on the trail!
After Your Workday
Submit Your Maintenance Log
- Must be completed within 24 hours
- Include:
- Work completed
- Photos
- Quote + takeaway
Tools and Logistics
We have two AAT toolsheds in Minturn and in Eagle. If you sign up for a regular VVMTA AAT event, VVMTA staff will bring tools to and from the event.
If you are an independent team, you are responsible for the tools!
Earn Rewards
- 6 hours = rewards + raffle entry
- 15 hours = VVMTA sun shirt
- Epic Pass raffle (more hours = more entries)
Monthly Recognition
- Volunteer of the Month
- Team of the Month
Trail Basics and Additional Resources
USFS Trail Maintenance and Construction Notebook (2025)
3D Trail Models
These models are available thanks to a partnership between the Forest Service and the Federal Highways Administration.
VVMTA’s Trail Basics Presentation
AAT Team Leader Manual (Full PDF)
Upcoming Trainings
Click the links below to sign up!
