A New American Town - Bentonville, Arkansas

Building the Trails of Tomorrow: Inside Bentonville’s Trail Tech Program

• Visit Bentonville • Season 9 • Episode 8

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Discover how Northwest Arkansas Community College here in Bentonville is shaping the future of outdoor recreation! In this episode, we dive into the Trail Tech program with a current student and instructor to learn about how they are transforming trail-building with cutting-edge technology, hands-on learning, and more. 


Learn how you can get involved in creating the next generation of trails and outdoor experiences here: https://www.nwacc.edu/academicdivisions/trailstrades/trailtechnician/default.aspx

A New American Town is here to help you plan your trip to Bentonville, Arkansas. From guides, events, and restaurant highlights. Find all this and more at visitbentonville.com and subscribe to our newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.

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Beth:

Welcome to A New American Town presented by Visit Bentonville. I'm your host, Beth Bobbitt, and today I'm excited to highlight the fabulous Trail Tech program at Northwest Arkansas Community College, right here in Bentonville, Arkansas. This episode is really timely, as people are traveling to Bentonville specifically for our trails. Northwest Arkansas is known for having over 500 miles of trails and we might not think about it much, but it's really. It takes a special set of skills to build those trails and you know I've never really thought about it. But how do we design and maintain world-class trails? Today we get to talk about that with Austin Smith, a curriculum specialist at Northwest Arkansas Community College's Trail Building Program, as well as Nick Ryan, who's a student currently in the Trail Tech Program. So, Austin, nick, thank you so much for being here. Welcome Thank you.

Beth:

Yeah glad you're here. So, austin, let's start with you. Can you share a little bit about your background, how you became involved and like what led you to where you are?

Austin Smith:

Sure, yeah, so it's actually kind of a cool story. I'm from Fox, Arkansas originally, which is a tiny little blip on the map so good for you if you've heard of it.

Austin Smith:

But when I went to college I started at a community college which was Ozarka, and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. But, taking different types of classes and whatnot, I decided recreation would be the industry for me. So I went on and pursued my degree in Recreation and Park Administration from Arkansas Tech and when I was there I was ready to be a park ranger. And then I realized I found out that there's outdoor recreation industry. So I went on to pursue my master's in student affairs and work in higher education outdoor rec and fell in love with that, worked in that industry for a couple of years, COVID hit and schools. Where did students go? Where do we go? Why do we go from here?

Austin Smith:

So that put a blip on my life and I traveled the country with my wife as a travel nurse and she did a lot of great work then. And when it came time for me to go back to work I was like, what do I want to do? So during the job hunt it's kind of hard to find these niche jobs in the higher ed world. So I built custom banjos for a couple of years and then found the job at Incmac and it seemed like the. I saw the correlation between how much a community college had affected my life and the trajectory and it was just a perfect fit and I knew that's where I needed to be and I had trail building experience during my outdoor recreation years and it was absolutely perfect.

Beth:

And what year was that when you landed here?

Austin Smith:

It was last year. Okay, I was 24. Yeah, I was the program creation.

Beth:

I was on the spearhead point of creating the curriculum and had you been to Northwest Arkansas before?

Austin Smith:

I had actually during my wife's travel nursing days. We lived in Fayetteville for a year and absolutely fell in love with the area.

Beth:

Yeah, so I love hearing about you know, once you get here, sort of your experience, any surprises, once you were on the ground and here in Northwest Arkansas.

Austin Smith:

I wouldn't say surprises, but just the beast of creating a new program is overwhelming at times. But you know we have a lot of really, really great faculty and staff and you know we have our program director, Lori Greminger, and Dr Bolander, and they have just really spearheaded this and also get all hands on deck. We created a really cool program.

Beth:

And you know we've talked about it, but this is truly the first of its kind. You're offering hands-on training from expert instructors to prepare students for a career in trail building and who knew that that was even a thing? But how exciting. So tell us about how it all transpired and how it's come to be this program.

Austin Smith:

Well, I mean just living in the area that we are. Obviously there are hundreds of miles of trails and there's a huge need for skilled workers in that trade. And you know, the idea was stirred around. I'm not sure exactly who brought the idea about to create the program, but there's a need that needed to be filled. So they got a lot of industry partners together who talked about what do we need our skilled tradesmen to know coming into the field? Like what would we need them to start out fresh and be ready to go? So they put together kind of a vast list of outcomes and learning outcomes that they needed to learn, and then outcomes that they needed to learn and then we built that into a curriculum.

Beth:

And my understanding is that there was somewhat of a foundation because there was like a bike assembly repair sort of course.

Austin Smith:

So we have a well-established bike technician program. I believe it's in its third year now and it's thriving and doing well. And you know, they were kind of in a nice refurbished part of an older building on campus and we were able to really integrate into that space and completely refurbish them. We're just a great state of our facility.

Beth:

Yeah, and some of the skills, so you're teaching people physically how to construct and maintain these trails. But then also there's principles of conservation that you know are to be considered, and how is that a part of the curriculum?

Austin Smith:

Absolutely. I mean sustainable trail building is is the goal. We want long-term sustainability because we build these trails and there is no doubt about it they are going to, you know, have water issues and water damage, like climate and continuous use with the thousands and thousands of riders we get every year. They need to be maintained properly, otherwise they're going to fall into disrepair and not be usable and possibly lead to injuries. So you know, just making sure that our students understand not only trail building but trail maintenance in the long term as well, and not only just how to build sustainable trails but how to take over a trail that needs maintenance and how to fix it properly, and just teaching that sustainable practices in general.

Beth:

Yeah, tell us a little bit. I've had the opportunity to sort of peek into the facilities and they're amazing, but tell us a little bit about where you are and the spaces that they're learning in.

Austin Smith:

Oh my goodness. So we are in the. We're called the C-TECH, the Cycling and Trails Education Center, so it's a phenomenal facility. We have a state-of-the-art classroom and then we have our Sailor Art Trails Lab, which is really, really cool. We have two different heavy equipment simulators so you can learn how to run a skid steer, a mini excavator, a backhoe loader, a heavy off-highway truck.

Beth:

And I assume you know what all those things are. Nick, I was saying Nick was on one this morning.

Austin Smith:

Really. So you get this hands-on practice on these simulators and then you get, during our heavy equipment class, hop outside and actually get on this equipment.

Austin Smith:

I mean we have three mini excavators, we have a mini skid steer, we have roller plate packers and we we have three mini excavators, we have a mini skid steer, we have roller plate packers and we have a candy com track dumper, lots of different things. We have a pile of dirt for students to play in. So we actually get this hands-on experience. And I think if you're wanting someone to be hired into position, you want them to have that hands-on experience and going through our program, you can say like I have this hands-on experience. And going through our program, you can say like I have this hands-on experience and I'm of the modality that as soon as we can in our classes we talk about it and then we go out and do it. So I'm a tactile learner and I think that is the best way to learn.

Beth:

Yeah, so how many years, months, weeks, what like? What does the time frame look like for this program like?

Austin Smith:

Oh my goodness. Well, there's lots of different certifications and different lengths that you can take part of um. We have a certificate of proficiency and trail technician. That's a 12 credit hours, very simply. You can finish that in one semester um. There's a certificate of proficiency in trail management that's 15 credit hours one semester as well. And then it gets a little further. We have our technical certificate and trail construction maintenance, and that is 34 credit hours. So that's that's a year. And then technical certificate and trails and community development that's a year as well. And both of those degrees will, or certificates will, tie into an associate of applied science in construction and technology and then associate applied science and general technology as well.

Beth:

Yeah, okay, okay, that's helpful. And then from there, how does NWACC help support you know career opportunities once they're through these certifications?

Austin Smith:

Absolutely so. We have a lot of industry partners that we currently work with and actually next week, I believe, we have a built group meeting which is I'm trying to remember the name of it here it is the Business Industry Leadership Team. Okay, so we bring together a lot of industry partners and we talk to them like how can they provide opportunities for internships and apprenticeships with our students? And while the students are in the program, they get the opportunity to use these internships as gateways and constantly networking, and we try to have guest speakers come to class to have these face-to-face interactions so that you know you're not just out there randomly searching for a job, like you actually have a contact that you can reach out to.

Austin Smith:

Right and they've seen you and they know that you've gone through this program and they know what you have learned and it just makes it really, really easy for our students to find jobs.

Beth:

So awesome. Hey there, interested in joining the program? Interested in joining the program? Stick around to the end. We have information on how you can apply to be a part of the first of its kind trail tech program. For more information about the mountain bike capital of the world, go to visitbittenvillecom. Well, you know, nick. I'd love to hear a little bit from you about just your experience. What brought you to Northwest Arkansas? First of all, you're from Michigan, is that right?

Nick Ryan:

Yes, I live in Marquette, Michigan, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, so I'm way up there. And then I actually work in Copper Harbor, Michigan, which is the northernmost town in the state.

Beth:

Wow.

Nick Ryan:

So we're surrounded by the largest freshwater lake in the world and beaches and trails, all within a mile of the house.

Beth:

And it's a pretty wonderful place. It sounds lovely.

Nick Ryan:

Yes, Coming down here, my current job. I work for the Copper Arbor Trails Club as the Outreach and Maintenance Coordinator, so I wanted to get more experience in running machines, being able to execute maintenance plans and then go ahead and be able to apply that knowledge in our everyday work and be able to execute a better mission for our trail system to continue to allow us to grow. We're currently going through a project right now where we're going to get access to 22,000 acres of new land that we're going to be able to build on, and being prepared and having more knowledge to apply to that project is going to be huge going forward. So that was one of the main draws.

Beth:

And I mean that's a testament of the program. If you came all the way from Michigan, you know that means that you were doing something right, so how did you hear about it?

Nick Ryan:

Yeah, I read a Singletracks article. Waking up on a Saturday morning sitting on the porch with my family, and I remember talking to my girlfriend and I was like you know, I think this might be something I'd be interested in. It goes kind of well with my career and she's also taking 20 credits right now, so she's pretty busy and it's kind of the perfect time for me to jet down here and get out of the long winter which I'll be honest, has been quite nice. I've been having 70 in February.

Beth:

Does not come along very often up there, so right, um, yeah, it's, it's been truly wonderful and it's so much more beautiful than I expected coming down here I mean the natural scenery is incredible yeah, and I assume you've gotten out on the trails and experienced all over the place yeah, yeah, from Bentonville to Horseshoe Canyon to Fayetteville, I mean I've, I've hit every location I can so far.

Nick Ryan:

So we had a week of snow, which kind of slowed me down a little bit, but since then just packing it all in and using every moment to the best of my ability.

Beth:

Yeah, Well, we're glad you're here, so tell us a little bit about you. Know the specific skills you've learned already and what you, what you hope to accomplish before you finish the program.

Nick Ryan:

Yeah, so I'm in every single class that the program offers. So I'm taking 18 credits, which is a full schedule, but we've done everything from learning about trail sustainability to getting in operating heavy equipment, to beginning welding, to creating maintenance plans, to constructing new trails. I mean, we are hitting all facets and I feel like it's been great to kind of dive in head first and honestly, I've really enjoyed it. Like I feel so engaged on a day-to-day basis where I'm locked into what I'm learning and it's really incredible. And we have great instructors, which goes a long way to facilitating that knowledge.

Beth:

A plus for that kid.

Nick Ryan:

Yeah right, exactly, I got to get all the brownie points I can get. Exactly, you're doing great.

Beth:

Well, tell us any standouts what classes or courses have you enjoyed the most?

Nick Ryan:

Oh man, that is tough. Heavy equipment operation is definitely one of my favorites. That was initially something that really sparked my interest for the program. I had been in contact with some people in the industry and I was kind of told that, hey, you got to do three years on hand crew before you even get to touch a machine and I wanted to expedite that process and um, the heavy equipment class was a great way to do so. And then maintenance and management has been huge for me too. Uh, as a maintenance coordinator going through in my first season of taking on that task and, um, we're kind of starting from scratch and rebuilding our whole maintenance plan for the future and the information has been pivotal and the outlines have been extremely helpful for me to begin that process and set us up for success this summer.

Beth:

Yeah well, and you know that's amazing that your job has been flexible with you, but, of course, because they want this knowledge and they they see this as a an asset that you'll come back with. Why is the work so meaningful? What led you to this path?

Nick Ryan:

Yeah, getting to outdoor recreation was a long and windy road, but for me, growing up and spending my summers in the UP and seeing the transformation of Copper Harbor specifically, there's 110 people that live there year-round. It has grown so much because of trails Specifically. The city hasn't grown, it's not gotten any bigger. The people that come there and invest in the community and experience the beauty of it. I mean it is incredible. You know we have mountains just about the same size as you guys do here, and then again it's on the largest freshwater Lake in the world and, uh, last year I worked a day over 80 degrees. So it's uh, it's a beautiful place and uh, it's honestly paradise on earth in the summertime.

Nick Ryan:

It gets a little cold in the winter and I give the year-round residents a lot of credit because it is. While it's great to live there in the winter too, it is definitely. You don't see the sun very much, so that is tough. But for me, getting to make an impact on small communities and see the basically trail tourism model play out is something that I'm really passionate about. And if it can happen in Copper Harbor, like it can happen anywhere. I mean, that's we're 17 hours from what feels like anything important a lot of times, but it's quite the place and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Beth:

Yeah, and I think everything you've said could be lifted and brought here Austin love to hear your thoughts on. I mean, you and your students are sort of leaving their legacy on these trails and building something that thousands of people will, you know, be able to experience and build their own core memories around. So what does that mean to you? It means everything.

Austin Smith:

And I think that the fact that our students get to go out and work on these trails where they are leaving their mark, I mean what a proud moment you know, as a teacher and an educator, and for my students that they can look back and say I did that, you know. It's a phenomenal experience, so cool.

Beth:

I can't wait to see what you do. Nick, this has been fun. We're going to wrap up with a few reflections, so we ask all of our guests, switching gears, a little bit about their core Bittenville memories. So this could be, you know, the first time you came here or experienced Bittenville itself. Do you have any of those kind of on the top of your head?

Nick Ryan:

Well, I'll look to you first.

Austin Smith:

Okay, yeah, absolutely. As I said, several ago, when we first moved here with my wife travel nursing, my son was just small enough. He was sitting on shotgun rider on my mountain bike and core memory is ripping down Thunderdome at Coler Mountain Bike Reserve with him on almost a weekly basis. It's his favorite place to go and mine as well.

Beth:

Yeah, he's going to be a great advocate for the trails, I'm sure, if he's not already.

Nick Ryan:

I truly hope so.

Beth:

What about you, Nick?

Nick Ryan:

I think for me, it's just doing my first lap on the Greenway and experiencing the city. Obviously, coming from a small town, this is quite the change of scenery. Seeing the interconnectivity of everything is something that is honestly unbelievable, and I continue to be amazed by it, but that's the thing I keep coming back to. That I can't shake is just how unbelievable the interconnectivity is of everything here. From the trails to the restaurants, to the local nightlife. It's a pretty incredible place.

Beth:

And speaking of, are there any local favorites as far as restaurants or spots on the trails?

Nick Ryan:

Yeah, spots on the trails. I have really enjoyed Slaughter Pen. It's the trails that are top notch and riding the castle and from seeing it online and then being there in person is, one very rewarding, and two, it's much better. Clearly, you know, being outside and and getting your uh tires on the clay is a pretty magical experience and I mean it's such well-built trails that, uh, you know it makes for a good riding experience yeah, yeah.

Beth:

What about you, Austin? Any places that you just return to with your family again and again? Airship, I don't call it all the time.

Austin Smith:

I mean it's a perfect place to walk, but I have two kids, son and a daughter, and it's a magical place.

Beth:

Yeah.

Austin Smith:

Just to sit there, have a coffee and watch the kids play.

Beth:

Yeah, and you're kind of up high, there's swings on the deck and you can just watch people riding by. Yeah, I absolutely Colore and that's a good perch.

Austin Smith:

It's a unique place to be, absolutely love.

Beth:

Kohler, and that's a good perch. It's a unique place to be Uh-huh, for sure. So how do we learn more about the program itself? Is there a certain time of the year that students can apply, or is it all year round?

Austin Smith:

I mean pretty much year round. I mean, obviously, like semesters, you have spring and fall. Right now we're doing a 12-week run of courses. We'll be adding, you know, in the future, some summer classes as well, great um. So that'll add a little bit more modality for people, um, trying to offer classes at different times. I mean a lot of our, you know, students, are people who currently have jobs. So offering classes either online or hybrid modality or night classes so that they can attend, uh, is is what we try to do. So we try to offer a huge offering of classes and then kind of filter down just by how those signups go.

Beth:

Okay, and website or newsletter, social, anything, yeah, I mean you can follow us NWACC Trail Tech on Instagram, facebook.

Austin Smith:

Look up you know NWACC Trails and Trades on.

Nick Ryan:

You can Google us a great page, lots of information there to find yeah, yeah, amazing yeah and I would just encourage people who have interest in the program to go check out the social media. Uh, the team does a great job at portraying the program, or portraying what we're doing on a daily basis and, um, I think, having that avenue to show people from out of state yeah, yeah, it's a great way to get more people involved in the program and I mean it's the first of its kind and I mean it's a wonderful program I would recommend it?

Beth:

Yeah, absolutely. The visuals and videos are really helpful to paint the picture.

Austin Smith:

And on top of that, I mean if anyone's actually interested, you know they can reach out and come tour the facility at any time. It's a really phenomenal place and anytime it's a really phenomenal place and if you're interested, come see it. I have an open door policy. If I'm there, come see me. I think I'm going to.

Beth:

Yeah, sounds amazing Quite often. Yeah, well, thank you both Appreciate your time. Austin, nick, thanks for being on the show.

Austin Smith:

Absolutely, thank you.

Beth:

As always, Visit Bentonville is here to help you navigate things to do, where to eat and stay and what's going on in our new American town. Give us a follow on social media, Sign up for the newsletter and check out our website at visitbittenvillecom. Thanks for listening.