This session explores the artistry and endurance of stone structures, from retaining walls to steps and crossings.
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Stonework isn’t for everyone— but for those with patience, precision, and a love of solving puzzles, it’s one of the most rewarding trailbuilding disciplines. This session explores the artistry and endurance of stone structures, from retaining walls to steps and crossings. Through a detailed slide presentation, we’ll examine how to choose the right rock sizes and shapes for each application, move materials safely and efficiently, and apply proven construction techniques that balance durability, stability, and aesthetics. Designed for trail professionals ready to refine their craft and integrate stonework into long-lasting, low-maintenance trail systems.
This webinar qualifies as a Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) course (via LA CES).
Willie Bittner, Owner, Great Lakes Trailbuilders, LLC
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Willie Bittner started working on trails more than 20 years ago with the Wisconsin DNR, and over the years he has worked from coast to coast building trails and teaching the different methods and styles to volunteer groups, conservation corps and state and federal agencies. He founded Great Lakes Trailbuilders, LLC in 2008 to bring a low impact and environmentally friendly approach to trailbuilding and design to the Midwest.
As owner and lead designer, Willie is dedicated to sharing his experiences, engaging users and developing leading edge trails. His projects have taken him from designing new National Parks trails in Patagonia to co-founding WisCorps, Inc. a Wisconsin based Conservation Corps to leading trainings on everything from sustainable trail construction to trail psychology and rigging.
Willie is the current President of the board of the Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA).
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This webinar was recorded on February 26, 2026.
