Let’s See Action

To prepare Dig Day volunteers for a rewarding experience, our instructional videos cover five important categories: 1) Environmental Awareness Training, 2) Safety and Prep, 3) Tool Time, 4) Full Bench Construction and 5) Water Knick Construction.

Alongside the important Safety and Maintenance Handbooks (available for FREE download on our Resources Library webpage) and the support of Crew Captains at Dig Days, the videos are developed to facilitate volunteers’ preparedness.

Please review all of the videos in each category prior to attending a Dig Day.

Thank you for your support.

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  • • 3/14/25

    Final Product as a Guidepost

    Water knicks are effective, long-lasting surface water drainage structures. At Dig Days, Crew Captains will outline the water knick’s work zone with white baking flour, which is eco-friendly.

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    • 3/14/25

    Initial Cut - Think Placement of a Soup Spoon on the Tread

    When making the initial cut, visualize water knick construction as placing a “soup spoon” across the trail and then tilting (e.g., cutting or chopping) more aggressively as move to the outslope. The actual structural approach results in the outsloped tread increasing from 5% to 15% as move across the water knick to the outslope.

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    • 3/14/25

    Chopping

    After the water knick’s initial cut, switch to a chopping hoe and break down the released material. This technique makes for easier, thinner casting of the dirt across the outslope, facilitating natural restoration.

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    • 3/14/25

    Finishing Touches

    Use the Hard Rake’s blade side to smooth out the water knick. Note how the finished water knick is part of the trail; it is not a tripping hazard like a water bar. Dig Days do not use water bars.

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    • 3/14/25

    Three Reasons Why Water Knicks Are So Cool

    Water knicks handle a lot more water than a water bar. They last for a long time, and water knicks do not impact the safety or experience of trail users.