WTA's new web site is coming soon!

WTA's web site is about to have a whole new look.

Programmers and WTA staff have been hard at work preparing for the launch of WTA's new site, which will premiere late next week. The new design looks fantastic: it's easier to navigate, includes more photos, and allows WTA staff to easily update content. That means a more up-to-date, effective tool for hikers.

Why change? We know hikers depend on WTA's website for hiking information, and we know that hikers really like the existing site. And we know the adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." But it's clearly time for an update...the current site has been around since 2002, and is in need of a fresh look.

And the time is right...now that volunteer webguru Bill "Cynazgai" Sunderland is moving on to bigger and better things (among them his pursuit to spend more hours fixing trails than Gary Zink and Jim Knoke combined). We've moved our site to a new server, and we're working with OneNorthwest, a contractor that specializing in websites for environmental nonprofits, in creating a  more dynamic web site.

Some things will remain the same (at least initially). Trip reports, the online Trail Guide, our photo gallery and work party sign-ups will all function much as they do now. So what's exciting about the new site?

• New navigation and home page. The front page looks substantially different. The dropdown menus are more intuitive, allowing you to get to content with fewer clicks.

• Hike of the Week. We'll be profiling a select hike each week, to give you more trail ideas for the weekend.

• New families pages. We've incorporated more information about hiking with children and families.

• Action for Trails. Our completely revamped advocacy pages will help you take action to protect and fund our trails. Later in 2008, we'll have online tools to help you contact your elected officials directly from WTA's web site.

• More Suggested Hikes. Our new web content manager, Susan Elderkin, has been hard at work adding new lists of hikes--from great winter hikes to river walks--to our site. These lists will continue to expand and grow, giving you even more ideas for outdoor adventures.

• Searching. Yes! Now you can search all of WTA's site! Previously, we've had the ability to search trip reports and photo galleries, but no overall search feature.

• New blog features. The Signpost Blog will look slightly different, and in 2008 we'll be adding advanced features to better allow access previous posts and see most recent comments.