WTA Volunteer Vacation Sets Sail

And they're off! Twelve intrepid volunteers set sail on a sunny Saturday morning for the first of 26 WTA Volunteer Vacations planned for 2012.

The destination this week is a new one - tiny Vendovi Island in the San Juans. It's the first collaboration between the San Juan Preservation Trust and Washington Trails Association, and is designed to provide public access while ensuring protection of the island’s unique conservation values.

"It's great to be back out on trail, making some new friends and catching up with old ones," said Tim Van Beek on Sunday after he and the crew had been working for two days. "There's nothing like the smell. of fresh turned dirt to start another great season off. And already folks have been spotting paintbrush and chocolate lily in bloom."

WTA Volunteer Vacations are week-long excursions into gorgeous locations around the state. Participants provide their own camping equipment and a solid five hours of trail work each day. In exchange, they are provided with tools and treated to three meals a day plus snacks, the chance to explore the natural wonders of these special places, and social time with other team members.

It's fun, and it is a great way to spend a week giving back to trails that you love to hike. What's more, there is room for you on several trips later this spring and even during the height of the summer. Here are a few of the trips with spaces available:

• Chelan Lakeshore Trail: April 14-21 and April 21-28.
• Wonderland Trail (at Ipsut Creek): June 2-9
• Bean Creek Basin: July 28 - Aug. 4
• PCT at Meander Meadow: Aug. 25 - Sept. 1
• PCT at Deep Lake: Sept. 1-8 and Sept. 8-15

To learn more about Volunteer Vacations, and to see the full schedule, please click here. We hope to see you out on the trail!