WTA's Grassroots Magazine

I've been editing Washington Trails magazine for over five years now, and I'm always pleasantly surprised with the quality of writing we get from our volunteer contributors. We have a passionate and talented group of writers and photographers, and their contributions are as valuable as picking up a Pulaski or writing e-mails to legislators. Our magazine is truly a grassroots effort. Other than staff-written articles, our magazine content is created solely by volunteers.

****** And if you enjoy reading our online articles, this blog, trip reports, and all that WTA offers hikers, I highly encourage you to join WTA today. The entire month of May is WTA's membership drive! Please help support  support all the great work WTA does for trails by becoming a member today! And all month long, each new member is entered in a drawing to win fabulous gear prizes!******

If you haven't had a chance to read the May 2008 issue of Washington Trails, you should. It's one of our strongest issues in some time. I especially liked Ron Fleck's article about hiking with his blind friend Bruce. This article came to me out of the blue, and I found it absolutely fascinating. That Ron would take so much time and effort to help his friend get to the summits of Granite Mountain and to Camp Muir is inspiring. The experience proved to be "eye-opening" for Ron: he'll never see a trail in quite the same way after helping a blind person navigate it.

Washington Trails cover photo by Dave Schiefelbein.

Other highlights include Pam Roy's very practical guide to getting in shape for the hiking season. and Mike Stenger's humorous but informative "field guide" to trail structures that helps you tell the difference between a turnpike and a puncheon.

WTA's magazine is the great resource it is because of hikers like you taking time to write and share their experiences. If you'd like to write for Washington Trails magazine, send me an e-mail. Some sections that are easiest to "break in" to are: A Walk on the Wild Side (our back page essay), Northwest Explorer (features on overnight destinations in Washington) and Nature on Trail (one-page article on critters and plants you'd commonly see on trail).

If writing an article seems like too big a task, try something a little less involved. Write up a hike description for WTA's online Hiking Guide, or post a trip report on a recent hike (now that the snow is starting to melt, this is a crucial time for trip reports).

Volunteer your words, and help WTA help other hikers.