Volunteer News

Washington Trails Association news about volunteers and trail maintenance on The Signpost Blog.

You can also meet our hardworking crew leaders, and see standout volunteers at the Rock Wall of Fame.

Masks On, Hands Off (My Tools): Trail Work in the Time of COVID-19

Aug 13, 2020

COVID messed everything up. But despite the whirlwind of changing safety requirements, WTA has adapted our work parties so our volunteer crews can continue to do the work public land managers rely on to keep trails clear and safe for hikers.

Problem-Solving in a Pandemic: Connecting Youth to the Outdoors in the Time of COVID

Aug 13, 2020

Navigating a pandemic has forced all of us to approach work in a new way. If you can do your job online, tech makes it relatively easy, but in-person work is a puzzle: how do you offer quality connections and complete trail projects when physical distance is the number one way to support public health right now?

Rebooting a Trail for the Future

Jul 24, 2020

Sharpe Park is just one example of how we’re improving trails in popular areas.

Excited to be Back to Work on Trails Rebooted

Jul 27, 2020

WTA staff and volunteers have begun a gradual return to the field under new guidelines for COVID-19. Work parties are small affairs these days, and we still have restrictions on experience required to participate (under normal circumstances we love to welcome new volunteers on our trips!). But we're continuing to work with our agency partners to assess additional projects and an expanded schedule.

WTA Youth Ambassadors: Adaptable and Driven

Apr 13, 2020

It's been an interesting year for our latest cohort of youth ambassadors — but we've been immensely proud of everything these tireless teens have already been able to accomplish for trails.

HOV Lanes, Drains, and Automobiles: Carpool to Your Next Work Party

Jul 20, 2021

You don’t have to go it alone: consider carpooling to your next work party. Carpooling is a great way to cut down on congestion on the road and at the trailhead, curb emissions and build community.

Trail Work 101: An Easy Intro for New Volunteers

Feb 18, 2020

Curious what trail work is about? Come join us to learn how to maintain trails in a low-key supportive environment.

Get Ready to Sign Up for Backcountry Trips

Jan 28, 2020

Our volunteer trail maintenance trips will be released on Jan. 31, and will open for registration on Feb. 8. Here's the low-down for a great summer vacation trip with WTA.

We Fix 'Em, You Hike 'Em: 8 Trails WTA Has Already Refreshed in 2020

Jan 21, 2020

WTA's trail maintenance program has been busy this month. We kicked off 2020 by breaking ground on brand new trails and continuing work on dozens of other trails. We even had a ribbon-cutting — broadening a trail network trail that hikers already loved.

The Wild Nearby: Hikers Benefit from Investments in Southwest Washington

Nov 11, 2019

Since 1993, we've been working towards a sustainable trail system in the Columbia River Gorge. Thanks to dedication, partnerships, member support and the hard work of volunteers, we can claim these successes in 2019.

Celebrating the Lives of Those We Lost in 2022

Dec 07, 2022

We take a moment to reflect on the lives of some of those who we've recently lost. They are missed, but we will remember and celebrate their lives and contributions to our community for years to come.

Energy, Purpose, Excitement: Coming Full Circle At Hidden Lake

Oct 18, 2019

In 2018, a group of friends attended a work party at Hidden Lake to help with a major construction project. A year later, two of that group returned to finish the task as a thank you to the woman who introduced them the trail work.

Hiker Headlines: Celebrating Public Lands with Fee-Free Day, Hike-a-Thon Wins

Sep 19, 2019

There’s a fee-free day coming to our national — and state! — public lands. A new federal transit policy might make it easier for everyone to get outside. The U.S. Forest Service is hiring. The ranger station in Forks is limiting its hours. And WTA's annual Hike-a-Thon wraps up another successful season of fundraising for trails.

Blanca Lake: Just One Place WTA is Working to Save Iconic Trails

Sep 04, 2019

Our Trails Rebooted campaign is working to protect some of the most popular and iconic trails all across the state.

Meeting Hikers' Needs: 5 Wins for Trails

Aug 13, 2019

We recently asked the hiking community which trails needed the attention of our Trails Rebooted campaign. Here are five trails you mentioned and what WTA is doing to improve the hiking experience on them.

Making Trails and Mentoring Leaders at Little Mountain Park

Jun 11, 2019

Partnerships and mentoring are making this Mount Vernon trail system stronger.

Trails Rebooted Hits the Ground Running

Jun 11, 2019

While WTA’s Trails Rebooted campaign officially launched last month, we’ve been hard at work since early 2019. And we’re excited to share some of our early successes with you!

Rebooting Washington's Trails on National Trails Day

Jun 05, 2019

WTA's delivering on our goal to support Washington's trails at every turn.

Building More Than Trails in the Columbia River Gorge

May 16, 2019

How WTA and our partners are shaping the future of the Columbia River Gorge.

Rapid Response: WTA Crews Clear Popular Trails at Cougar Mountain

Apr 15, 2019

Winter storms took a toll on trails in Issaquah. WTA crews took a toll on the trees that came down in the winds.

Volunteer Crew Leaders Make Our Work Happen

Apr 22, 2019

If you've volunteered with WTA, you know the impact just one day on trail can make. But there might be more volunteers on your work party than you realize...

How WTA Volunteers are Making Time for Trails

Mar 07, 2019

Here at WTA, we know that time is a valuable resource — and one that is often in short supply. So we’re especially grateful that each year our volunteers collectively give thousands of hours to helping shape a lasting trail system for the future. We asked some of our devoted volunteers how they make the time to give back to trails — and why it’s worth it to them. Here’s what they had to say.

Trail Magic: Not Just for Thru-Hikers

Apr 25, 2019

Whether it's food, sharing spare gear, or making an extra effort to recognize a special moment, our volunteers help make WTA's volunteer community friendly, and work parties fun to return to.

Get to Know the Noble Puncheon

Mar 27, 2019

Have you ever wondered what those little bridges are that keep your toes dry and happy on trail? Well, meet the puncheon.

Lopping in a Winter Wonderland: Creative Trail Maintenance in Spokane

Feb 22, 2019

When we think about trail maintenance, a winter wonderland isn’t usually the first setting that comes to mind. But this winter in Spokane, volunteer crew leader Jane Baker proved it can work, and you can have a lot of fun doing it.

Volunteer Spotlight: Dana Pounds

Jan 14, 2019

WTA trail work volunteer Dana Pounds is the definition of can-do. A 20-year battle with a rare form of cancer hasn't dimmed her positivity and optimism, and losing her leg hasn't kept her off trail. She joined WTA on her first work party earlier this month.

Coordinated Chaos: The Logistics Behind Backcountry Trips

Jul 25, 2018

Outfitting more than 40 backcountry trips over a few months takes organization, patience, and innovation. Logistics Coordinator Rick Beckel relies on spreadsheets and volunteers to keep his cool in the heat of volunteer vacation madness.

Volunteer for Teanaway Community Forest's Stewardship Day

Jun 11, 2018

On June 23, join Washington Trails Association and many of our partners for a fun day of service at the Teanaway Community Forest.

Our Graduates Are Out-standing In Their Field

May 24, 2018

It's the crew leader and assistant crew leaders (many of them volunteers) who have helped WTA's trail maintenance program become what it is today. Learn how we train the people who lead you on trail.

Prepare Yourself: Backcountry Trip Signups Are Coming

Jan 23, 2018

WTA's backcountry trips are some of the most popular volunteer events we host. Learn how you can be the best prepared for when registration opens.