Chance to Give Back to Trails on National Public Lands Day

Perhaps you went hiking this summer. Perhaps you enjoyed dancing wildflowers and snow-capped mountain views. Maybe you were rejuvenated by the fresh air and vigorous exercise. It's possible you admired the trail you were hiking, appreciating its firm tread and easy creek-crossings.

Ring true? If so, consider giving back to trails by volunteering on National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 24th.

Washington Trails Association is fielding a dozen trail work opportunities for hikers on National Public Lands Day. There is something for everyone on the schedule - a Volunteer Vacation, two Backcountry Response Teams, a weekend work party, a family work party, a celebration, and a half-dozen other one-day work parties spread across the state.

"One of the prime components of National Public Lands Day is stewardship. This year we hope to get more than 100 volunteers out on the trail, providing much-needed maintenance for this important public resource," said Alyssa Kreider, WTA Volunteer Coordinator.

Here's a summary of WTA's available trail work opportunities. You can link through to the details about each one and sign up - or browse the list on our work party schedule.

Olympics

South Fork Skokomish River - This weekend work party will be putting the finishing touches on a reroute that volunteers have been working on all summer.

Gray Wolf River - A self-supported WTA Backcountry Response Team will be spending four days doing all manner of trail work along this popular trail.

North Cascades (Highway 2 and north)

Heather Meadows - Snow has kept crews (and hikers) out of much of the Mount Baker backcountry this summer. This will be one of the only chances to work on trails in this area. Crews will likely be on the Chain Lakes Trail near Bagley Lakes.

Evergreen Mountain Lookout - The road to the trailhead has recently been reopened to this short and sweet hike to an open fire lookout in the Wild Sky Wilderness. Volunteers will find lots to do in fixing up this neglected trail.

Lone Fir - A BCRT will be tackling this trail in the Methow Valley. It's a full trip but still worth mentioning.

Trails near Holden Village - One spot is left on the week-long "autumn ablaze" Volunteer Vacation at Holden Village. The crew will be working on the Hart Lake and Railroad Grade trails.

Snoqualmie Pass

Mount Catherine - Huckleberries anyone? Volunteers will get their reward here while working on a reroute around a damaged area of trail.

Cougar Mountain Indian Trail - This is a special work party, designed for families with children. Volunteers will be decommissioning an old trail by planting in the old tread. Please be sure your children are old enough to take direction and work independently.

Spokane area

Iller Creek Trail - WTA has essentially adopted this trail, which is managed by Spokane County Parks. Crews will be working on a reroute of an especially steep and rutted area.

South Cascades

Lake Christine - This trail in the Glacier View Wilderness just east of Mount Rainier needs some brushing and tread maintenance.

East Fork Lewis River - Make sure nature doesn't take back this gem of a trail by signing up to volunteer! This one needs lots of love.

Celebration and Trail Work at Mount Rainier!

Glacier Basin Celebration and two days of work on the Wonderland Trail - National Park staff and volunteers will be gathering at the White River Campground Amphitheater at 9:00 am on the 24th for the re-dedication of the Glacier Basin Trail, which volunteers and park partners have helped rebuild over the past three summers following its destruction in the November 2006 flood.

After the morning celebration, WTA volunteers will work on the Wonderland Trail between Sunrise and White River. Will be rebuilding turnpike structures and retreading. After the work party, there will be more celebrating.

So what are you you waiting for? Sign up today for a great volunteer project on National Public Lands Day - Saturday, September 24th. You'll be glad you did.