Santa, Elves Crash WTA Trail Work Parties
At WTA, we're serious about trails. Rain or shine, our dedicated trail crews worked hard on 190 trails statewide this year. That is some serious trail work, but that doesn't mean we always have to be serious on trail. Case in point: our annual Santa work parties, when things tend to get a little more fun and festive than usual.
At WTA, we're serious about trails. Rain or shine, you can find our dedicated trail crews working hard on new trails, fixing old trails, building bridges and shoring up switchbacks. This year, we fielded more than 105,000 hours of volunteer work on 190 trails statewide. That is some serious trail work.
But just because we mean business when it comes to protecting and maintaining Washington's trails, that doesn't mean we always have to be serious on trail. Case in point: our annual Santa work parties, when things tend to get a little more fun and festive than usual.
This year on the Grand Ridge trail near Issaquah, Gear Aid played the role of elf and provided our volunteers with some extra goodies to help their outdoor gear in tip top shape all year long. And up at the Rock Trail in Larrabee State Park, Santa cheered on volunteers through a rainy day to a party complete with cider and pie.
While we can't promise banjo-led carols and sparkly lights on all our work parties, if you've ever thought about signing up to volunteer on trail or becoming a member who supports our work on trail, we'll do our best to make sure that you have fun.
Hard hats for safety, lights for fun
- A pack decked out in holiday lights. Photos by WTA's volunteer coordinator, Julie Cassata
The big man says a few words
- Northwest Regional Manager Arlen Bogaards looks on while Santa gives a few tips on proper use of tools at Larrabee State Park. Photo by Jon Nishimura.
Santa points the way to the work
- Santa points the way to the work site. Photo by Julie Cassata.
Packing in the essential tools (and Santa)
- Dedicated volunteer Jon Nishimura plays the part of reindeer, hauling Santa into the work site. Photo by Julie Cassata.
Hitching a ride
- Supervising is hard work! Volunteers John and Frank give Santa a lift (along with some rocks) at Larrabee State Park. Photo by Jon Nishimura.
A merry band led by a banjo
- Pete Dewell on banjo and Craig Jackson on harmonica led the sing-along caroling post-work party. WTA Executive Director Karen Daubert (right front) sang out loud for all to hear while Jon Nishimura as Rudolph looked on approvingly. Photo by Julie Cassata.
Goodies from the elves at GearAid
- GearAid (McNett) provided some stocking stuffers for our volunteers, to help keep their gear going all year long. Photo by Julie Cassata.
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