WTA Celebrates Volunteers in 2012

Over the last two weekends, trail maintenance volunteers took off their hard hats, sat back in their chairs and didn’t lift a finger for the first time all year (unless it was to transport snacks from plate to mouth) at Washington Trails Association’s annual volunteer appreciation events in Seattle and Spokane.

2,600 volunteers, 170 trails

These events provided a well-deserved rest and celebration of the incredible work accomplished by WTA's volunteers this year. Land managers, WTA staff and hikers have 2,600 volunteers to thank for keeping 170 trails passable this year.

Without the 100,000 hours of trail work that volunteers did in 2012, long-standing projects like the Grand Ridge Trail could never have been completed, and emergency situations like the wash-out on the Comet Falls Trail would never have been resolved.

Record first-time volunteers; trail veterans earn due rewards

In 2012, WTA saw a record number (1,700) of first-time volunteers. After venturing out on five work parties, more than 300 volunteers earned their hard hats this year. As their trail work engagement increased, volunteers were awarded assorted other prizes, too.

This year, 30 volunteers surpassed their 25^th day on trail, landing them trail crew vests embroidered with WTA’s logo. Another 25 volunteers reached the 50-work-party benchmark, upon which they were awarded their very own trail crew saws with their names engraved on the handles.

Fast forward to those trusty volunteers who’ve kept coming back over the years, day after rainy day, until they reach their 250^th day on trail. This year, we bowed our heads in respect and inducted three new members into this prestigious Full Bench Club.

Wall of fame: thank you for incredible dedication

In addition to these milestones, we also wanted to recognize a handful of volunteers who stood out for their participation in different parts of our program this year. These people, nominated by WTA staff and crew leaders, received our Carhartt Awards.

Check out our 2012 Volunteer Wall of Fame for a full list of volunteers who reached each of these trail work milestones and received awards this year.

Join us for a volunteer appreciation event!

But whether they came out on trail one or one hundred days this year, we want to thank all of our volunteers for giving their time to trails. There are still a few volunteer appreciation events coming up around the state, so if you volunteered in one of these regions this year, sign up to attend below!

RSVP for the Bellingham Hiker Potluck at Cruise Terminal

November 13, 6:30 p.m.

RSVP for the Vancouver Celebration at Clark PUD Community Room

November 16, 6 p.m.

RSVP for the Olympics Celebration at Quilcene Community Center

December 1, 1 p.m.

Spot a familiar face in the slideshow