Pilot Projects
With The Trail Next Door, we're exploring how WTA can best benefit people looking to access urban green spaces and trails; from encouraging people to explore and invest in neighborhood trails to expanding the types of volunteer opportunities we offer.
We are listening to partner organizations and trying out new strategies for improving access and availability of urban trails. Learn more about them below!
HIKING GUIDE IMPROVEMENTS
There are nearly 200 hike entries for "trails next door" in the WTA Hiking Guide, and throughout 2020 we'll be working to add new trails, improve existing information and add public transit directions when possible to these entries. Many urban parks have large trail systems with multiple routes, and we've heard from partner organizations and city hikers is that it can be hard to figure out the best one to take when exploring a new city park. You can help other nearby hikers by writing a trip report for your next urban hike and tagging #trailnextdoor.
Volunteer trail work to improve urban trails
We're excited to roll up our sleeves and run volunteer work parties in urban parks across the state. Initially, the majority of these will be concentrated in King and Pierce Counties. We are trying to focus our work on neighborhoods and areas that have less access to green spaces and can serve large populations of people for the greatest impact. In addition, we're also experimenting with shorter half day work parties in select areas of the state that will give new volunteers the opportunity to join us in their neighborhood park without the need for a lengthy time investment. Keep an eye on our volunteer sign up page for an upcoming work party in your area!
see what else we're working on
Take an Urban Hike to Octavia Butler Avenue
Jan 02, 2024
Science fiction author Octavia Butler lived in north Seattle from 1999–2006. In 2003, the city of Lake Forest Park celebrated her by naming her former street in her honor. By Linnea Johnson
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Why Going Outside is Good For You According to Science
Dec 18, 2023
While hiking nourishes each of us in a unique way, we know there are physical and mental health benefits from getting outdoors. Here are three ways recent science has found benefits to getting outside.
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Your Vote in Action: King County Parks Levy
Oct 02, 2023
We look in at the midway point of the King County Parks Levy to check on the trails built and the work accomplished by its funding.
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Dash Point State Park Reveals: WTA is More Than Trails
Oct 02, 2023
Dash Point State Park is a great example of how WTA works in many different ways to create trails for everyone, forever. We are working behind the scenes to fund land management agencies, and we’re working on the ground to rebuild trails. From empowering partners to get their communities outdoors – to helping everyone who gets outdoors to see the part they play in stewarding the places they love, we are building a better future for trails.
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4 Ways To Refresh Summer Hikes Close To Home
Aug 08, 2023
When it feels a little too hot for a full day of adventure, look to the trail next door for inspiration.
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Photography: Spot Wildlife Without The Drive
Jul 26, 2023
You don't have to go far to find unique and interesting wildlife on trails near you. See what you can find in your neighborhood park.
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