Volunteer News

The stories of our volunteers and trail maintenance around the state.

Stories about volunteers and trail maintenance.

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

Two WTA Grants Help Support Trailwork in the Southwest and Olympics

Sep 12, 2017

The National Forest Foundation and the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance support WTA's work in parts of the state where trails need the most love.

Volunteer Profile: Maridee BonaDea

Aug 18, 2017

Meet Maridee—recently retired and heading to Bangkok to pursue her Master's degree, she wanted to spend a little time volunteering with WTA before heading out.

Latina Youth Trail Crew Building Trails, Looking to the Future at Mount Rainier

Aug 15, 2017

Nine young women recently spent a week improving Mount Rainier trails, contemplating equity in the outdoors and stoking a passion for adventure, with a little help from Latino Outdoors, WTA and many others.

Hiking with New Eyes: A First-Timer's Experience on a BCRT

Jul 13, 2017

Amy Redmond was inspired by her friend and assistant crew leader, Joni Johnson to try out a BCRT. Here's her telling of the experience out on the Olympic Peninsula.

Recovering From the Ashes: Fixing Trails After a Wildfire

Jul 06, 2017

WTA volunteers repair trails damaged by fires around Mount Adams, Holden Village and along the Entiat River.

Local Farmers Fuel WTA Trail Work

Jul 19, 2017

It takes a lot of food to power WTA’s Volunteer Vacations. Thanks to the Snoqualmie Valley Farmers Cooperative, we're able to feed our crews sustainably grown produce while reducing our environmental footprint a little in the process.

Give a Day to: Build a Bridge, Restore a Trail, Play in the Park

Jun 26, 2017

WTA works close to town and in the backcountry, six days a week, all year long. From a day in the park to building bridges in the Pasayten, we have several fun opportunities coming up to give back to trails.

With WTA Support, Community Partners Get Youth Outside

Jun 23, 2017

This spring, our youth program worked with more than 15 organizations to bring hundreds of kids, tweens and teens out for at least one day of service. Over the past few months, WTA has been honored to partner with such a diverse range of schools and youth groups across the state.

National Trails Day: Volunteers Show Up in Service of Trails

Jun 09, 2017

All over the state (and country), volunteers devoted June 3 to trails. From Mount Rainier National Park to trails outside Spokane and in the heart of Seattle, we revisit another successful National Trails Day.

New Trail Opens at Grand Ridge

Jun 06, 2017

King County Parks and WTA celebrate the grand opening of the new Water Tower Loop at Grand Ridge Park in Issaquah.

A Second Life For Old Tools

May 16, 2017

WTA staffer finds more than good bargains on gear in thrift stores. She finds high-quality trail tools to rehab and give a new life.

Patience and Pragmatism: How One Man's Approach to Work Shaped Lives, Trails and WTA

Hikers all across Washington owe thanks to Alan Carter Mortimer, WTA’s field programs manager. Alan retired recently and while he's definitely not leaving the WTA community, we wanted to celebrate the work he's done in 15 years on staff and, before that, 11 years as a volunteer. By Anna Roth

3 Reasons To Join WTA for Vacation

May 16, 2017

Are you looking for more ways to fill your summer with outdoor adventures? How about signing up for one of WTA’s backcountry trips?

Get Inspired and Give Back: 4 Events at Riverside State Park

May 03, 2017

Help fix up the Knothead Trail or hear from Washington's own record-setting thru-hiker, Heather "Anish" Anderson.

Build Strong Family Bonds While Giving Back to Trails

May 09, 2017

On a recent rainy weekend, a group of WTA volunteers ranging in age from 9 to 60+ came together for a common goal: to give back to trails. We wanted to know what inspired them to spend a cold and wet Saturday digging in the dirt.

What a Difference Two Days Make: Closing A Trail Loop in Puyallup

May 16, 2017

WTA helped the City of Puyallup complete a 5.5 mile trail loop in just two days this spring!

Women on Trail Sharing Skills for Maintaining Trails

Apr 20, 2017

Work party gives women a chance to learn technical trail skills from other experienced women.

Volunteer Profile: Carmen Zavala

Mar 06, 2017

Meet Carmen Zavala -- a recently-settled Seattle resident who wanted to learn more about where trail comes from and who takes care of them.

With WTA's Help, Youth Ambassadors Share Their Love for Trails

Mar 04, 2017

Through WTA's Youth Ambassador Program, young people who love to hike and volunteer gain valuable skills and share their love for trails

What Inspires You to Care for Trails?

Feb 27, 2017

Caring for trails and wild places for the next generation is important, but why wait? Let's care for those places right now and enjoy them now, too.

Saving Lost Trails: 3 Areas Where WTA Will Focus in 2017

Mar 07, 2017

The hiking community has an opportunity this year to save three iconic places that represent the variety of challenges trails are facing across the state.

Q&A: How to Make the Most of a Multi-Day Volunteer Trip

Feb 27, 2017

Each year, WTA offers volunteers a chance to go out on multiday work parties. We interviewed volunteer veterans to get their tips on how to make the most of your trip.

Prepare for WTA's Backcountry Trip Registration

Jan 25, 2017

Signups open February 11 for WTA's summer backcountry trips. Get to know the new process and be sure fill out your forms.

First BCRT? We've Got a List You'll Want To Read

May 17, 2017

Courtesy of seasoned volunteer Al Mashburn who's got 15 BCRTs under his boots, here's a short list of items that help make WTA's most physically taxing trips a little more comfortable.

Santa Jerry Crafts Personalized Saws for Volunteers

Dec 15, 2016

Meet one of WTA's jolliest volunteers.

Revisiting 18 Standout Trail Projects from 2016

Dec 15, 2016

Looking back on an amazing year of volunteer trail work--partnerships, preservation and unearthing lost trails.

Spokane-area Hiker Protects Trails She's Loved Since Childhood

Mar 21, 2017

For Spokane-area's Holly Weiler, getting to lead work on trails she's loved since childhood has special meaning. That the project came in ahead of schedule and under budget is just a bonus.

And the Award Goes to ... Pete Dewell!

Dec 09, 2016

Since he first became involved with WTA in the '90s, Pete has spent 1,600+ days out on trail, served on WTA's board of directors, and provided pro-bono legal counsel to the organization.

Youth Ambassador Spotlight: Julianna Hoza

Feb 03, 2017

Learn how this Youth Ambassador has been making big waves in her local hiking community.

WTA's Krista Dooley Recognized at Washington State Trails Conference

Nov 01, 2016

Krista Dooley, Washington Trails Association’s youth programs director, who recently received the Youth Advocacy Award from the Washington State Trails Coalition.