Building community and trails: WTA work parties for veterans
Veterans are finding belonging while supporting trails at volunteer work parties. By Joseph Gonzalez
Washington Trails Association kicked off a series of work parties specifically for military veterans earlier this year.
The first work party was on the Whistle Punk Interpretive Loop, not far from Mount Adams. The crew repaired tread, logged-out fallen trees and cut back brush. But the work party was more than trail repair: it was an opportunity for veterans statewide to connect, appreciate nature and continue to serve their community. Two more work parties for veterans are scheduled for 2026.
The veterans at the Whistle Punk Interpretive Loop. "Whistle punk" comes from the name given to inexperienced loggers in the early 20th century (usually teens) who used a steam whistle to communicate. Photo courtesy James Alexander
The health benefits of time in nature are well-documented. Veterans experiencing challenges after their military service can find community in the outdoors with WTA. Volunteering on trail opens opportunities for networking, adjusting to a new life and finding a renewed sense of purpose.
At face value, military service and trails stewardship might not seem similar. James Alexander, 25-year U.S. Army veteran and WTA’s Southwest regional crew leader, led the recent work party for veterans.
"I found many comparisons between WTA and the military,” James said. “For starters, the majority of veterans today volunteered for service.”
The sense of camaraderie will also feel familiar to those who have served. James noticed the overlap while volunteering on a WTA work party, before he was maintaining trails professionally.
Camaraderie can be forged over shared experiences serving — in the military and on trails. Photo courtesy James Alexander
“When I was a volunteer, my immediate thought was, ‘This is my vibe. I’m hiking, enjoying the outdoors and making a difference out here'," James said. "I found my ‘squad,’ my close-knit group, and we get to have an impact in the outdoor community together. I believe veterans will appreciate the safe, fun, working environment WTA offers."
The first veterans' work party connected veterans from different branches of the armed forces and from across the state. Volunteers included a Coast Guard veteran from Southwest Washington, a Navy veteran from the Olympia area and an Army veteran from Eastern Washington. Together, they shared their experiences in the military, what they’re doing now and success stories from their respective veteran communities.
“If we can get more veterans who are trying to figure out their path — especially those who’ve just gotten out of the military — onto trail, it would be very beneficial,” James said. “If we can build a strong veteran community within WTA, it'll give us an opportunity to talk about how we can help each other transition from the military to civilian life.”
Sometimes, simple tools plus time outside are all it takes to connect with each other. Photo courtesy James Alexander
Our next two veterans' work parties will be at Seminary Hill near Centralia, only 45 minutes south of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. With support from the volunteer and veteran communities, we hope to expand our veterans’ work party opportunities into 2027 and beyond.
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