Signpost Blog
"This little newsletter has been an experiment so far, testing a hunch I've had that such a means of communication among walkers is needed." — Signpost magazine, 1966.
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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.
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Rehab Your Used Gear
May 05, 2017
Navigating the world of used gear can be tricky. After tireless searching for your diamond in the rough, there may still be lingering odors, holes, or wear. Luckily, there area few simple ways to make your less-than-perfect thrift store find feel like a million bucks.
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5 Tips for Navigating the Online Gear World
May 05, 2017
Gear, glorious wonderful gear! From seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to those just beginning to dip their toes into the great outdoors, we all need gear. And gear can be expensive. The world of online discount gear offers a ray of hope to those on a budget.
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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.
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Silver Falls, Upper Entiat Set to Reopen this Spring
May 02, 2017
After years of wildfires sweeping through the area, the iconic Silver Falls area of the Upper Entiat is set to reopen to the public this spring, regaining access to dozens of popular campsites and over 40 miles of trail.
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Leave No Trace Level 2.0
May 02, 2017
Some things you can do to reduce your impact on the outdoors may be less obvious than others. Here are some that WTA staffers came up with.
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Beware out There -- it's Tick Season
Apr 28, 2017
Ticks are showing up on trails. Don't let it keep you from hiking, but be prepared so you don't end up with an unwanted hitchhiker.
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Your Comments Needed on National Monument Review
Apr 26, 2017
See what the latest executive order means for national monuments and how you can speak up for trails.
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Celebrating National Parks Week with Art
Apr 25, 2017
The "Seeing Nature" exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum showcases the beauty of nature--and its power to inspire the imagination.
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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.
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National Parks' Record Visitation Highlights Outdoor Economy
Apr 19, 2017
National Parks visitation broke records last year. A new report out today reveals how those visits translated into jobs and millions for the trail towns surrounding Washington's national parks.
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Teanaway Community Forest Recreation Planning Update & Stewardship Day
Apr 18, 2017
Evaluations for use in the Teanaway Community forest are under way. Here's the latest news, and an opportunity to get involved.
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Backcountry Brunch
Apr 13, 2017
Brunch is the best. This favorite breakfast/lunch overlap turns everyday eating into a fancier affair by incorporating special ingredients and plenty of options.
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10 Years of Youth Engagement
Apr 12, 2017
Thanks to our members and donors, over the past 10 years, WTA’s youth engagement has grown into a comprehensive program serving thousands of students. But that’s not all. It’s also fostering the next generation of environmental advocates.
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Five Ways to Celebrate National Park Week with Your Family
Apr 09, 2017
National Park Week is April 15 - 23. Plan fun adventures with your family starting with these five suggestions.
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What Current Snow Conditions Can Tell Us About the Season Ahead
Apr 08, 2017
Spring in the Northwest is a tricky season for hikers and snowshoers, especially during a year with a high snow pack.
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How Trail Funding Works: Washington's Biennial Budget
Apr 05, 2017
It's a bit of a winding of a path to iron out the particulars of which trails get funded and by how much in the state budget.
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Why Do Trees Grow in Spirals?
Apr 04, 2017
Washington is full of beauty— summits, mountain lakes, shrubsteppe, the Salish Sea, the Pacific Ocean and forests—that beckons us outdoors. Along with this pronounced beauty comes a plethora of natural oddities.
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Love Books, Love Nature: 10 Books for Outdoor Families
Mar 23, 2017
A good book can take you away to a new place, make you curious about the world or nature and inspire you to create your own adventures. That’s true for all ages. Here are a few books to consider adding to your child’s reading list, as well as books to inspire parents to take their kids exploring.
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Book Review: On Trails
Mar 23, 2017
The minimalist jacket of “On Trails: An Exploration” suggests a meditation on the act of hiking, but author Robert Moor addresses trails in a broader context. The result is a good read but not, perhaps, in the way you’d expect it to be.
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Citizen Science: Help Study Wildflower Phenology on Mount Rainier
Mar 22, 2017
If you’re looking to explore wildflower season on Mount Rainier thus summer, consider helping out local citizen science program, MeadoWatch.
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