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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Summer School: WTA's Crew Leader College
May 20, 2015
How do the people you volunteer with know so much about trail maintenance? They went to college -- Crew Leader College, hosted annually by WTA.
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Volunteer Twice, Earn a Free Pass
May 20, 2015
When you participate in two work parties on National Forest land, you'll earn an annual Northwest Forest Pass—the $30 pass that you need to park at many trailheads in the state.
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Trail Work as Quality Family Time
May 20, 2015
Volunteering with your kids on trail can be a very rewarding experience. It instills in them a sense of responsibility, and helps them take pride in a job well done. WTA Board member Joe Gregg periodically volunteers with his kids and offered a few words of wisdom about the value of getting young ones into volunteering at a young age.
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Was Your Favorite Trail Protected by This Little-Known Program?
May 15, 2015
Treasured places like Antoine Peak and Iller Creek in Spokane, the Duwamish Greenbelt in King County and more will remain in the public trust thanks to the Conservation Futures program.
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Spending a Day with Inspirational Educators on a Hiking Workshop
May 15, 2015
The Outdoor Leadership Training program offers hiking and camping workshops for youth group leaders. On a hiking workshop at Tiger Mountain, participants with a variety of backgrounds came together to share experiences and learn how to safely plan and lead outdoor activities with youth groups.
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Road to Artist Point Opens
May 14, 2015
The road to Artist Point has been cleared of snow and is now open. It is the earliest date the Mount Baker Hwy section of road has ever been cleared.
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Victory in Olympia! Bringing the Outdoors Into the Governor's Office
May 13, 2015
A new law signed by the Governor today creates the first-ever senior policy advisor on recreation in Washington. It also funds the No Child Left Inside program.
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Trailhead Congestion Prompts Pilot Shuttle Program in Snoqualmie Valley
May 13, 2015
As more hikers hit trails, it is vital that we invest in our state's recreation infrastructure—providing trails and facilities that can support the growing demand. In North Bend, a city nestled at the base of Mount Si—arguably the most popular trail in the state—local businesses are piloting a shuttle program to try and address the issue of trailhead parking.
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New Guidebook, Map for Hiking Mount St. Helens
May 12, 2015
Explore the trails and changing landscape of trails around Mount St. Helens using a new guidebook: Day Hiking Mount St. Helens, published by Mountaineers Books.
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Sharing the Trail: Wildlife Sightings (Slideshow)
May 08, 2015
Spotting a bird, mountain goat or bear along the trail always adds excitement to a hike. Check out some a small sampling of images captured by the hiking photographers who participated in our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest in 2014
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Four Trails That Need Your Help in May
May 07, 2015
This month WTA is working in several locations that need some special attention, and we'd love to have your help! Join us for a day full of safety, fun, and work, and make your mark on the trails you love. No experience is needed to join a work party, and anyone is welcome. We'll teach you what you need to know and find the right job for you. For more information on what to expect when you join us on trail, check out our FAQ page.
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Seeking Creative, Determined Girls: Join a WTA Youth Volunteer Vacation Today
May 07, 2015
WTA's youth volunteer vacations are a great opportunity for girls to try something new, learn a new skill, and have a ton of fun in on some of Washington’s most beautiful trails this summer. Sign up solo and meet a whole crew of new friends, or bring a friend and have an adventure together.
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Before & After: Repairing a Blanchard Mountain Route to Oyster Dome
May 07, 2015
A popular hiking route to Oyster Dome was all but impassible before WTA crews cleared the way earlier this year. Now, a Backcountry Response Team crew camping nearby will put in four intensive days of additional work on the Blanchard Mountain trail system.
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Not Far Far Away: 4 'Star Wars' Planets You Can Hike to Here in Washington
May 04, 2015
You don't have to travel to a galaxy far far away to imagine yourself partying with Ewoks on the forest moon of Endor or fighting to stay warm on the ice world of Hoth (we recommend wool and fleece over tauntaun guts).
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Citizen Science: Help Study Pikas, Marmots, Invasive Plant Species
Apr 30, 2015
Want your hiking adventures to contribute to conservation science? Check out some of the citizen science programs needing hiking volunteers to watch for wildlife and invasive plants all summer long.
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Wildlife Spotting: Velella Velella on Olympic Coast
Apr 28, 2015
Trip reporter lildoppler recently hiked the Sand Point portion of the Ozette Triangle Loop and spotted some of the Velella velella that have been showing up en masse on Washington's coast and making headlines.
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Plan to GiveBIG on May 5
Apr 28, 2015
Make a gift to WTA through The Seattle Foundation's GiveBIG event on May 5. Every dollar you give will be stretched even further by The Seattle Foundation—all to make an even bigger impact for the trails you love!
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Food, Trash Left in Enchanted Valley Habituates Bears, Closes Area to Camping
Apr 24, 2015
Trash and food left by hikers and consumed by bears in the Enchanted Valley of Olympic National Park have prompted a 30-day closure of the area to camping.
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Leave a Detailed Itinerary When You Hike
Apr 24, 2015
Whether you plan your hikes weeks in advance or wake up with an itch in your feet, taking a few extra minutes to sketch out a detailed itinerary and sharing it with friends or family is always worth it. You can print ours or create your own—we show you how.
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Legislative Session Update: State Parks and Trails Need Your Help
Apr 22, 2015
With the state legislature in final negotiations over the budget for 2015-2017, here's where things stand for trails. Let your legislators know that you value funding for public lands.
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You Can Help the Mountains to Sound Greenway Become a National Heritage Area
Apr 21, 2015
If you've hiked in the Puget Sound region or Central Cascades, you've probably hiked in the Mountains to Sound Greenway. Now it could become a National Heritage Area.
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