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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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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WTA Testifies in D.C. to Champion Trail Funding
Mar 22, 2017
WTA's executive director gave testimony in D.C. on Tuesday to champion the need for increased investment in trails and recreation lands during a hearing hosted by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
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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.
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No Matter How Cute They Are, Don't Feed the Wildlife
Mar 21, 2017
Spring is a busy time for wildlife. Here are a few reasons why it's important to give animals plenty of space.
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Mount Rainier Wilderness Permits Now Open Online
Mar 17, 2017
Wonderland and other permit applications can now be submitted online, the first step to a new system for Mount Rainier National Park.
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Gear Library Helps Young Women Discover the Outdoors
Mar 16, 2017
Every time they go exploring, Young Women Empowered makes use of WTA's gear library to stay safe and comfortable. On a recent trip, many of their youth and mentors were able to experience the North Cascades for the first time.
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Partnership Between UW’s iSchool and Mount Rainier Gives Students Real-World Experience
Mar 16, 2017
Students from the iSchool have worked with Mount Rainier National Park to help the park with its technology needs while gaining valuable experience.
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A New Look for Spring
Mar 14, 2017
We've made a few updates to wta.org this week. Take a look at what we changed, and let us know what you think.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Hiker Input Sought on Marbled Murrelet Proposal, Comments Due March 9
Mar 02, 2017
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts are invited to comment on a proposal to protect habitat for the marbled murrelet, a small seabird native to the North Pacific.
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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.
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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.
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Backcountry Permit Reservation System Coming to North Cascades National Park
Feb 25, 2017
Due to increased use, a reservation system for backcountry permits will be in place for the 2017 season on several popular hikes in the North Cascades National Park.
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Take Action to Protect the Methow Valley from Mining
Feb 22, 2017
Following incredible community support in 2016, Methow Valley closed 2016 with a victory for long-term protection against mining for the region’s recreation lands.
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On-Trail Comfort Food
Feb 21, 2017
While these meals won’t live up your mom's apple pie or great grandma’s mac and cheese, they’re easy to make and comforting enough to make anywhere on the trail feel like home.
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President’s Day Hikes on Federal Lands
Feb 17, 2017
Take advantage of federal fee-free day on February 20, and explore a new trail on your public lands.
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Record Numbers Show Up to Speak for Trails in Olympia
Feb 16, 2017
More than 120 hikers from across the state joined WTA for Hiker Rally Day in Olympia yesterday to voice their support for funding for trails and recreation lands and programs to get youth outside.
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