Pilot Projects
With The Trail Next Door, we're exploring how WTA can best benefit people looking to access urban green spaces and trails; from encouraging people to explore and invest in neighborhood trails to expanding the types of volunteer opportunities we offer.
We are listening to partner organizations and trying out new strategies for improving access and availability of urban trails. Learn more about them below!
HIKING GUIDE IMPROVEMENTS
There are nearly 200 hike entries for "trails next door" in the WTA Hiking Guide, and throughout 2020 we'll be working to add new trails, improve existing information and add public transit directions when possible to these entries. Many urban parks have large trail systems with multiple routes, and we've heard from partner organizations and city hikers is that it can be hard to figure out the best one to take when exploring a new city park. You can help other nearby hikers by writing a trip report for your next urban hike and tagging #trailnextdoor.
Volunteer trail work to improve urban trails
We're excited to roll up our sleeves and run volunteer work parties in urban parks across the state. Initially, the majority of these will be concentrated in King and Pierce Counties. We are trying to focus our work on neighborhoods and areas that have less access to green spaces and can serve large populations of people for the greatest impact. In addition, we're also experimenting with shorter half day work parties in select areas of the state that will give new volunteers the opportunity to join us in their neighborhood park without the need for a lengthy time investment. Keep an eye on our volunteer sign up page for an upcoming work party in your area!
see what else we're working on
Book shows why nature is so vital for kids and families — and offers tips
Trails can help kids form a solid connection to nature. But being a parent is hard and this book offers practical tips to help get kids of all ages outside. By Linnea Johnson
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New Vancouver trail lowers barriers to nature, trail work
Behrens Woods embodies the power of a local park to connect people with nature, with each other and even with hope for the future. By Linnea Johnson
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The magic of Trails Next Door: Why WTA wants to see your photos from local trails
Sep 06, 2024
Trails Next Door is a bonus category for WTA’s 2024 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest. One WTA staffer shares her perspective on the power of urban trails — and why they’re worth your photographic attention.
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King County’s plan for heat underscores importance of urban trails for climate-resilient cities
It’s no coincidence that King County’s Extreme Heat Mitigation Strategy was unveiled on a trail. By Linnea Johnson
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Before and after: Trails get a glow-up from WTA crews
May 24, 2024
Nearly halfway through the year (what, how is that possible), WTA has done more than 350 work parties. We've opened trails, improved staircases and even improved a climbing area!
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From the Gorge to the border, popular trails are getting love this spring
Apr 03, 2024
It's barely the end of winter and WTA trail crews have accomplished great things already. Thanks to increased staff capacity, we're building new trails in several parts of the state, and our work last year has earned kudos from land managers and neighbors alike.
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