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
Trail Champions in the House: Meet Five Leading Women in Washington's Legislature
Nov 06, 2019
This fall, we hiked with five Washington state representatives on trails in their home districts. We recently walked and talked outdoor recreation, physical health and economic benefits with Representatives Entenman, Jinkins, Leavitt, Robinson and Ryu.
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Hiker Headlines: New Trail Opens, Grizzly Bears, Road Closure and Outdoor Preschools
Oct 03, 2019
It's Thursday, Oct. 3. WTA helped open up a new section of trail at Lake Whatcom Park. The public has a chance to comment on a plan to reintroduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades. Washington state is the first in the U.S. to license outdoor preschools. Washington State Parks has been honored as one of the best. And a new bill in the U.S. House could help get more people outside.
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Throw Wide the Gates: Why Gatekeeping is Harmful to Hikers
Oct 01, 2019
Trails are for everyone, but not everyone feels welcome. Here are tips to be a more inclusive hiker.
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Celebrating Partnership: WTA and King County Parks
Jun 27, 2019
On Monday, WTA staff joined King County Executive Dow Constantine for a hike on the Margaret’s Way trail. The trail is a strong example of what can happen when a government agency like King County Parks teams up with a non-profit organization like WTA.
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Fourth Graders, Fifth Graders and Fun: WTA Youth Ambassador Leads Classroom Hikes
May 23, 2019
The Youth Ambassador Program gives leadership training opportunities to teens, who use their skills to plan trails-related projects in their own communities.
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The Beauty and Power of Urban Forests
Apart from the pleasure of a green view, there are many tangible benefits associated with urban forests, including improved mental and physical health, economic advantages and community health | by Keiko Betcher
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