Amplifying Voices Across Our Community

Everyone deserves access to trails. We're supporting community partners and breaking down barriers, so that the trails of the future belong to everyone. And by amplifying voices from across the trail community and sharing stories, we can help people know we all belong in the outdoors.

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One Step at a Time: WTA’s Path to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

As 2019 draws to a close, we take a look back at our progress — and ahead to the potential — in our efforts to help build a more equitable hiking community | By Krista Dooley

7 Years Old, 19 Trip Reports, Excellent Candy Tips

Kai Tatineni has been hiking since he was 4. We love his enthusiastic trip reporters and excellent treat suggestions so much that we met him for a hike | By Dawn Hammer

I'm Not Alone

As a black, outdoorsy woman in a majority white area, I felt alone. But it turns out I’m not — there are black women, and black mothers, exploring the outdoors and finding joy on trails. Here’s how I’m using Instagram to build community — and increase representation for women of color. By Chelsea Murphy.

A Week at Mount Rainier Helped Build Community for Latina Teens

Each of the youth who joined the trip was unique and different, but they had one thing in common. None of them knew another Latina their age whom they could invite camping. By the end of the trip, they each knew seven other girls who shared both a part of their identity and their experience with the outdoors | By Sully Moreno

10,000 Outdoor Experiences: WTA's Training Model Grows from Community Needs

Through our Outdoor Leadership Training program, we're supporting community leaders as they nurture the connection between youth and the outdoors.

Teaching on Trail: Custom Workshops For Educators of Youth

Jan 06, 2020

Through workshops, a free gear library and trip funding, the OLT program provides customized training for educators who want to take youth groups outside.

Collin Tasaka, New OLT Instructor, Gets Youth Stoked to Go Outside

Oct 24, 2019

The newest member of WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program is an enthusiastic advocate and role model for getting youth outside and on trail.

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.

Young Stewards Explore and Lend a Hand on Washington Trails

Sep 09, 2019

The power of partnerships helps the Deaf T-Birds, a high school group, get out to explore and clean up Olympic beaches.

Sharing a Love for Nature Through WTA

Jun 12, 2019

WTA member Maggie Oliver passes on the values of conservation to her students.

Community & Healing

Outdoor Asian has helped me connect to nature, my family and my culture | by Joan Hong

Wheeling in the Wild

How I kept hiking, backpacking and exploring the wild places I love, with the assistance of a wheelchair | by Jenny Schmitz

Time for Self

In a period of turmoil, time outdoors was both respite and reawakening | by shon't savage

Connecting Youth and Nature — for Learning and Fun

Mar 25, 2019

Since 2014, the Glacier Peak Institute has been creating paths for local youth to get outdoors. The institute is a strong example of a WTA Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT) program partner with a deep dedication to providing outdoor experiences to youth.

Teacher's Night Out with Every Kid in a Park Collaborative

Jan 30, 2019

Calling all educators, teachers and people who work with youth! Get new ideas and resources for getting your youth outdoor experiences.

Rockstar Community Leaders Champion Outdoor Adventures

Dec 20, 2018

Meet three determined outdoor leaders who led memorable trips for their schools and programs this year.

I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams

by Bam Mendiola

3 Organizations That Go Outside to Train the Next Generation of Scientists

Nov 13, 2018

Three ways that graduates from WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program are taking kids outside to learn about science and inspire the next generation of outdoor leaders.

At Home in Nature

People might not always be welcoming, but when I'm outside, I can breathe freely and find peace | by Hamziye Aman

GirlTrek: Walking as a Radical Act of Self-Care

Jun 28, 2018

GirlTrek started as a hiking club. It quickly grew into a movement to reverse the systemic health crisis experienced by black women and transform the health and well-being of entire communities.