Washington Trails Association

Washington Trails Association is an outdoor nonprofit with a big vision: Trails for Everyone, Forever. Get involved at wta.org ?? Video produced by Sky Bear Media ?? Music by Ga?la Braun

On March 18, 153 hikers from 39 legislative districts across Washington met for Hiker Rally Day in Olympia to advocate for trails and public lands. With the help of other hikers and constituents, they met with legislators from their district to offer personal perspectives and share why trails need our support ?? A HUGE thanks to all who showed support for trails this March. It was our first in person Hiker Rally Day since 2019 and this gathering came at a crucial time. Learn more about Hiker Rally Day and what hikers have to say: https://lnkd.in/gH_WzJBG #Advocacy #Legislature #Washington #Nonprofit

If predictions hold, backcountry use will increase in the coming years. Sustainable backcountry trails protect ecosystems by keeping people on established routes, preventing the creation of damaging informal trails. Learn how WTA builds trails for climate resiliency ??? #NonProfit #Resiliency #Hiking

We've received our first tick trip report of the season! It’s always good to know where the icky critters are popping up, but did you know that your trip reports can inform public health data? Thanks to a tool created by University of Washington School of Public Health student Alex Eisen, Washington Trails Association trip reports of ticks are now part of the Washington State Department of Health's (DOH) database of tick encounters starting this year. DOH is using tick sightings documented in WTA’s trip reports to better understand where ticks are encountered statewide and to focus their public health messaging in areas that need it most. Get the details on the project: https://lnkd.in/gU4y_-aG See a tick on a hike? Be sure to: 1?? Mention your tick sighting in a trip report on wta.org to give other hikers a heads up 2?? Capture your tick and send it to DOH for identification #Washingtontrails #DepartmentOfHealth #UW #Research #Nonprofit

What if your next hiking trip could help advance public health? MPH student in University of Washington Department of Epidemiology used her practicum experience to help the Washington Trails Association and the Washington State Department of Health develop tools that analyzed tick-sighting data and create resources to understand and mitigate tick-borne diseases. Learn more about these student experiences at the 27th annual MPH practicum symposium on April 9, 2025 at the Husky Union Building ballroom. Register for virtual sessions from April 14-17 here: https://lnkd.in/gkJs5Kj8

Last spring, hikers and music lovers filled Benaroya Hall in Seattle to celebrate Washington’s iconic beauty with Washington Trails Association and Northwest Symphony Orchestra. This year, we’re partnering again to bring you Crescendo: A Symphonic Celebration of Washington Landscapes on April 25. This concert will feature photos from WTA’s 2024 Northwest Exposure Photo contest paired with live symphonic pieces performed by Northwest Symphony Orchestra. This event is made possible thanks to the generosity of our presenting sponsors, Western Washington Honda Dealers and Microsoft, and with support from Amazon. Check out our story to go behind the scenes and get tickets to experience the harmony of music and nature. #Symphony #Photography #NonProfit

Today is Hiker Rally Day! We’re in Olympia with hundreds of hikers from across Washington to speak with legislators about the importance of funding trails. The state budget is TIGHT this legislative session, and public lands need our help. Find out about more opportunities to speak up for trails by signing up for Trail Action Network at https://lnkd.in/gMwdgW-F.

Thank you Microsoft for recognizing WTA as a key nonprofit partner that has made an impact on Puget Sound communities. This work is made possible by individuals like WTA staffer Angelic Friday. Her contributions to WTA’s programs have helped bring lost trails back online, strengthened relationships with land managers and fostered growth in the next generation of outdoor leaders. Learn about Angelic and other inspiring stories while celebrating Microsoft’s 50th anniversary ?? #PugetSound #Microsoft #NonProfit

Pete Dewell — assistant crew leader, community leader and teacher of thousands of trail workers — passed away at home on Sunday, March 2, at the age of 95. Pete shaped WTA as an organization. He spent thousands of days on trail, helped formalize our volunteer leadership program, served on WTA's board for 6 years and even provided WTA with pro bono legal counsel in our early years. His impact cannot be overstated; we are deeply saddened by his death. Join us in remembering Pete and his incredible legacy.

UPDATE: On March 11, the USDA announced that all probationary employees who were fired will be rehired with back pay. This follows a March 5 decision by The Merit Systems Protection Board — an agency that considers federal employees’ complaints against the federal government — that the fired employees should be returned for their jobs for 45 days. – This winter, the Trump Administration terminated thousands of USDA Forest Service and National Park Service employees. 6,618 hikers across Washington took action to write to Congress to reverse these decisions and to volunteer and donate. And with our community’s support, we’re speaking up for the people who care for our public lands. Policies and issues like these massive layoffs impact hikers and public lands. WTA has a long history of bringing hikers together to protect the places we love — in Washington, D.C., in the halls of the state Capitol in Olympia and even in your hometown. You can stay up to date with opportunities to get involved?by joining our Trail Action Network. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gPCyZDFc #PublicLands #Washington #Advocacy