Join the Washington Trails Association team and spend the morning sprucing up the trails at this gem of an education center! There will be a variety of tasks appropriate for children (ages 7+) and adults.
The Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center has three main trails that range from 1/16 of a mile long, to 1/3 of a mile. It is is a delightful little park that houses a fish hatchery (complete with feeding pond), a small greenspace, and three little trails that are friendly to even the littlest hikers.
What to Expect: We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference!
Register here: https://www.wta.org/volunteer/schedule/workparty/a2mPB000001D5ZB/register
Project Description: Our main goal here is to maintain several small loop trails at the Columbia Springs Education Center. There will be a variety of tasks including using digging tools to maintain the walking surface of the trail, using cutting tools to remove vegetation from the trail, or simply hand-pulling invasive plants from near the trail. If you have a question about whether this would be fun for you or a child you would like to bring with you, please contact SW Regional Coordinator stasia honnold at shonnold@wta.org
Hiking Information: Total hike is no more than 1.5 miles on flat terrain.
Schedule:
9:00 AM: Be ready to meet the crew, rain or shine
Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day
1:00 PM: Sign out after enjoying refreshments at the trailhead
We will not take an official lunch break, but snack breaks are highly encouraged!
For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.
What it Takes to Do This Work Party:
Bring a great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need.
Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain
Recommended for ages 7 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18.
What to wear - Required:
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Work gloves
Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)
Long pants
Recommended:
Sturdy work or hiking boots
Long sleeved shirt
A hard hat will be provided by WTA. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.
What to Bring:
Snacks and plenty of water
Rain jacket and pants
Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather
A pack to carry your personal gear
A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
Firearms and weapons are not allowed.
More Information:
WTA's Trail Work Guide introduces the type of work you may do
Contact us at volunteer@wta.org or 206.625.1367
From the Hiking Guide
See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.