Overview
What could be better than a weekend of stewardship at Mount St. Helens? Each day will start with an opportunity to tend the trails on the east side of the Monument -- and will end with a campout complete with guest speakers, s'mores, and plenty of good company. Feel free to bring your family, and join us for one, two, or all three days!
This Jamboree is a partnership between WTA and the Mount St. Helens Institute (MSHI).
These work parties will be opened for registration in early May. Learn more at WTA’s web page HERE.
About the Area
The east side of Mount St. Helens is less trafficked than the Johnston Ridge Observatory side, but not in any way less spectacular. From the amazing views from Strawberry Mountain to the Mount Margaret Backcountry and its plethora of sapphire lakes, from a trail down to Spirit Lake to the Boundary Trail that you can follow for another 40 miles out of the blast zone and back into the big trees, this area has it all!
What to Expect
We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! Volunteer on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or all three. No experience is necessary.
Project Description
Each morning, we will split into several different crews to work on several trails in the area. You will start at Wakepish Sno-Park/Picnic Area to get organized, then caravan to the work location. The work will include using cutting tools (including power tools if fire precaution levels permit) to remove vegetation from the trail corridor, using digging tools to fix the walking surface of the trail, and using digging tools to clear drainage.
Please register for the specific day(s) you are planning to volunteer, and we will split into separate crews for each day onsite.
Hiking Information
Each day will be different depending on how the work goes, and you will be able to self-select into a crew with an expected level of exertion that matches your available energy. Be prepared for options ranging from a hike of 1.5 miles round trip to a hike of 4.5 miles round trip over hilly terrain.
Camping Information
We will have a large camping area set up at Wakepish Sno-Park/Picnic Area. You are welcome to camp the day before and after your stewardship; trailers, campers, and tents all welcome.
There is no potable water onsite, though there is a nearby stream from which you can filter or treat water.
Schedule
8:30 AM: Be ready to meet the crew. Please make sure your electronic waiver has already been signed before the work party!
8:35 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then hike to the project site
Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day
12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail
Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work
3:30 PM: The end! Relax and, if you're camping, spend the afternoon soaking up the area.
For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.