This is the first in a four-part trail skills series designed to introduce newer volunteers in the SW Washington/Portland area to key trail concepts.
This first session is dedicated to honing your "trail eyes." You will learn how to identify common trail issues and solutions--after this class, you may never look at a trail the same way again!
WTA’s four-part trail skills series runs from January through April and is designed for newer volunteers in the SW Washington/Portland area who want to deepen their trail knowledge. Take them individually or sign up for all of them!
About the Area: More than 5,000 acres of marshes, grasslands and wooded areas are home to more than one hundred species of birds, waterfowl and fish. Two trails and a loop road provide public access to this serene area just a few miles west of I-5.
What to Expect: We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.
Project Description: This will be a mix of classroom and hands-on learning. You will start indoors to learn some fundamental concepts, then head outdoors to evaluate the trails at the Wildlife Refuge.
Hiking Information: We'll be hiking about 1 mile on mostly flat terrain with a short hill.
Schedule:
9:00 AM: Be ready to meet the crew, rain or shine. We will spend the first part of the day indoors learning about the 5 most common trail maintenance issues
11:00 AM: Snack break! We'll provide chocolate; bring water and anything else that will keep you happy throughout the morning.
After break, we'll head to the trails to take a look at trail conditions and issues in real life. Learn what solutions are available to remedy common trail issues, and discuss why you'd choose one over another
1:00 PM: Enjoy refreshments at the trailhead and leave armed with all your new trail knowledge!
For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed
Planning Information - What it Takes to Do This Work Party:
No experience is necessary—just 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 7 hours on uneven terrain
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.
Partners: Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge