As you all know, the flooding of last November devastated many of the outdoor areas that we love so much.  Mt. Rainier National Park remains under an unprecedented closure, many major access highways and secondary roads throughout the Cascades had sections destroyed, and the damage to trails is not even fully known yet.

If you've never gotten involved on a volunteer work crew to help repair and clean up a trail, what better time could there be than now?  It's really easy.  I am organizing an Everett Parks group in coordination with Washington Trails Association (WTA).  On Saturday, April 28, WTA will assist us as we rebuild a storm-damaged trail (tentatively planned to be the Sauk River Trail near Darrington). 

I've already had 16 sign up to be a part of this event.  I'd like to see many more.  It's FREE.  We'll provide the transportation up there, and WTA has all the tools and the crew leaders to show us what to do.  I'm promising to deliver some ice cold beverages and tasty desserts (at my own expense) for all who turn out. 

I know that many people are holding back because they imagine this to be back-breaking work, only for the young and strong.  Hogwash.  EVERYONE is capable of contributing.  The tasks are shared, no one is expected to go beyond their capabilities, and there is zero pressure to accomplish anything.  If you want, just go and watch and learn.  Everyone involved gains a valuable perspective on how our trails are created and maintained.

If you decide to sign up for the April 28 event, we may put you on a waiting list.  We don't want to turn anyone away, but we have to confirm with WTA how many we can bring and still have a safe, manageable number.

Even if you can't join the April 28 event, I urge you to check out WTA.  This link can get you started and explain what's involved and how to sign up for one of their frequent work parties.  Take it from me, they are a lot of fun and you learn so much.   

     http://www.wta.org/~wta/cgi-bin/wtaweb.pl?6+tt