Day 9-Preserving Our Trails

It is always so nice to hike a well maintained trail.  So, for Day 9 of my "31 Days" series I will give some information on preserving our trails. 

Most importantly the action of  "packing in/packing out" is the best and easiest way we can help to keep our trails pristine.  When hiking you never want to leave anything behind.  What you bring with you needs to leave with you. 

Another great way to help that is not as easy but is greatly appreciated and fulfilling is to volunteer for a trail work party.  These work parties get together for the day or multiple days and work on our trails.  If you live in Washington you can go here to see where and when work parties are scheduled.  You can go here to see some examples of the work our wonderful volunteers are doing. 

This is also a great way to get your kids involved in helping to appreciate and preserve nature.  Some work parties allow children to help, but others do not.  However, while you are on your hike, encouraging your children to pick up garbage and explaining why we want to "pack it in/pack it out" will encourage the next generation to take care of our trails for generations to come.

Have you ever volunteered for a trail work party?  Tell us about your experience.

Happy Hiking!