Become a Trailhead Ambassador

We’re excited to announce Trailhead Ambassadors, a new program launching this summer to help promote responsible recreation and environmental stewardship in the Snoqualmie Corridor area. Volunteer Trailhead Ambassadors will serve as a welcoming entity at popular trailheads along the I-90 corridor and help educate and empower trail users. The program is currently recruiting volunteers. 

As trail use has increased in recent years, there is a need to provide more resources to visitors about how to recreate responsibly. Trailhead Ambassadors will be available to answer trail and trailhead-related questions, promote responsible hiker ethics like Leave No Trace, and collect trail use information for agencies and nonprofits. The goal of the program is to help ensure long term use and sustainable treatment of our public lands and trails. 

Trailhead Ambassadors was formed through a partnership of land managers, nonprofits, local community members, and businesses. The program is facilitated by the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust through collaboration between multiple non-profit organizations and land management agencies. Through Deloa Dalby of the Foothills Branch, The Mountaineers have been part of this program planning for three years, however the initial planned start of this program was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The program aims to bring together volunteers from all corners of the outdoor recreation sphere to work toward a shared goal: encouraging visitors to care for our public lands. By empowerment through education, the outdoor community will take an active and intentional role in caring for our lands in order to ensure these places can continue to be enjoyed by all. Trailhead Ambassadors aims to inspire the next generation of stewards for our public lands. 

During its inaugural season - summer 2021 - the Trailhead Ambassadors program will focus on the Snoqualmie Corridor area, where hiking trails see some of the largest numbers of visitors in Washington. Depending on public health and safety guidelines, Trailhead Ambassadors may be stationed at Poo Poo Point (Chirico Trail), Twin Falls, Mt. Si, Rattlesnake Ledge, and Franklin Falls Trailheads. 

Ambassadors will spend their time at these trailheads to engage with other recreationalists. Through tabling, demonstrations, and general discussion and information sharing, the Trailhead Ambassadors program will be a necessary component in spreading the word about environmental stewardship on our trail systems.

How to Get Involved

Volunteer recruitment and online training will begin in March, and for those interested in learning more, there will be Zoom information sessions on March 9th and 11th. Pending public health guidelines, you will start to see Trailhead Ambassadors at local trailheads starting in summer of 2021. For more information about the program and to fill out a Trailhead Ambassador Application, visit the Mountains to Sound Greenway’s website.

main image courtesy of mountains to sound greenway trust.