Volunteer with the Skagit-Whatcom-Island Trail Maintenance Organization (SWITMO) to improve hiking opportunities on DNR lands at Blanchard State Forest and Anderson Mountain in Skagit County. SWITMO is a group of dedicated volunteers who, under the direction of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association, maintain portions of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail that traverse Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties of Washington State. SWITMO volunteers maintain existing trail segments and construct new trail with the goal to enhance the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (aka "PNT"). Additionally, SWITMO works with land managers to maintain other local community trails.

 

Experience in trail work is not necessary to volunteer. New volunteers will be assigned to a crew leader who will partner them with experienced volunteers. All the tools and safety equipment, with the exception of personal work gloves, will be provided by SWITMO. Power equipment such as chainsaws and brush cutters require training and experience which can be acquired through work party participation. Activities could include digging new tread, tuning existing tread, building and maintaining drainage features and constructing rock or timber structures.

 

Volunteers should bring water and lunch, gloves and dress for working in the outdoors. Boots are required.

 

Volunteers will meet at the SWITMO storage facility located at 929 E. College Way in Mount Vernon WA. behind IDEAL RENTAL at 8:15AM. The work parties go until approximately 3:00PM.  All volunteers need to bring a lunch, something to drink to stay hydrated, wear long pants, work boots and work gloves and be prepared to get dirty. Parking is available at the SWITMO storage site for those who would like to ride share to the work site. 

 

Registration is required for this event. Register here. 

 

Mike McKenzie

(360) 999-3811