The Washington Trails Association (WTA) will have the second of three work parties at the Seminary Hill Natural Area on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The work parties are tailored to those with a military background, and give veterans and service members from all branches a chance to form-up, build camaraderie, enjoy the outdoors, and maintain hiking trails, according to event organizers.
No experience is necessary to attend the event. WTA provides the training and tools needed. Attendees can expect to be physically active at their own pace for up to six hours on uneven terrain, as well as a roughly 1- to 2-mile hike round trip.
The event is recommended for ages 10 and older; those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18.
The work for the day will include using manual or power tools to remove vegetation, as well as digging tools to maintain the walking surface of the trail.
The schedule is as follows:
• 8:30 a.m.: Be ready to meet the crew, rain or shine. Residents should ensure they signed their digital waiver the day or night before.
• 8:35 a.m.: Gather for a safety briefing, then hike to the project site.
• Morning: Attendees work at their own pace and take breaks throughout the day.
• 12 p.m.: Lunch on the trail.
• Afternoon: Residents are advised to consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work.
• 3:30 p.m.: Sign out after enjoying refreshments at the trailhead.
For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.
Attendees are required to wear sturdy closed-toe shoes; work gloves; eye protection, such as glasses, sunglasses or safety glasses; and long pants. Volunteers who do not have long pants or sturdy closed-toe shoes will not be able to participate in the work party.
Residents should also bring lunch and plenty of water, rain jackets and pants, extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather, and a pack to carry personal gear.
A hard hat will be provided by WTA. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if residents do not bring their own, but when possible bringing personal protection is advised.
For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of footwear.
The WTA has been working at the Seminary Hill Natural Area for several years now, helping map and lay out the foundation of the accessible trail and rerouting some of the main trails to reduce erosion damage and runoff.
“Working with the WTA has been a delight and a real benefit for our community. Their expertise and ability to bring people from around the state to Centralia has been so impressive and helpful,” event organizers said. “The fact that they have an outreach program aimed at the abilities, outlook and needs of veterans is really cool — and the fact that the Seminary Hill Natural Area benefits from their project is just icing on the cake.”
