The Power of Community
We believe in the power of our trail community to help build a better PNT. The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail owes its very existence to the grit of grassroots maintainers, like the PNTA, who dedicated themselves to make Ron Strickland’s dream of a crown-to-coast National Scenic Trail a reality.
Becoming a volunteer who dedicates their time and talent is one of the most important ways to give back to our trail community. There are many ways that you can get involved: by helping us make our next event a success, by taking high-quality photos, or by helping with the upkeep of the trail itself.
With your help, we can accomplish so much! Please review the following opportunities and then complete the form below to join our team of dedicated volunteers.
Review current volunteer opportunities or sign up to volunteer.
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Creative Help
Writer – Have a knack for crafting prose and love the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail? We’d love to work with you! There are plenty of opportunities to write non-commercial blog posts on diverse topics from personal experiences on the PNT to recreation-based environmental education and advocacy.
Photographer – Twelve hundred miles is a lot for one camera to cover! That’s why we’re asking you to help us showcase the PNT’s incredible beauty and grandeur from the smallest wildflower to the grandest vista. Photos will be used to educate the public in service of the PNT’s promotion and protection as a public resource. We can also use help documenting our work at PNTA events.
Videographer – In our current era, storytelling through the art of videography is an important way we learn about the world around us. Telling the PNT’s story through video will allow us to engage a wider audience, growing our community of trail stewardship. If you have the enthusiasm and skills required to assist with the creation of videos of PNTA events, we’d love to work with you!
Did You Know? The success of the Trails Stewardship Act Depends on people like you. Late in 2016, Congress signed the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act, H.R. 845 and S.1110, into law. Created to help address the growing maintenance backlog caused by a lack of funding for trails at the USFS, the Trails Stewardship Act seeks to increase the amount of trail maintenance performed by volunteers by 100% by 2021.
Field Work
Trail Maintenance & Construction Volunteer – The PNT is a public resource, meaning that it was created for all to enjoy and for all to protect. PNTA Trail Crews do much of the heavy lifting in creating and maintaining trails. Those who volunteer assist in trimming back brush, repairing tread, and even clearing down trees from the trail. Volunteers at local trail clubs also make important contributions to the upkeep of the trail. All ability levels are welcome as long as you’re up for a lot of hiking, seeing beautiful sections of our landscape, and putting in a good hard day’s work. Tools, safety equipment, and training are provided.
Day and/or Section Hike Expert – Planning on spending some time on or near the PNT? Volunteer to be our eyes and ears on the trail by scouting out trail conditions in the field and writing up a trip report. The information you collect will be shared with other trail users and help with trail maintenance planning.
Administration
Board of Directors – Our Board provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance for the PNTA. Board members are involved with fundraising, outreach, strategic planning and programmatic oversight. We’re looking to add a diverse set of skills and perspectives to our Board. For more information on board duties or to express interest in joining, contact us using the form below.
Contact our Board of Directors