Stewardship Opportunities

Give back to the public lands that host our outdoor experiences by participating in a Mountaineers stewardship activity or an opportunity with one of our many partner organizations.

As a community, Mountaineers adventure with a purpose. That means doing our part to steward the parks, trails, and recreation areas that support our outdoor activities. Our volunteer-led Mountaineers Branch conservation committees organize many valuable opportunities for our members to give back to our natural places.

FIND MOUNTAINEERS STEWARDSHIP ACTIVITIES

In addition to stewardship activities directly hosted by The Mountaineers, there are many organizations offering a wide variety of stewardship opportunities throughout the state. Here is a rundown of what you can expect from several local organizations working to connect the public to stewardship opportunities in Western Washington. Find a trail work party or a clean-up event near you and enjoy activities like planting trees, digging trail tread, or clearing invasive plants.

Looking to earn your Stewardship Credit badge?

Many of our courses require the Stewardship Credit badge as a graduation requirement. This badge represents the successful completion of one 6-hour day (or multiple half-days) of stewardship through The Mountaineers or an another organization. If you attend a work party with an outside organization, follow the instructions on the Stewardship Credit badge page to receive your badge.

Local Stewardship organizations

Washington Trails Association

Washington Trails Association (WTA) offers numerous events for outdoor enthusiasts to improve public lands throughout Washington State that range from one-day events to week-long backcountry volunteer vacations. These opportunities usually involve creating, improving, and maintaining trails in National Parks, National Forests, or state recreation areas. No prior experience or skills are required to join one of their work parties. Volunteering through WTA can also earn you access pass incentives for both federal and state-managed public lands in Washington.
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Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust

The Greenway Trust regularly hosts environmental volunteer events at parks and public lands throughout the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area - stretching from Puget Sound and along the I-90 corridor to the Cascades. The Greenway Trust is a frequent partner of The Mountaineers Foothills Branch, and you can expect to help with restoration, trail maintenance and construction, and at native plant nurseries.
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Capitol Land Trust

Based in Lacey, Capitol Land Trust is a frequent partner of The Mountaineers Olympia Branch. Capitol Land Trust maintains four public-access preserves in the Olympia and Shelton areas, and offers volunteer stewardship opportunities on those properties and in other natural areas throughout Southwest Washington. These activities support a sustainable community for animals, plants, and outdoor enthusiasts. Their year-round work parties typically involve activities like planting native plants, mulching, removing invasive species or debris, and maintaining trails.
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Nisqually Land Trust

Nisqually Land Trust manages over 6,000 acres of protected areas that conserve important forest and shoreline habitat from the foothills of Mount Rainier to the shores of the Puget Sound. Join the land trust for stewardship work parties and activities that improve wildlife habitat and allow participants to explore these unique natural places throughout the Nisqually River watershed. When participating in a stewardship opportunity through the land trust you can expect to work with plantings, plant maintenance, and weed control.
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Shadow Lake Nature Preserve

Renton’s Shadow Lake Nature Preserve hosts preservation, restoration, and environmental education initiatives. The preserve regularly partners with The Mountaineers Foothills Branch on stewardship activities. To learn more and sign up to participate in invasive plant removal and other upland restoration activities at Shadow Lake, check out their upcoming events calendar.
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Washington Climbers Coalition

The Washington Climbers Coalition and the Access Fund partner regularly to afford local climbers opportunities to care for the public lands where they climb. These efforts improve the climbing experience and help maintain access by keeping these areas in good condition and supporting the efforts of federal and state land managers.
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Earthcorps

A Seattle-based restoration and leadership development organization that works to restore ecosystems, protect Puget Sound, and increase access to nature. Earthcorps’ volunteer activities focus on stewarding urban greenspace in the Seattle and Tacoma areas. No experience is needed to participate. Common volunteer tasks include removing aggressive weeds, planting native trees and shrubs, and spreading mulch. Earthcorps is located at Magnuson Park near The Mountaineers Seattle Program Center.
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Friends of Cheasty Greenspace Mt. View

Friends of Cheasty Greenspace Mt. View is a community-led volunteer organization in South Seattle dedicated to reclaiming, reimagining and reconnecting the largest wooded parkland in the Rainier Valley. Volunteer activities include restoration and trail building and maintenance at Cheasty Greenspace. Restoration activities typically last 2-3 hours and are a fit for all ages.
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U.S. Forest Service - Mount-Baker Snoqualmie National Forest

Looking for an opportunity to steward the lands and waters of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest? The Forest Service works with several partner organizations to connect the public to stewardship opportunities on the forest, particularly in the Snoqualmie and Mount Baker Ranger Districts.
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OTHER ORGANIZATIONS NEAR YOU

Whatcom County

Skagit/Island County

King/Snohomish County

Pierce/Thurston County

Kitsap County

Methow Valley

Methow Valley Trails Collaborative