Fireside Circle Members Go to Work for Trails

On June 7, several enthusiastic members of WTA's Fireside Circle, supporters who give back to trails at the $500+ level, gathered to participate in a work party on the Pratt Connector Trail, located in the newly-expanded Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Already popular, trails in this area are expected to see increasing use in the coming years once paving of the Middle Fork Road of the Snoqualmie Road is complete.

A day of hard work and fun

The work party was a fun opportunity for Fireside members to get to know each other and experience first-hand what trail work is all about.

Under the guidance of Crew Leads Ben Mayberry and Greg Friend, one part of our group tackled a large rock using a rock bar to begin moving it off trail.

The other spent the morning doing brush work and clearing a path through a wash-out.

Three Fireside Circle members volunteer on the Pratt Connector Trail. Photo by Greg Friend

Pravan (left) and Bob work to clear the way on the Pratt Connector. Photos by Kate Neville, Greg Friend.

As we gathered for lunch in a shady spot by the Snoqualmie River, Ben Mayberry and WTA board member Carole Bianquis shared updates about WTA's plans and projects for the summer.

It was hard leaving our peaceful resting spot, but there was still more work to be done! We spent the afternoon removing two large trees that had fallen across the trail, and coaxing the big rock to its new resting place.

"Wow, I could do more of this!"

It was  Ethan Evans' first-ever WTA work party.

"I had a great time meeting and working with people I hadn't met before, but who share a common interest," he said of his experience. "I got to know a beautiful area that was new to me, and we felt a big sense of accomplishment getting that huge rock across the trail. I ended the day thinking, "wow, I could more of this!'"

After a warm afternoon, everyone was ready for the cold drinks and cookies waiting for them at the parking lot. We ended the day tired and happy from our day on trail.

Thank you, Fireside members, for your outstanding support for WTA!

A portion of the Fireside Circle crew. Photo by Kate Neville.

The Fireside Circle honors those individuals who give $500 or more annually to Washington Trails Association. Their generous financial support helps guarantee a lifetime of outdoor adventure and exploration for generations to come. Members receive invitations to events, insider updates, and more. For more information, please contact Development Director Kate Neville at 206.625.1367 or kate@wta.org.