Trailhead Ambassadors Kicks Off Volunteer Training
Trailhead Ambassadors is a collaborative trailside natural resource protection education program. With the long-term goal of reducing negative human impact on public lands, staff and volunteers from organizations and agencies that already work on public lands implement these Leave Not Trace-focused programs at popular trailheads along the I-90 corridor during the busy summer season. Their mission is to inspire visitors to protect public lands through learning and teaching stewardship behaviors while recreating on trails in the Snoqualmie Corridor. Learn more about the program here.
The Issaquah Alps Trails Club is looking forward to continuing to partner with the Trailhead Ambassadors program. We live in an area with a “bountiful degree of beauty of magnificence” and this is not a well-kept secret. Hiking popularity has doubled in the last nine years. We are exceeding existing capacity at some of our most popular trailheads. Trailhead Ambassadors are focusing our education and stewardship efforts on some of our most popular trails within the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area. Some of the trails you may see Trailhead Ambassadors at include:
Poo Poo Point via Chirico Trail
Twin Falls
Rattlesnake Ledge
Mt. Si
The Trailhead Ambassadors program hosted its first information session in March. The session features a panel of partners from the Issaquah Alps Trails Club, Washington State Parks, the Mountaineers, and the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust. It gave an overview of key information about the program and answered audience questions. Read some of the key takeaways below and watch the video for more information.
Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic has highlighted if not exacerbated the need for our community members to get outside and recreate. This means that we need Trailhead Ambassadors now more than ever. We are working to make sure we can accomplish our mission while staying safe. Required training will be virtual, and Trailhead Ambassadors program partners will be “working closely with recreation managers to make sure recreation trailheads can accommodate this opportunity safely.”
Key Problems Trailhead Ambassadors is Trying to Solve
Litter
Dog Poop Bags
Loud Music
Parking Violations
Unlicensed trail building
The Trailhead Ambassadors Solution
Trailhead Ambassadors share a vision to “inspire visitors to protect public lands by teaching stewardship behaviors while recreating on public lands.” Signs, posters and press releases have worked in the past, and we know negative confrontation doesn’t work well. The Trailhead Ambassadors program will take a new approach through face to face education. It is not focused on “policing” trail activity, but rather engaging with the public and creating positive experiences that will encourage future stewardship.
Becoming a Trailhead Ambassador
“Meet people where they are at.”
We will send out volunteers to some of our most popular trailheads and teach you to engage with the public safely and effectively. The primary role of the TH ambassador will be to be a “welcoming and friendly face.” You will not be expected to enforce, just to educate and inspire.
If you’re interested in becoming a trailhead ambassador click here.
Next Steps- It’s easy to become an Ambassador!
Complete Training- Virtual, Approximately 6 hours
Sign Code of Conduct
Participate in at least three half-day shifts between May-September
Must be 18 or older
What’s in it for volunteers?
Your actions will play a direct role in stewarding public lands
Gain experience in public engagement
Swag
Time can be put toward a free NW Forest Service Pass or Discover Pass.
Mountaineers receive a stewardship credit for being a TH ambassador.
The success of this program during its first year will inform future decisions about program expansion. We look forward to seeing you out there helping to steward our public lands this year.
Watch the full video below and share information about the Trailhead Ambassadors in your own network.