National Trails Day is for nature lovers giving back, Tumwater and Olympia hosting work parties this Saturday, June 3

National Trails Day will be celebrated on the first Saturday of June as a day of service for hometown trails and for those who love trails and nature.

The holiday is a nationwide movement by the American Hiking Society (AHS).

The ways that the AHS asks people to celebrate this day are easy to do, and any one of which benefits the trails in our own area:

• Commit to Trail Service, click here to find a trail service project.
• Leave a trail better than you found it
  • Such as collecting trash on the local trails, natural spaces and sidewalks you visit.
• Speak up, such as telling your local members of congress how much you value these natural areas. Click here to learn more.
• Give a Gift, such as joining and/or giving to a local nonprofit and donating to American Hiking Society. Click here to learn more.
• And #RecreateResponsibly. “Keep yourself healthy, keep others safe, and preserve and protect public lands, waters, and parks, and help make the outdoors inclusive for all.

Check out these helpful guidelines and join the movement.”

Local events:

Volunteers are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear sturdy clothes or boots that can be muddy. And to bring a reusable water bottle to help them stay hydrated. Guidance is given for minors participating in the events. 

Tumwater Parks & Recreation stewardship work party at Historical Park

Where: Historical Park.

When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, June 3.

Improvements to Historical Park are Tumwater’s aim this Saturday. “Tumwater Parks & Recreation is celebrating National Trails Day with a fun and rewarding stewardship work party.”

Tumwater will be providing the tools, gloves, light refreshments and water to make the best of the work party.

Click here to register and read more.

Olympia National Trails Day work party at Squaxin Park

Where: Squaxin Park.

When: 10 a.m. and goes until 1 p.m., June 3.

The work party hosted by Olympia is focusing on the removal of English Ivy in Squaxin Park to continue the restoration enhancements. Directional and parking signs will be posted. The small shelter in the Southeast area of the park will be where the meeting place is.

Click here to get the map and information about the event.

To see other volunteer opportunities with Olympia Parks, Arts, & Recreation, click here.

Other local park and trails resources

To learn about how to get a Discover Pass for exploring Washington’s parks or to learn which days are free days, click here.

The city of Lacey has an Adopt-a-Trail Program volunteer program. Click here for more information.

You can learn about the parks and trails of Thurston County here.