5 Ways To Volunteer for the Environment and Support Public Lands

Volunteers have been a critical lifeline for preserving and enhancing public lands and vital environments within the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area (Greenway NHA) for decades, but they are needed now more than ever. With state and federal funding for environmental restoration, education, and public land management being slashed, our public lands are left with deferred maintenance, degraded habitats, and fewer rangers and educators on the ground. The Greenway depends on the power of community volunteerism to care for public lands across the 1.5-million-acre National Heritage Area. Whether you’re a student, an educator, a member of a corporate team, an environmentalist, or just someone who loves the outdoors and is wondering how to make a difference, we offer five powerful ways you can become a volunteer and get your community involved. 

If you’ve ever hiked a trail around Issaquah Creek at Lake Sammamish State Park, paddled in Kachess Lake, or admired a restored historic meadow peppered with native plants, chances are volunteers had a hand in protecting those places. From planting native trees, to caring for Washington’s beloved trails, to educating the next generation on conservation values, these efforts keep the Greenway NHA alive and thriving.

1. Join a Hands-On Habitat Restoration Event 

The Greenway Trust hosts volunteer restoration events throughout the year in various locations across the greater Seattle area, Issaquah, and in the Snoqualmie Valley. Habitat restoration is the practice of improving degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems in the environment through human intervention and action. When you register for an upcoming volunteer event, you can help remove non-native species, plant native trees, care for saplings, and maintain past tree planting sites through activities like mulching.

Habitat restoration events are great for families and individuals (youth 13 years or under must be accompanied by an adult) and are a great way to meet like-minded people, learn about local ecosystems, and make an immediate impact on the health of forests and salmon habitats. For example, nearly 20,000 Greenway Trust volunteers have spent more than 70,000 hours tending to saplings in our plant nursery, pulling non-native plants, and rooting native shrubs and trees in Lake Sammamish State Park. Whether you’re a budding environmentalist or have been volunteering for years, there’s always something you can contribute to the places you love. Tools, gloves, and training are always provided—all you need to do is show up! 

2. Volunteer for Washington Trails 

If you’ve ever traversed the Gateway Bridge to hike to the fern-lined Middle Fork Trail or Pratt River trail, you’ve experienced the culmination of decades of dedicated volunteers working to maintain access to Washington trails and trailheads within the Greenway NHA. Volunteers who join Greenway trail work events help with cutting back brush, repairing trail surfaces, hauling gear, spreading gravel, and more with groups of other outdoor enthusiasts . The best part about getting out to maintain access to beloved trails is hiking through breathtaking areas while learning how to care for them.

Trail volunteer opportunities occur throughout the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area, with a focus on projects in the Issaquah Alps, Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley, and the Teanaway Community Forest. These events are great for individuals and small groups (all participants must be 14 years or older).

3. Plan a Custom Volunteer Event for Your Group or Business 

Looking for a meaningful team-building activity that also gives back to the planet? The Greenway Trust partners with companies and people looking to create meetups or celebrations with 10 or more people to organize custom volunteer events. We tailor to your group’s interests and schedule to help your party get out and restore habitats or trails. Want to amplify your impact while volunteering? Become part of our Corporate Matching Program to match employees’ volunteer service hours with donations.

These events are perfect for: 

• Employee service days 
• Environmental clubs 
• Birthday parties
• Meet-up groups 

Not only does this create a lasting impact on public lands, but it also inspires a culture of environmental responsibility and leadership within your team. 

4. Inspire Your Students to Become Environmental Stewards

For more than 25 years, the Greenway Trust has partnered with educators across King County to bring science-based, outdoor education to 4th–12th grade students and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Many of our programs also include volunteer opportunities, where students get their hands dirty planting native trees, removing invasive species, and restoring wildlife habitat. Our curriculums provide lessons inside and outside of the classroom, allowing for students to explore old-growth forests in field study trips as they learn what ecological communities need to thrive. Over the decades, students have learned about the natural world while doing restoration work to gain the skills they need to be a good steward. For high school students, we also provide two internships called the Clean Water Ambassadors and Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems to help students gain real-world experiences in green careers.

The classroom can be the starting point for a lifetime of stewardship. We have seen firsthand how these programs boost environmentally-friendly behavior and help develop academic skills that create lifelong learners. Former interns have used the knowledge they gained from our education programs to install solar systems and rain gardens in their communities. And many go on to pursue careers that support the environment.  

5. Become a Trailhead Ambassador 

If you’re passionate about protecting public lands and love talking with people, consider becoming a Trailhead Ambassador. These dedicated volunteers spend a few weekend days at popular trailheads in Kittitas County, sharing tips on responsible recreation and Leave No Trace ethics with hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With record numbers of people using public lands, Trailhead Ambassadors play a vital role in promoting responsible hiker ethics like “Leave No Trace” and by collecting trail use information for agencies and non-profits. 

Ready to Help? 

From urban forests to alpine wilderness, you can make an impact on vital habitats by becoming part of the Greenway Trust’s volunteer network. When you pull non-native plants to protect growing forests or help maintain Washington trails, you’re becoming part of a generational effort to actively protect ecosystems and create healthier communities. Join us in ensuring that future generations can enjoy and coexist with the natural beauty of the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area.  

Visit our calendar to see all upcoming events and sign up for our newsletter to stay connected for future volunteer opportunities that support habitats and landscapes within the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area.