Author Archives: Skagit Trail Builders

While “public” volunteer sessions remain on hold, machine rough-in of trails continues. Jerry, our crew leader, stands mid-trail (above) on a new trail that work began on earlier this month. At the same time, Skagit County is improving the Veteran’s Park, and United General District 304 is launching a social media campaign for us. WeContinue reading “Work on a “New Trail” Begins…”

“Public” volunteer sessions remain on hold, and will be kept on hold through Summer – but trail work is being completed. Pictured above Jerry Granahan, our crew leader, stands at the North end of the Pump House Trail. Our friend Art Tuftee has been at work, machine building – under contract. His work is beautiful,Continue reading “FINALLY, Some “Good” News!”

On March 13th, 2020 local authorities advised that public events of over ten people should be cancelled. Later the statewide stay-at-home order came, that led to cancelling April sessions. We look forward to guidelines being eased, but for now – larger volunteer sessions still are not possible. Guidelines for volunteering safely will be needed. ThroughContinue reading “Volunteer sessions through summer 2020 are suspended due to global pandemic.”

Mid-day Friday, March 13th, we were informed by local authorities that public events of “over ten people” should be cancelled, even if outdoors. Before this setback we were gaining momentum. Skagit Valley College’s Wildland Firefighting Class (shown above) had joined us on Sunday, March 1st, to rough-in Phase II of the Pump House Trail. AsContinue reading “Sorry, the 3/14/20 Session had to be CANCELLED.”

On Saturday, February 22nd we held our third session of the year. It was a great session, with no rain and a notable surprise. Fifteen (15) SERVE GROUP members from Radius Church became this year’s first “guest group,” and set a very high bar: Youngest volunteer (above) at 2-1/2 years. Their group “alone” put inContinue reading “Building Walls, Tread & Planting Prep (2/22/20) …”

On Saturday, February 8th work on the Pump House Trail continued. We enjoyed another session without rain, and great working conditions. Our eleven (11) volunteers did some very impressive work. Pictured above, in addition to Jerry (on the left), three (3) SWHS students; Zoe, Romel and Marcelino, along with Germaine – of the SW CityContinue reading “Second Session of 2020 (2/8/20) …”

On Saturday, January 25th work on the Pump House Trail resumed. We enjoyed a break in the rain (for a day), so we had great working conditions. We had fun, our eleven (11) volunteers did some really good work. Pictured above, Art explained what was planned for the session. The gallery shows us grubbing roots,Continue reading “Our 2020 Sessions Begin (1/25/20) …”

In our first year volunteering on the Northern State Regional Trails Project our group put in one thousand one hundred and seventeen (1,117) volunteer hours. Together two “Guest Groups” put in two hundred and thirty-nine (239) hours, which was twenty-one (21) percent of 2019’s total volunteer hours. Cascade Job Corps students and faculty attended fiveContinue reading “A recap of 2019, before launching the 2020 build year – Saturday (1/25) …”

Skagit County Parks and Recreation hauled and spread eight (8) truck loads of crushed rock on the worst sections of the park’s service road. They bought more hand tools, serviced the power carrier, and provided the first of the trail signs we needed – so we’re all set. Thanks SCPR! Highlighted is the Pump HouseContinue reading “The Trails Plan for Early 2020 …”

There was so much rain that the tools and portable toilet could not be moved to the trailhead. We hate canceling a session, but it was unavoidable. We’re sorry, we’ll try again on Saturday 1/25.