Throughout 2025, the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition is galvanizing the next generation of trail stewards while tackling vital restoration and maintenance projects on the Foothills National Recreation Trail. This work is made possible through our partnership with Pierce County Parks and funding from the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
We kicked off the season with a huge success on Celebrate Trails Day in April, when more than 60 volunteers planted 200 native trees along a 20,000-foot stretch of trail between the South Puyallup and McMillin Trailheads. Since then, volunteers have continued to show up month after month—removing invasive blackberry, caring for new plantings, and helping us restore the trail to a shaded, ecologically vibrant corridor.
To keep young trees thriving, we launched Water Wednesdays, a monthly effort to hand-water plantings through the dry season. Each watering day saves Pierce County over $1,000 in staff and equipment costs while deepening community stewardship of the trail.
Volunteer work parties will continue April through October, focusing on vegetation management, invasive species removal, trash cleanup, native plantings, and other Crime Prevention by Environmental Design tasks—all while offering hands-on stewardship training and a chance to give back.
We’re closing out the year in Wilkeson, WA, where volunteers will plant new trees and continue the work of transforming the Foothills Trail into a healthier, more welcoming space for people and wildlife alike.
Do you have what it takes to roll up your sleeves and be part of this transformative project? The Coalition provides all tools, training, and gloves for volunteers. We hope to see you out on the trail soon!
