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 things off on Celebrate Trails Day (April 26) with an incredible turnout—more than 60 volunteers came together to plant 200 native trees along a 20,000-foot stretch of trail between the South Puyallup and McMillin Trailheads. This area, previously overrun with invasive Himalayan blackberry and lacking tree cover, is now on the path to becoming a shaded, ecologically vibrant segment of the trail.

To keep those trees thriving, we launched Water Wednesdays—a new monthly volunteer effort to hand-water the plantings and ensure their survival through the dry season. Each watering day saves the County over $1,000 in staff and equipment costs while deepening community stewardship of the trail.

Volunteer trail 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.

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!