35 volunteers, sponsors, and NWTA leaders gathered on September 30 to celebrate another successful season of trail stewardship and prepare for the work ahead.
As the fall trail-building season approaches, NWTA is gearing up for another season of digging, building, and maintaining trails across the region.
On September 30, approximately 35 members of the NWTA community gathered at Chris King’s headquarters for the organization’s fall planning meeting. The gathering brought together sponsors, Local Stewardship Teams, staff, and board members to reflect on the past season, strengthen relationships, and begin planning upcoming trail projects and events.
While much of NWTA’s work happens out on the trails, meetings like this provide an important opportunity to coordinate the people, partnerships, and resources that make that work possible.
Recognizing NWTA’s Trail Builders
One of the highlights of the evening was recognizing six outstanding volunteers with Trail Builder Awards for the 2025–2026 season.
Together, these six volunteers participated in more than 70 official dig days, contributing their time and energy to trail systems throughout the region, including Rocky Point, Klootchy Creek, Sandy Ridge, and Cascade Locks.
Although only three award recipients could attend in person, all six were recognized for their exceptional commitment to trail stewardship.
Special thanks go to two NWTA sponsors who helped make the recognition memorable.
Studson generously donated an SHK-1 Full Brim Hard Hat for each award recipient, while Matchless Builds created custom trophies to honor their contributions.
Strengthening Partnerships for the Season Ahead
The fall planning meeting also provided an opportunity for NWTA sponsors to connect with organizational leaders and learn more about upcoming opportunities to get involved.
From dig days and social rides to community events, these partnerships play an important role in supporting NWTA’s mission and expanding the organization’s impact.
The gathering helped set the stage for another season of collaboration between volunteers, Local Stewardship Teams, sponsors, and NWTA leadership.
Looking Ahead to Another Great Dig Season
Every successful trail project begins long before the first dig day.
Planning, coordination, volunteer recruitment, and partnerships all contribute to creating and maintaining the trails that riders enjoy.
NWTA’s fall planning meeting was an opportunity to celebrate everything accomplished during the previous season while building momentum for the work ahead.
Congratulations to this year’s six Trail Builder Award recipients, and thank you to everyone who continues to invest their time, energy, and resources into making our regional trails better!
We look forward to seeing you out on the trails this season.