SWITMO is a group of dedicated volunteers who, under the direction of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association, maintain portions of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail that transverse Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties of Washington State. SWITMO Volunteers assist the PNTA in the establishment of new trail segments with the goal to enhance the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. Additionally, SWITMO maintains local community trails when requested by the trail custodian.
Regularly scheduled trail work parties are conducted on the first and third Saturdays in April, May, June, July, August, September and October. If necessary the schedule will be adjusted to accommodate the 4th of July and Labor Day holidays.
Work parties involve the maintenance of established portions of the PNWNST usually either at Blanchard Mountain or at Anderson Mountain. Volunteers will meet at the SWITMO storage facility located at 929 E. College Way in Mount Vernon WA. behind IDEAL RENTAL at 8:15 AM. The work parties go until approximately 3 PM. All volunteers need to bring a lunch, something to drink to stay hydrated, wear long pants, work boots and work gloves and be prepared to get dirty. Parking is available at the SWITMO storage site for those who would like to ride share.
Experience in trail work is not necessary. New volunteers will be assigned to a crew leader who will partner them with experienced people. All the tools and safety equipment, with the exception of personal work gloves, will be provided by SWITMO. Power equipment such as chainsaws and brush cutters require training and experience which can be acquired through work party participation.
Look for the 2025 Saturday Work Party Schedule to be published on March 15, 2025. The Work Party Season will begin on Saturday April 5, 2025. Please email questions at: trailmaker1951@gmail.com or call 360 672 2058 and leave a message.