Youth/Community Snowshoe Walks

For over 20 years, Discover Your Northwest has partnered with the US Forest Service to facilitate Snowshoe Walks on Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest that are free and open to the public. Annually, from January to March, trained volunteer Forest Rangers guide the public through the midline of the trees, while discussing winter ecology and safe recreation practices. Now, we are requesting your support as we grow our capacity to serve more youth, including students from the Snoqualmie Valley School District during the 2024-2025 season. 

We maintain a supply of clothing and gear to provide participants as needed, which ensures everyone is able to safely engage in winter recreation. Beyond recreation, this program introduces multi-generational participants to the complex history, wildlife behaviors, and natural resources on the Forest. There is even a dedicated walk to address avalanche safety and winter travel in the backcountry.

Impact  

-Each year we invite community organizations to participate such as The Bronze Chapter, The Lambert House, Latino Outdoors, Big Brother Big Sister, and African Community Housing and Development.  We provide winter outdoor gear and transportation subsidies to increase access for underserved communities.       

-In the 2023-2024 winter season, we engaged 183 fourth graders from Title I Seattle public schools in supported walks. Youth discovery walks connect classroom lessons to field-based study, enlivening the natural and cultural context of the land.  

-2,000 volunteer hours are contributed by 20 Forest Service educators during the season to make this program a reality.

What will your donation fund? 

-Maintain a quality supply of gear and winter apparel for use by participants. 

-Provide transportation for community organization and Title I school field trips. 

-Provide honorarium(s) for tribal consultation on program development and delivery.

-Support the Program Coordinator role to oversee an expanding scope of youth participation. 

Our goal is $10,000 by May 8th as part of GiveBig WA. Thank you for supporting winter recreation and education in Washington!