Our Mission and Impact
Founded in March 1996, Friends of the Trail was created to address the growing issue of illegal dumping and littering on public lands, waterways, and scenic areas in Eastern King County, WA. Since our inception, we have expanded our efforts to numerous areas across Washington State, working tirelessly to remove debris such as illegally dumped household trash, car parts, tires, appliances, paint, motor oil, and more.
Our mission: “to care for and enhance the environmental and scenic qualities, public safety, and recreational opportunities provided on our public lands and waterways throughout Washington state for all people, now and in the future.”
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Our Work
We focus on cleaning up the accumulation of various types of waste, including debris from target shooting and recreational activities, abandoned encampments, and contractor waste. Our mission goes beyond just cleanup. We aim to raise awareness, implement prevention measures, and educate the public to ensure Washington State’s public lands and waterways remain healthy and pristine. Our work directly benefits water quality and supports ecosystems that rely on clean, healthy environments.
Our Impact
Since 1997, we have removed over 2,000 tons of garbage from public lands and waterways—as well as appliances, tires, and abandoned vehicles. Our efforts have had a lasting impact on the environmental health of Washington's landscapes.
Community Involvement
We partner with individuals completing community service hours through the judicial court systems, as well as other volunteers, to carry out our cleanup projects. As a designated worksite with the Washington State Department of Corrections and various county court systems, we create opportunities for those looking to give back to their community while making a tangible impact on the environment.
