Help educate backcountry travelers

Mt. Baker is a heavily traveled North Cascades volcano with an estimated 4,000-5,000 climbers attempting to reach its summit each year. Even more climbers, backpackers and day hikers use the mountain's extensive trail system and backcountry campsites. The Heather Meadows area and Park Butte/Railroad Grade trails are three of the most heavily used recreation sites near Mt. Baker, with peak weekends recording more than 200 visitors each.

North Cascades Institute, in cooperation with the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, is seeking volunteers to participate in the Mountain Stewards program, now in its seventh year. Beginning in July, this environmental education program will train adult volunteers in low-impact recreation skills, natural history and backcountry management issues. Mountain Steward volunteers will travel in these beautiful areas to share information with day hikers, backpackers and climbers.

The purpose of the Mountain Stewards program is to involve the community in understanding, protecting and restoring the health of the Mt. Baker ecosystem. Volunteers will educate backcountry users about Leave No Trace skills, wilderness ethics and the uniqueness and fragility of mountain landscapes.

Volunteers must attend required trainings (July 12 and 19, 2008) and commit to three days of educating hikers and climbers along the trail, at camps and at trailheads between July 13 through September 14, 2008. Shifts take place during daytime hours, Friday through Sunday. Volunteers must be skilled in hiking and outdoor recreation, including snow travel, but will not be required to travel on technical climbing routes. At the completion of the three-day commitment, volunteers will receive a Northwest Forest Pass.

The popularity of the mountain is leading to physical and biological impacts on its slopes. As a Mountain Steward, you can provide valuable public education that will help protect and restore this local ecosystem while encouraging people to recreate safely in the backcountry.

If you're an experienced hiker with a passion for protecting wild places, submit an application, between May 21-June 25, 2008. Applications are available online, by phone at 360-856-5700 ext. 209 or email at nci@ncascades.org.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older

Steward Applications