Interview with former VOW President and current Crew Leader, Al Wagar

Q: Why did you become a crew leader with VOW?

AL: Because they really needed one at the time. Ruth Ittner (the founder) asked me to be on the Board. I don’t recall my first work party but once I started helping out at Golden Gardens (Seattle) I was hooked.

Q: What keeps you coming back year after year to do this work?

AL: Insanity? No, joking aside, it’s enjoyable. We get useful things done. I like the range of people I meet on our projects, young, old, all walks of life. We develop a certain camaraderie out on the trail that seems to work for everyone. I particularly like to see the results. Knowing that other people are going to benefit from what we’ve made available. The young people make great contributions and I really get a boost from their youthful energy.

Q: What are some of the notable experiences you’ve had up on the trails?

AL: Smashed my thumb once. Working the Ira Spring trail was rewarding because it was a challenge to hike in (2000 vertical feet) and then start doing trail work. Our crew worked every Saturday for 2 years at Golden Gardens, through two winters and never got rained out!! I appreciate the new skills and creative problem solving that I’ve witnessed over the years. I like the fact that I’m always getting pleasantly surprised by the innovation in the moment.

Q: What results are you especially proud of?

AL: Fixing “Pudding Junction” out at Golden Gardens. Year after year that place was known for a brand of chocolate mud that could be six inches deep or more.. The time we were building switchbacks up on Bandera mountain, we used walky-talkies to make sure the entire trail was clear and then we got to roll boulders down and watch them bounce as high as the trees.

Q: What does it take to be a great crew leader?

AL: Greg Ball (former ED for WTA) was the finest crew leader I ever worked with. He was always enthusiastic, charismatic. He knew what he wanted to do. His great secret to crew leading was the art of compromise i.e. he would compromise quality to give trail crew ownership. And instead of simply issuing orders, he would ask for his teams’ recommendations, “How would you do this?” Other keys to crew leading success, make sure you monitor your crew well. FEED THEM! Bring candy, cookies, treats, extra water.

Q: Why don’t more people who use trails volunteer to build and maintain them?

AL: Those hikers who do manage to volunteer for trail work say “I wanted to give back!.” But the majority of them have rushed lives. They get overwhelmed and can’t figure out how to get involved in trail work. Volunteer activity like this has been in decline for some time now. But the tide may be turning as young people are starting to get involved again. One of the keys will be trusting young people with responsibility.

Q: What have you learned from this work?

AL: A lot about trail construction. There are certain tools that make it easier. Two or three skulls are not quite as thick as one. A lot of innovation takes place on the site.

Q: How can young people with keen interest in nature and the health of local ecosystems get involved and be part of the “solution”?

AL: If young people are willing to learn how to lead and then get into leadership positions, a lot of progress can be made.

Q: VOW used to train crew leaders and now no longer does so. What would it take to recreate these training programs?

AL: I’m not sure if we can get back to where we were in regards to training. It would take an extremely dedicated person to accomplish that. WTA, who has taken over crew leader training, attracts larger work parties, which inspires more continuity among crew workers. VOW is known for its staying power, making sure projects are completed.

Q: How can civic and community leaders, teachers, clergy and caring parents help VOW accomplish its mission?

AL: They have to be told that VOW exists and how they can get involved. Outreach to them will be very helpful. Find the really passionate people in each group and engage them to organize and lead. Inviting them to a monthly walk on local scenic trails like Ravenna, Discovery, Carkeek would be a great way of creating buy in.

Join Al on the trail by clicking here.