Trail Ambassador Volunteer Program

Applications now open for the 2026 Trail Ambassador season!
Fill out a volunteer application to get started.

2026 will mark our sixth summer for our Trail Ambassador volunteer program!

Visitors come from throughout Washington state, the Pacific Northwest, and even further afield to experience all that Anacortes has to offer, and one of the highlights of Fidalgo Island are the Anacortes Community Forest Lands. With so many people—regular users and newcomers alike—discovering and enjoying the ACFL, it's imperative that we educate them on the wonders of our forest and how to recreate safely and respectfully. Our Trail Ambassadors are at the forefront of this effort, strategically stationed at the busiest trailheads during weekends throughout the summer.

New Trail Ambassadors must join us for one of two training dates (May 14th or May 16th, 2026) before the start of our volunteer season, which runs Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend each year. We ask that all Trail Ambassadors commit to a minimum of 3 four-hour shifts over the summer season - but we’d love to have you for more!

As a Trail Ambassador, you will:

• Welcome visitors to the ACFL, and answer common questions from trail users at the trailheads.

• Share Leave No Trace and other ACFL management principles which keep our forests healthy for generations to come.

• Collect data that helps us better understand trail use patterns in the ACFL, and collaborate with Anacortes Parks and Recreation staff to support positive forest experiences for all.

• Support the mission of the Friends of the ACFL to preserve our forests through education, outreach, and stewardship!

ACFL Trail Ambassadors join a community of dedicated volunteers who love our local forestlands and are excited to share that love with our larger community. You might be a great fit for this program if you:

• Want to learn more about the natural (and not-so-natural) history of the ACFL from Friends and City staff

• Love chatting with new people, and connecting users of all ages and types to the wonders of the ACFL

• Look for opportunities to “give back” to the ACFL and participate in stewardship of our beloved forestlands

If you like connecting with people, love our forestlands, and want to become an Ambassador for the ACFL, please click the link below. The only necessary previous experience you need is to love the outdoors and enjoy interacting with people. All training and materials (and even a snazzy new t-shirt!) are provided by Friends of the ACFL.

Training is required for all Trail Ambassadors. If you are unable to make it to either training date and have been a Trail Ambassador in a previous year, please reach out to Ellie Kravets, Community Programs Supervisor, at ellie@friendsoftheacfl.org.