Mila Benson was the PCTA's Volunteer Programs Outreach Associate in 2020 but has since moved on to other opportunities. She's enthusiastic about stories that engage and inspire others to volunteer and view the trail through a new lens. Originally from North Idaho, Mila is passionate about all things outdoors and spends her free time exploring California.
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2021 issue of our Communicator magazine.
The COVID-19 pandemic challenged most of us in various ways. For some, working from home became the new normal. We wore masks to curb the spread and ordered take-out instead of dining at restaurants. But others lost ... Read more
The U.S. Forest Service and the PCTA work together to help minimize the increasing effects of a growing number of PCT users, especially during the peak thru-hiking season. In 2015, this partnership sprouted the PCT Crest Runners program. It continued growing in 2017 with the first volunteer Southern Terminus Trailhead ... Read more
The Pacific Crest Trail Association’s annual awards recognize people and partners for their extraordinary dedication to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Below is a summary of those recognized throughout 2020. Some award winners listed were selected in previous years but were unable to be recognized until this year. The PCT will ... Read more
Over the past four years, the U.S. Forest Service and the PCTA have partnered to create a program that places volunteers at the PCT’s Southern Terminus. From the end of February to mid-May, a terminus volunteer will provide sustainable hiking information — the goals being to reduce human-caused damage to ... Read more
As we enter the new year, the Pacific Crest Trail Association is reflecting on the incredible efforts of our volunteers. Volunteers play a huge role in all aspects of the PCTA’s work. From trail maintenance projects to outreach events to sending “thank you” letters to our donors; we truly couldn’t ... Read more
September means we’re getting hints of crisp autumn air in Sacramento. Up the hill toward Lake Tahoe, we’ve had more than a few snow flurries in the Sierra. As the seasons change, so does the work volunteers tackle along the PCT.
Before winter’s here in full force, let’s look at ... Read more
The work that volunteers put into the Pacific Crest Trail each season is astounding. They dedicate time and energy to clearing brush, creating new tread, sawing logs and, occasionally, building bridges. Although bridges are not a common PCT volunteer project, this year we have had a few dedicated groups with ... Read more
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