• Funding: Although the trail is built with large grants from government and private foundations, the trail is a non-profit entity. Ongoing maintenance and small improvements are coordinated and funded by local volunteers. Membership fees and fundraising events coordinated by members (volunteers) are what pay for maintaining the trails.
• Local Support: In order to expand the trail network, large grants from government and foundations are needed. These entities want to know that future trails are supported by their local community. A large membership demonstrates that the trails are wanted and supported by volunteers.
• Volunteers: Along with financial support, volunteers can donate their time to the trail by helping to promote, maintain, monitor, and raise funds to support trail efforts. Trail members make up the majority of these volunteers.
• Support of Rails to Trails: A portion of membership fees go to the parent organizations (Regional Trail Corporation, Allegheny Trail Alliance) which helps to coordinate new trail development.
• Pride of Ownership: Becoming a WHT member gives the individual a stake in the trail, knowing they are doing something positive to make a better community.

Are you a 10-year member who would like to become a lifetime member?

See our 10yr to Lifetime membership conversion to upgrade.