Giving Idler’s Rest Trails Some TLC
Join Palouse Land Trust in giving some of Idler’s Rest’s most-used trails a much-needed refresh.
Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve welcomes approximately 15,000 visitors each year, and that number continues to grow. With so many people enjoying the preserve, regular trail maintenance is essential to keep trails comfortable, stable, and enjoyable for everyone.
The work will be hands-on and community-focused. PLT staff, volunteers, and partners will work together to move and spread materials, improve drainage, and give these well-loved trails the care they need.
What We’ll Be Doing
Over the course of the project, volunteers and staff will:
Spread gravel and woodchips across trails
Improve trail surfaces in areas with heavy use or poor footing
Install and improve drainage features where needed
Address areas where water is causing erosion or damaging the trail
Move materials and prepare trail sections for improvement
Monitor improved areas to make sure the work is holding up over time
No special trail-building experience is required. PLT staff will provide direction and hands-on instruction, making this a great opportunity for community members to learn about trail stewardship while helping care for a place they enjoy.
Why This Work Matters
Idler’s Rest is one of the Palouse Land Trust’s most popular preserves and an important place for people to get outside, explore the forest, and connect with the natural world. As more people discover the preserve, trails experience more wear and require more frequent care.
Well-maintained trails aren't just more enjoyable. They also help protect the surrounding forest by keeping people on durable trail surfaces, directing water away from sensitive areas, and reducing erosion.
By investing in the trails now, we can keep Idler’s Rest welcoming and enjoyable while protecting the preserve for years to come.
This project was funded by the Addium-METER Foundation, whose generous support is helping Palouse Land Trust care for and improve the trails at Idler’s Rest.

