Earth Day in Action: Inside the Centennial Trail Cleanup

Spokane springs forward with Unveil the Trail, the Spokane River Centennial Trail’s annual Earth Day cleanup

By Taylor Shillam 

Photos provided by the Spokane Centennial Trail

Each spring, as Spokane shakes off the last signs of winter, a celebrated local tradition brings hundreds of community members together to care for one of the region’s most treasured outdoor spaces. Unveil the Trail, the annual cleanup event along the Spokane River Centennial Trail, has become a cornerstone of the area’s Earth Day celebrations, inviting volunteers from across the community to roll up their sleeves and help prepare the 40-mile pathway for another busy year.

Organized by Friends of the Centennial Trail, Unveil the Trail is more than a cleanup day. It’s a community-wide effort that highlights the pride locals take in maintaining a trail that connects neighborhoods, parks, and scenic river stretches throughout the region.

According to Executive Director Jen Westra, the event has been part of the trail’s story from the very beginning. “Unveil the Trail is as old as the Centennial Trail itself,” Westra explains. “It’s all about giving the trail a ‘glow up’ after winter and getting it ready for a busy new year of use.”

While organizations like Washington State Parks, along with regional partners such as local cities and counties, maintain the trail year-round, the annual community cleanup gives locals the chance to contribute directly. Volunteers help pick up litter, pull weeds, remove debris, and refresh sections of the trail so it’s safe and beautiful for the millions of people who walk, run, cycle, and skate along it each year.

Over time, Unveil the Trail has grown into a major volunteer event, regularly drawing 300 to 400 participants. Many come through the trail’s Adopt-a-Mile program, where businesses and organizations take responsibility for maintaining specific sections of the pathway.

For many teams, the event doubles as a chance to build connections while giving back. Some groups arrive wearing matching shirts, while others plan a meal or gathering before or after the cleanup. Families often join in, turning the day into a shared community experience.

“It’s a great opportunity for employee engagement and team building,” Westra says. “But it’s also a really fun way to meet other people who care about protecting our outdoor spaces.”

The impact of Unveil the Trail goes beyond a cleaner trail. Westra says that volunteering often becomes a gateway to deeper environmental stewardship. When people experience firsthand how simple it can be to make a difference, they’re often inspired to get involved in other conservation efforts, from forest health restoration to park maintenance to wildfire risk mitigation.

“Volunteering really does help connect people to our community, river, and landscape,” she says. “People see there’s a need for their involvement, that they can make a real difference, and they want to be part of it.”

That sense of connection is especially meaningful along the Centennial Trail, which offers a rare experience: a fully paved route that follows the Spokane River from natural parklands through vibrant city centers, even stretching across state lines.

For those who want to help care for the trail year-round, opportunities extend far beyond Earth Day. Volunteers can assist with graffiti removal, sign maintenance, and other improvement projects throughout the year.

For many locals, Unveil the Trail remains the perfect starting point: a day when neighbors, families, coworkers, and outdoor enthusiasts come together to celebrate and protect a regional treasure that belongs to everyone.

Those interested in advocating for the trail or finding ways to partner with Friends of the Trail are encouraged to explore the website at SpokaneCentennialTrail.org or reach out to Jen Westra at Friends@SpokaneCentennialTrail.org.