2020 saw record damage to trails from wildfire and wind storms across the state. From southern Oregon to the central coast to the Willamette National forest, this record-breaking year has left behind a lot of work to be done.
TKO has been here before. Here is where we see we can help:
The surge of community support and involvement after the Eagle Creek Fire in 2017 is where many of the current TKO Crew Leaders got their start. We have used what we learned from those experiences of bring trails back from the ashes to build a cohort of skilled volunteers across the state. We have been working tirelessly for the last three years to build a training program for trail steward volunteers to be ready to tackle any trail issues that arise, including fire impacts.
We are still waiting for the fire-affected areas to settle through the winter. Once these areas are deemed safe to begin work, we will be there to start the work and to enjoy the journey of being a part of the rebirth of these trails.
Imagine a place you could go to learn about trail design, get continuing education credits, learn how to build a bridge, become the leader you were always meant to be, learn new job skills, and meet trail-lovers like yourself along the way.
That’s the dream behind Trailkeepers University. By engaging with local communities across the state, we aim to build up local volunteerism through stewardship to ensure that every trail in Oregon someday gets the high quality of love and attention that we hang our hard hats on at the end of every day. Join us in making this dream a reality and be a part of Oregon’s growing trail legacy. We can’t do this without you!
We know from experience that the best way to teach someone a skill is to get a tool in their hands and let them experience the process for themselves. This happened to TKO as an organization as we embraced our role as a recovery partner after the Eagle Creek Fire. This philosophy is built into everything we do. As we develop TKU programming with the goal of empowering volunteers to help with recovery in fire affected areas, our Crew Leaders will be passing along the lessons learned over the years. This will happen by getting more tool in more volunteers hands on trails across the state. All of this takes resources to provide and where our amazing donors come in. Your gift makes an impact and brings you into the legacy we are building, together.
Every spring, Trailkeepers of Oregon Trail Ambassadors head out onto some of Oregon’s most well-loved trails to welcome visitors and share important information about the trail, hiking safety, Leave No Trace, local flora and fauna, and more. We’ve added more locations to our repertoire for this season and we need your help to meet the growing demand on our trails!
Happy Holidays Trailkeepers,
The TKO Legacy Builders end-of-year campaign is coming to a close on December 31st. We are so proud that this campaign is fueled by a grassroots donor base that builds a kick start of support for a new year. Our approach continues to be that everyone in their own way is a Trailkeeper – giving time, giving passion, or giving dollars. Each of these contributions amount to more protection and enhancement of Oregon’s hiking trails.
From Latourell Falls to Mosier Plateau, TKO volunteers put in 6,171 hours (257 days!) in the Columbia River Gorge throughout 2023 ensuring your favorite trails remain ready to welcome you on your adventures. Read on for fun insight on the wide variety of trails and projects that you, our community, helped us to pursue!
Trailkeepers of Oregon
P.O. Box 14814
Portland, OR 97293
(971) 206-4351