Stewardship
Greetings, friends!
Next up in our series on trail etiquette and safety is stewardship. Now that we’ve covered how to be prepared and courteous hikers, it’s time to consider taking it to the next level by giving back and taking care of the trails, outdoor areas, and organizations that take care of us. The photos from this post are of the Trailkeepers of Oregon putting in work on Neahkahnie Mountain and a new section of the Wilson River Trail they’re building.
With the combination of increased visitation and staff reductions, volunteerism has become an even more critical component of keeping our trails maintained and hikeable. A number of local organizations are always happy to have an additional set of hands to help the cause. Groups like the Lower Nehalem Community Trust, Trailkeepers of Oregon, and Cascade Volunteers, provide the gear and training, and you and I provide the elbow grease.
In addition to the warm and fuzzies you get from doing your part, volunteerism like this is a great way to garner insight into what goes into the planning and development of a hiking trail. Which, trust me when I tell you, will provide a life-long appreciation for what it takes to create and maintain the trails we so regularly take for granted.
Learn more about how you can be a steward of our trails and natural areas by visiting Caring For Our Coast.