WEEK 5: CHEHALEM RIDGE

Say it loud and proud!
Support TKO’s mission of safe and welcoming trails while rocking this limited edition cotton blend tee.

Supplies are limited!

A special thanks to Pacific North Press, donating the screen printing costs of these t-shirts so that your purchase can go further in supporting TKO and everyone’s access to trails!

Trails Are For Everyone.

The REI Co-op believes that a life outdoors is a life well lived. REI wants to make it easy for you and your friends to get outside and enjoy trails and nature near you, so REI has donated a COMPLETE CAMPING SET for one lucky donor to win this week ONLY.

The camping set includes everything (really, everything!) you need to get outside and get camping. This prize retails for $896.90, but you can get entered to win for a donation of only $200 or more. Check out below for the full details!

Support Trails for All

There’s more than one way to win! Volunteer at any of our events this week (11/29 – 12/5) and you’ll also be entered to win!

Volunteer with TKO

Support local nature-hoods.

Access to outdoor experiences is a right that everyone should have. While many find that connections to nature are just out their back door or a simple drive to a familiar trailhead, TKO recognizes that many people experience challenges in accessing nature for a variety of reasons including a lack of resources and concerns for personal safety. We seek to be a part of the solution to build safe and welcoming trails for all.

Chehalem Ridge Nature Park is one of several new efforts by Metro Parks and Nature to provide new and accessible nature experiences close to the urban hub of Portland. TKO volunteers have been a part of the trail planning process since the beginning, contributing many hours of time and work in helping to plan the new trails at this beautiful soon-to-be-opened park. Our work expands to many local, nature-hoods that bridge green spaces to our urban centers – adding value to the quality of life we seek to enjoy in Oregon. TKO volunteers have come together on a variety of projects with Metro Parks & Nature, in the future we are going to be lifting even more with a number of new park developments. Your support builds a community engagement that will see that the value of these places is met with a vested interest in their care.

I want to support trails in Oregon

BY THE NUMBERS:

LOCAL PARKS

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In Kind Value of Volunteer Time

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Stewardship Events

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Volunteer Participants

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Feet of Trails Improved

CHEHALEM RIDGE NATURE PARK

TRAILS ARE FOR EVERYONE

With its close proximity to the urban hub of Portland, the work TKO has been doing to bring Chehalem Ridge to life has provided a perfect opportunity to expand on the traditional trail work experience. In 2021 we offered several shared-identity trail parties exclusively for women, and for volunteers from the LGBTQ+ community. These events have proved first hand that intentionally creating space for shared community encourages volunteers who might not otherwise have felt comfortable signing up to finally join in the fun!

We are able to offer these types of events because donors like you believe that trails and the life changing experiences they provide should be accessible to everyone who wants them. Help Oregon’s trail legacy be one that everyone can enjoy by donating today!

Join the legacy

TRAILKEEPERS UNIVERSITY

EQUIPPING NEW STEWARDS

The scope of the project at Chehalem Ridge has involved every facet of trail work that there is. From planning and design, log removal, cutting in new trail, ensuring the trails meet accessibility guidelines and putting in all the finishing touches. This project has provided us with a learning laboratory for several Trailkeeper University training events in 2021, including Intro to Rigging, New Trail Flagging, and even a crosscut saw felling class.

Even though the park is opening to the public soon, TKO has committed to supporting this wonderful site by continuing to engage volunteer on stewardship projects. Our goal is not just to build these new trails, but to make sure that they stay open and accessible for many more years to come. You can help us keep the legacy of this and other trails in Oregon going strong by donating today.

Join the legacy

Latest News

Trail Ambassadors are getting ready to launch!

By Loren Payne

Spring is quickly approaching! That means before we know it, Trailkeepers of Oregon will be kicking off another Trail Ambassador season. Through partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service, Oregon State Parks, the Mt. Hood – Columbia River Gorge Tourism Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, and Friends of the Columbia River Gorge, Trail Ambassadors will take to trails beginning April 22nd to engage with trail users across the state. We are always looking to grow our team – if you’ve been looking to give back to the trails you love, we want you on board!

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Family Friendly Events are Back!

An adult holds a fern while a child uses lopper to cut it at the base.

Join TKO on the last Sunday of each month to learn all about trail stewardship!

By Natalie Ferraro

Trailkeepers is excited to once again be offering Family Friendly trail parties for 2023. These events are a chance for kids of all ages to learn some of the basics of trail stewardship, spend quality time with family and friends outdoors, and learn the value of taking care of a place they love. We think our Family Friendly trail parties are some of the best fun you can have on a Sunday, but you don’t have to take our world for it. We asked TKO volunteer Jon and his son Liam to share why they love volunteering with TKO. […]

Safety, Fun, Service – becoming a TKO Crew Leader

A close up of two faces. One person wears a blue jacket and a yellow hat, the other wears a yellow jacket and an orange hat. They both have dirt on their faces and are smiling.

Being a Crew Leader with TKO is rewarding work and comes with a fun and supportive community that can’t wait to welcome you!

by Elaine Keavney and Loren Payne

So you’ve earned your green hat, and are getting “hooked” on trail stewardship.  As you get to know your crew leaders, do you find yourself wondering whether leading a crew would be something you would enjoy? Read on for some information about leading crews, and what you need to do if you would like to become a TKO crew leader!

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