Curtis Barnard – Trailkeepers of Oregon

Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is Trailkeepers of Oregon?
Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) is a state-wide volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) nonprofit trail building, maintenance, and advocacy organization. Our goal is to create fun and engaging volunteer experiences for our community by empowering folks to connect with the land and each other through trail stewardship.
How can I get involved?
There are lots of ways you can support TKO and Oregon’s trails! Some examples are: joining a trail party, volunteering as a Trail Ambassador, donating, contributing to a committee (communications, DEI, stewardship, etc.), helping to maintain & improve Oregonhikers.org, and writing for our blog. Whatever your interests and abilities are, we would love to have you on the team! Check out our get involved page here to learn more.
What’s a Trail Party?
Trail Parties are TKO’s volunteer trail stewardship opportunities. These events involve on-trail stewardship projects (such as improving trail surface or building rock walls), hard hats and tools, and a good bit of dirt. These events are free, open to the public, and do not require any previous experience unless otherwise noted in the event description.
What are Trail Ambassadors?
Trail Ambassadors are volunteers who support Oregon’s trails by engaging with trail users around topics like Leave No Trace, hiking safety, trail stewardship, and more. They come in two types: Trailhead Ambassadors, who set up a table at popular trailheads and engage with people before and after they head out on their adventures, and Wilderness Ambassadors, who engage with trail users while out hiking on Wilderness trails. Learn more about our Trail Ambassador program and get started here.
What is Trailkeepers University?
Trailkeepers University (TKU) is the collection of TKO’s training events that cover topics ranging from crosscut saws and chainsaws, timber and rock use, rigging, new trail scouting and construction, and leadership development. Training events have free and low-cost registration options for volunteers. Learn more about TKO training opportunities here.
What is the Oregon Hikers Forum?
The Oregon Hikers Forum (oregonhikers.org) is a community-built resource that connects hikers and provides information for people looking to plan their next adventure. The Oregon Hikers Field Guide includes hundreds of trail descriptions complete with photos and maps and the Discussion Forum where folks can share recent experiences, trail tips, and more.
Volunteer Opportunities & Logistics
Can minors attend volunteer events?
Minors ages 14+ are welcome at our events. Those ages 14-15 must have a parent or legal guardian present. Those ages 16-17 may attend events solo and will be required to have a Minor Volunteer Waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian and the event’s Crew Leader. Volunteers must be 16+ to operate crosscut saws and 18+ to operate chainsaws. We also host Family Friendly Trail Parties on the last Sunday of every month from April to October, where Trailkeepers as young as 2 years old have come out to volunteer! Please note that there may be exceptions to these statements for certain events, such as multi-days and those involving chainsaws. If you have questions about a specific event, please reach out to us at volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org.
My group and I would like to volunteer together. How do we do that?
Groups are welcome to sign up for any public Trail Party posted on our events calendar! As you are registering for an event, you can see how many volunteer spots are available – compare this to your group size before getting everyone to sign up. If you have a large group (10+) or would like a private trail party just for your community/corporate/other type of group, please submit this form and we will do our best to make it happen for you. Please note that because of the nature of our projects, our ability to accommodate large groups is dependent on your wants and needs and our current active projects.
Do you offer carpooling or shuttles?
We highly encourage carpooling and help our participants to arrange carpooling amongst themselves by asking volunteers to indicate if they would like to carpool in our registration form. Those who say “yes” to carpooling are connected via email.
Typically, TKO doesn’t provide shuttles to our events, though we’re working with local partners to expand that opportunity in the future. When we do have shuttles, information will be available in the event description.
Can I bring my dog?
We do not allow pets at our Trail Parties for safety reasons and to respect Land Manager restrictions. Trail Ambassadors may bring well-behaved, on-leash dogs to their shifts where permitted by the Land Manager. If you have a service animal, please reach out to us at volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org to let us know and help us prepare any necessary accommodations.
How do I find the details for an event I’m signed up for?
When you are registered for an event with us you will receive pre-event emails from your Crew Leader in the 2 days prior to the event. These emails come through the Eventbrite platform. If it is the day before your event and you have not heard from us, please reach out directly to your Crew Leader or volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org. If you have marked any emails from Eventbrite as spam in the past, it is possible these emails will get filtered out of your inbox.
How can I arrange for accommodations I need to safely and comfortably participate in a TKO event?
TKO strives to make our events inclusive of people of all backgrounds and abilities. If you would like to discuss potential accommodations to allow for your participation in an event, please click here to complete a short Google survey. TKO staff will contact you to discuss options. Please note that while we always do our best, available accommodations will vary by event and may need to be requested up to two weeks in advance. If you have any questions, please contact us at volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org.
Trail Party Specifics
I want to join a Trail Party. Where do I start?
All of our upcoming events are listed on our events calendar and you can use the search bar above the calendar to narrow your results based on your interests or location. All of our events are free, open to the public, and require no previous experience with trails or tools unless otherwise noted in the event’s description. All of our volunteer events require advance registration through our events calendar. Click on an event to read the event description and get signed up! Then, read this blog written by a TKO volunteer to learn what to expect at your first trail party. If you need any hiking or camping gear to participate in our events, you can borrow from our Gear Library! Reach out to us at volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org to get connected with gear.
How physically fit/able do I need to be to join a trail party?
TKO does not have any requirements for physical fitness, and our volunteer events span a wide range of work and hike intensities. To help determine if an event is a good fit for you, check out the event description (found by clicking the event on our calendar) which includes hike distance, elevation change, types of stewardship tasks, and more. If you have any questions about a specific event, please reach out to the listed Crew leader or contact volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org.
Do I need experience in trails, hiking, or tools to participate?
Nope! Almost all of TKO’s Trail Parties are open to people of all backgrounds and abilities. We are so happy to have new folks on the trails and will gladly teach you what you need to know while at your event! Some Trail Parties, such as those involving chainsaws, may require previous experience and/or certifications – when this is the case, the event description will explain what is required of participants.
What should I wear?
TKO asks that folks come prepared with a few key clothing items to ensure you are safe and having fun on the trail. For a standard Trail Party, please wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes (hiking or work boots are recommended), and bring layers for rain/sun protection. Events involving the use of saws may have additional requirements – please review individual event descriptions and pre-event emails for details.
What should I bring?
TKO asks that volunteers come prepared with plenty of water for themselves, snacks/lunch, sunscreen/insect repellent, and any medications or other essentials you may need, as well as a pack to carry it all (you will want your hands free.) We do have a free gear library of hiking and camping gear available to borrow, so if you need anything to be able to participate in our events, please reach out to volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org!
What should I do before I head to the event?
Here is a quick checklist to get prepared for your Trail Party:
- Read the entirety of your pre-event emails. These are full of important information about your event!
- Complete and sign the listed waivers before arriving at the trailhead.
- Charge your phone and pack your bag: include the above items as well as any others listed in your pre-event emails.
- Check location and directions: Check out your driving route ahead of time. Some locations are behind a gate or will require other considerations. Consider writing down your directions or otherwise have them available if you lose cell phone service. Make sure you have enough gas or charge to get to and from the trailhead.
- Get a good night’s sleep, eat a breakfast that will fuel you for the day, and check in with yourself. If you’re feeling sick or have a known exposure to COVID, please stay home and join us another time.
Curtis Barnard
March 11, 2025
About Us
Board Expectations
TKO’s MISSION
Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and enhance the Oregon hiking experience through advocacy, stewardship, outreach and education.
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES
Just as TKO acts as a steward and advocate for Oregon’s trails and trail users,
the TKO Board acts as steward and advocate for the organization. The Board’s primary responsibilities
include:
- Set the vision, strategic plan, and high-level policies that ensure TKO continues to advance its mission
- Maintain financial and legal oversight of the organization and staff
- Oversee the Executive Director
- Participate in fundraising and development
- Participate in community relations
WHAT WE ASK OF BOARD MEMBERS
Requirements
- Obey all applicable laws related to nonprofit Board service in Oregon, including fulfilling the three duties of trust (duty of care, duty of loyalty, and duty of obedience) imposed by Oregon law.
- Serve at least one three-year term, to a maximum of two consecutive terms. May apply to serve additional term(s).
- Participate in at least one Committee throughout your term. Board members may change Committees due to personal preferences or to fill committee needs.
- Provide at least a 60-day notice if intending to leave the Board before the end of current term.
- Help recruit additional Board and Committee members.
- Basic understanding of Gmail, Google Drive and Slack (your Board mentor or a TKO staff member can assist).
Attendance and Participation
- Center diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Board member’s work with TKO
- TKO has a small staff and a volunteer Board, and Board members are asked to understand that staff and Board members’ time is precious. Board members are requested to help improve TKO, and to participate in TKO and Board functions in a positive and constructive manner. Behaviors and actions that harm or cause burden to TKO, its Board, or its staff may result in removal from the Board.
- Board members can expect to spend between 2 – 5 hours per month preparing for and participating in Board and Committee meetings. Participation in separate work groups or action items assigned at the Board or Committee level may increase the amount of time needed.
- Engaged, constructive attendance at six Board meetings and one Board retreat per year (save for absences due to unique and compelling circumstances). For in-person meetings/retreat events, TKO will do its best to provide virtual attendance options.
  - Come to Board meetings prepared to discuss items on the agenda.
  - Missing two Board meetings in a year may result in removal from the Board.
- Engaged, constructive participation in at least one Committee throughout the duration of your Board service.
  - Lead or actively support (e.g., take notes, develop strategies and action items, follow up on action items) at least six Committee meetings per year.
- Participation in at least four hours of non-Board or non-Committee volunteer activities each year (e.g., TKO trail work party, trail ambassador assignments, office administration).
- Strive to attend important TKO functions such as volunteer work parties and volunteer appreciation events.
- Respond in a timely manner (within three working days) to Board-related correspondence.
  - Kindly set “out-of-office” (or similar) automatic email message when out of contact for five working days or longer
- Participate in relevant Board training, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training at least once per year
Fundraising
- Contribute time, effort, and skills to Board fundraising activities.
- Attend or participate (e.g., organize mailings, seek donations) in at least one major fundraising campaign (e.g., Spring Campaign, End-of-Year Campaign) per year
- Make a personally meaningful monthly or annual financial contribution to TKO that fits within your means.
WHAT WE OFFER NEW BOARD MEMBERS
On joining the Board, the TKO Board will work with new members
on acclimating to Board service and becoming familiar with Board members, discovering the best ways that they can work together. New members will receive a TKO Gmail address and Slack account. Committee chairs will act as a mentor to new Board members, helping them to establish goals and objectives (e.g.,
committee service, fundraising efforts). The Board President will also check in with new members to help guide them and provide additional support. Other Board Members, particularly the President team, are always available as a resource.
BOARD COMMITTEES
Board service is focused on guiding the vision, mission, and values of the
organization through short- and long-term strategic planning and financial oversight. This is a critical component of service that the Board recognizes may provide a challenge for some new Board Members who may feel that they are not contributing to the organization. Where Board Members and other lead
volunteers find their expertise can be put to tangible service is within TKO’s Committees; the Committees provide the vehicle for Board Members to help bring long-term strategies to fruition.
- DEI Committee seeks to establish a culture of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion to build a movement where hikers in Oregon feel safe and welcome in outdoor spaces.
- Advocacy and Stewardship Committee seeks to promote hikers’ interests in Oregon with public agencies, elected officials, and other organizations that impact the hiking experience; develop policies for TKO in working with public agencies and the public, provide safe and fun experiences to volunteers; build and restore trails to provide a quality hiking experience; and teach stewardship ethics to visitors of Oregon’s natural places.
- Communications Committee seeks to connect & engage the trails community and potential trail users with TKO’s work and the understanding that everyone can be a “trailkeeper.”
- Development Committee seeks to build a movement where hikers in Oregon recognize the value of TKO by contributing financially to support the organization.
- Executive Committee seeks to grow the organization efficiently and sustainably, and to expand TKO’s impact statewide. The Executive Committee consists of the elected officers, but other non-officer
- members are welcome to participate
Each committee has a chair. Committee Chairs:
- Act as a mentor to new Board Members to help them feel welcome and supported
- Set schedule and agenda for committee meetings
- Recruit other Board Members and volunteers to join the committee
- Provide meeting notes or Committee report for Board meeting
TKO ELECTED OFFICER DUTIES
President
- Chair of the Board
- Organize, schedule and run Board meetings
- Focus on Board engagement and development and organizational assistance for Executive Director (e.g., regular meetings with Executive Director)
- Act as liaison between the Board and Staff
- Attend Executive Committee Meetings
- Lead annual Executive Director review process
Incoming-President
- Fill in as needed for Board President
- Run Board meeting in President’s absence
- Commit to serving as President during their Board term
- Coordinate recruitment of Board Members
- Chair the Executive Committee
- Create and send monthly Executive Committee meeting agenda
- Take notes at Executive Committee meetings or assigns to another Executive Committee member
- Focus on Board recruiting
- Attend regularly scheduled Executive Director check-ins, when available
- Assist with Executive Director review
Past-President
- Advisor to President and Incoming President
- Lead Board development efforts
- Provide historical/institutional insight
- Focus on Board fundraising
- Attend regularly scheduled Executive Director check-ins, when available, through Executive Director review
- Assist with Executive Director review
- Attend Executive Committee Meetings
Treasurer
- Advise on the annual budget
- Produce financial reports as required by the Board
- Meet bi-monthly with Executive Director and bookkeeper to review financials
- Provide a higher-level understanding of TKO finances and communicate insights to the Board
- Produce annual budget in collaboration with Executive Director
- Sign off on IRS Form 990 and ensure it is filed annually
- Attend Executive Committee Meetings
Secretary
- Custodian of TKO records
- Record and save Board meeting minutes (including documented approval of)
- Ask another Board member to take minutes in your absence
- Maintain Board Roster records (e.g., contact list, committee lists)
- Attend Executive Committee Meetings
- Submit annual report to Oregon Secretary of State (working with Executive Director)
- Assist with communicating information to the Board.
Curtis Barnard
March 10, 2025
Get Involved
Board
TKO seeks volunteers to be our thought leaders and strategic visionaries, joining our Board of Directors to help guide our organization in the many ways we hope to protect and enhance Oregon’s hiking experience. We are eager to expand our representation geographically, and an ideal candidate will have lived experiences working with and representing diverse races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and economic backgrounds.
Candidates can pursue leadership roles within the Board or focus their service toward TKO programming, or both, depending on interest and availability. Details about serving on the board, what the role entails and what expectations are can be found on our Board Expectations page.
Have questions about the TKO Board experience? Please feel free to reach out to Ginny Sorensen, TKO Board member and Assistant Crew Leader, at ginny.sorensen@trailkeepersoforegon.org.
Photos by Dan Sharp
TIMELINE
- August 1 – September 13: Inquiries & TKO Board applications accepted on a rolling basis
- September 5: Applicants are invited to a virtual open house with current Board members
- Mid September: Applicants are invited to attend a portion of a quarterly TKO Board meeting
- September – October: TKO Board recruitment team reviews applications; Board vote held in November
- January 2026: New Board members begin service
PRIORITIES FOR CANDIDATES
TKO is seeking candidates with one or more of the following:
- Nonprofit/board leadership experience and/or interest in leadership roles, including officer and committee chair positions.
- Expertise in communication strategy (e.g., social media, newsletters, donor engagement), finance (e.g., forecasting and strategic planning), and/or fundraising and development.
- Diverse lived experiences and identities.
- Community connections and representation from the Oregon coast.
- Skills/expertise outside our priorities? Don’t hesitate to apply & share your interest.
Committees
Board members are expected to be active participants in at least one committee. Committees can be a way to flex your knowledge and skills and/or learn and develop new skills. Each committee typically meets once a month. Click the links below to see each committee’s charter and learn more about the work they do.
Have a passion for TKO’s mission, vision, and values, but not sure you qualify? Some folks are less likely to apply for roles such as this unless they believe they meet every qualification listed in a position description. TKO values lived experience and we are dedicated to embracing diversity. If this role sounds exciting to you, we want to hear from you!
Application has Closed
strategic plan
Curtis Barnard
March 10, 2025
Get Involved
Jobs
STEWARDSHIP MANAGER
Position Title: Stewardship Manager
Reports to: Program Director
Location: Portland, OR
Status: Salaried, full-time (exempt)
Compensation: $62,000 – $65,000 starting salary range | $529.16/month Health Reimbursement Arrangement | Fixed and variable reimbursements for personal vehicle & home office use | Retirement benefit, employer contributions after 1 year | Unlimited Paid Time-off Policy
Role of the TKO Stewardship Manager
Trailkeepers of Oregon is seeking a seasoned leader to join our growing management team in 2025. The TKO Stewardship Manager will supervise stewardship program staff, manage program budgets and agreements, and manage local, state, and federal land stewardship in the region. The ideal candidate is someone who finds success in seeing that TKO’s talented staff team and volunteer leaders are supported and fulfilled in the ever-growing stewardship of Oregon’s trails and special places.
TKO offers competitive compensation commensurate with the candidate’s skills, experience, and location. Total rewards at TKO, beyond salary, include generous paid time off, employer contributions to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement, matching funds for retirement after a year, and more.
Studies show that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every qualification listed in a job description. TKO values lived experience, and we are dedicated to embracing diversity and committed to building a team that represents our communities’ backgrounds. If this role sounds exciting, we want to hear from you!
Essential Functions
1. Manage local and regional stewardship staff. Establish support and oversight for talented regional stewardship staff in Portland, the Oregon Coast, Columbia Gorge, Mt. Hood, and additional growth areas in the Willamette Valley.
2. Stewardship program and volunteer management. Ensure stewardship activities implemented by regional staff coordinators meet TKO’s quality standards. Support regional staff coordinators in creating project plans that meet stewardship agreement objectives and connect volunteer crew leaders with stewardship projects.
3. Contracts and agreements management and oversight. Track and ensure deliverables, assign staff and volunteer capacity based on project funding, and prioritize new business. Increase collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including local, state, and federal agencies, by overseeing volunteer service agreements.
Desired Qualifications^†
- Passion for TKO’s mission, vision, and values to protect and enhance Oregon’s outdoor places.
- Cultural competency and experience working with people of diverse races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and economic backgrounds.
- Supervisory experience to set staff and volunteer leader expectations, accept and integrate feedback graciously, and give effective feedback to team members.
- Experience managing a local or regional volunteer stewardship program.
- Experience engaging multiple stakeholders at a variety of organizational levels.
- Demonstrated ability to lead safe, fun, and quality experiences for staff and volunteers.
- Ability to work independently to plan, prioritize, and organize a dynamic workload while developing and maintaining successful programs.
- Reliable vehicle with valid driver’s license, use of a personal vehicle, and cell phone (TKO provides reimbursement for mileage, personal phone, and home office use).
General Responsibilities
Staff and Volunteer Management – 50%
- Manage 4-6 regional year-round staff and 3-6 interns and seasonal staff assigned to different regions.
- Support regional stewardship staff through weekly check-ins, collaborating on project objectives, managing staff capacity, and adjusting deliverables as needed.
- Host 2-3 monthly volunteer engagement events, including Crew Brews and volunteer trainings.
- Manage existing projects/initiatives in northwest Oregon program regions and assist in connecting volunteer leaders to ensure deliverables are met.
- Explore and identify opportunities that advance stewardship programming and volunteer engagement.
- Work with TKO staff to engage in outreach projects in other parts of the state when possible.
- Respond to incident reports, assess potential system changes, and implement corrective action plans for stewardship staff and volunteers.
Partnership Development – 20%
- Increase collaboration between TKO’s multiple stakeholders through collaborative project initiatives, regular updates, and timely reporting on deliverables.
- Collaborate with land managers to create and execute stewardship agreements and financial plans.
- Explore opportunities to partner with public, nonprofit, and private partners to expand funding mechanisms for sustained organizational capacity and further TKO’s mission.
Finance Management and Organizational Development – 20%
- Prioritize programmatic objectives based on financial resources to meet fundraising and revenue goals.
- Develop and manage a variety of project budgets and contracts $5,000-$150,000 for regional and statewide programs.
- Support stewardship coordinators to ensure programs are adhering to approved budgets and that expected outcomes are delivered by staff and volunteer resources.
- Work with the TKO leadership team to improve project and revenue projections.
Special Projects & Broader TKO activities – 10%
- Advise on Trailkeepers University curriculum development and provide expertise as an instructor in trail construction and leadership training experiences.
- Collaborate with development and communications staff to plan and execute outreach and fundraising campaigns.
- Provide support to the TKO management team as needed, developing policy and improving programs.
- Support initiatives involving the wider trails and outdoor recreation coalitions of Oregon and beyond.
^†Formal education is not required for this role. However, a strongly aligned skillset and lived experience is critical. Please take care to write a letter of interest that concisely explains why you’re right for this role.
Steps to apply
Include the following in the Google Form using the button below:
- Resume – please include professional, educational, and volunteer experience
- List of at least 3 professional &/or volunteer references
- Please include the following in your letter of interest (no more than 2 pages):
  - TKO is dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our programming and needs staff, volunteers, and supporters who recognize the importance of safe access to the outdoors. Based on your experience, share a specific example of how you have managed programming to ensure staff and volunteers feel welcome and safe.
  - Being in charge of a growing program demands a person who can manage staff capacity, urgent and important priorities, and restricted funding across regions. Describe how you would manage a diverse team of talented individuals to honor their time and effort while keeping them focused on achieving organizational goals.
  - This position requires someone with significant technical expertise in trail design, construction, and maintenance projects, and someone who is comfortable teaching those skills to others. Please share an example of a trail project you managed directly, including technical components, budget considerations, and how you empowered a team to implement it.
Application Has Closed
Timeline
- September 24th – October 10th – Application open; resumes reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Mid-October – First round of interviews, reference checks.
- Position begins when the best candidate is found, ideally no later than November 12th.
This is an at-will position. The purpose of this position description is to provide information reflecting current practices. This position description does not constitute or create any contractual agreement, rights, or obligations. This position description may be amended to reflect changing timelines and adjusted funding.
Engagement MANAGER
This application is closed. Candidate review is currently underway.
Curtis Barnard
March 10, 2025
Get Involved
Advocacy
Oregon’s trail legacy is in trouble. For decades, our trail system has been underfunded and disrupted by logging and road-building. Today’s system is less than half of what existed only a few decades ago, while the hiking population has exploded, leaving many trails crowded and showing the effects of overuse.
Founding trip to Old Vista Ridge in 2007
Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) was formed by hikers in 2007 to reverse this trend with active advocacy and stewardship to restore and save threatened trails, provide outreach and education to raise awareness of the threats to our trail legacy, and advocate on behalf of hikers for the needed funding and protections for our trails.
ADVOCACY BEGINS WITH EQUITY
Most of our trails were built for utility, not recreation. The earliest trails were created by indigenous people for trade, gathering food and for spiritual purposes. In the early 1900s, many of these indigenous trails were incorporated into the network of forest trails we know today, and connected early guard stations and fire lookouts.
Today, trails are mostly used for recreation, but their utilitarian design can mean steep grades and challenging surfaces that make them difficult for many people to navigate. TKO’s goal is to create new trail opportunities so that everyone has options for a trail experience in Oregon.
Old trailhead signage at White River Falls State Park was jarring and unwelcoming
New signage warning of drowning an in both English and Spanish
How our trails are managed, including directional and interpretive signage, trailhead features and permit requirements, can also provide barriers that create inequity in who can access and travel trails. Reducing these barriers is also part of TKO’s goal to ensure that everyone in Oregon has trail experiences that are welcoming and accessible.
HOW WE ADVOCATE
TKO tracks federal, state and local public land management across Oregon to promote trail protection on behalf of Oregon’s hiking community. Some current trail advocacy work that TKO is involved in includes:
Oregon Coast Trail
The dream of a trail that follows Oregon’s 362-mile coast line through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world dates back nearly fifty years. Today, that dream continues to move closer to reality, one trail segment at a time.
A freshly built crib wall along the Oregon Coast Trail in Oswald West State Park
TKO has joined the commitment to this dream with stewardship coordinators on the north, central and southern Oregon Coast. Our volunteer crews on the coast help land managers keep pace with winter storm and lush rainforest understory that combine to make trail maintenance here challenging. Our crews are also helping extend the Coast Trail while rebuilding existing sections to ensure their survival.
Gorge Trail Recovery
TKO had volunteers on the ground within weeks of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire to help assess the trail impacts, and begin the hard work of restoring the network of Gorge trails. TKO’s view was that every trail affected by the fire should be restored, despite the monumental effort that represented. Volunteers started clearing and rebuilding some of the most iconic trails, like Angels Rest, Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls, the Oneonta Trail and Elowah Falls.
Setting stones in place for a new wall along the Multnomah Falls trail.
Our work in the Gorge continues today, as our volunteer crews move further into the backcountry to save wilderness trails like Bell Creek and Nesmith Point that were nearly lost to the first, and we are closing in on our goal of saving every trail. Without the work of TKO volunteers, many of these trails would have been lost forever for lack of Forest Service resources to save them.
Gorge Parks Plan
In 2015 TKO worked closely with a coalition of advocates to ensure the first major update to Gorge Parks Plan in more than 20 years addressed the many pressing recreation and conservation needs in the Gorge. Today, TKO is focusing our efforts on ensuring that the plan becomes a reality.
Upper Bridal Veil Falls along Bridal Veil Creek
The route proposed to Upper Bridal Veil Falls and Angels Rest Trailhead
This includes exciting new trails at Bridal Veil Creek, Angels Rest, Viento State Park and Mitchell Point that will not only take pressure of today’s most heavily traveled routes, but also provide a wide range of experiences to ensure that every hiker can have a trail experience in the Gorge, no matter their experience or ability.
TKO is also working to reopen the iconic Perdition Trail, the historic connection between Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls that was closed after the Multnomah Falls Fire in the 1990s.
Mount Hood Trails
In 2005 a section of the internationally renowned Timberline Trail was destroyed by repeated flooding on the Eliot Branch, near Cloud Cap Inn. The deeply eroded glacial canyon made repairing the former crossing impossible, and this segment of the classic around-the-mountain loop was closed for nearly a decade.
Hikers from around the world come to Oregon to experience the Timberline Trail, and the closure didn’t stop hikers from making the dangerous crossing, despite the closure. In 2015, TKO worked with the Forest Service to relocate the Timberline Trail to a new, downstream crossing and finally reopen the Timberline Trail.
Volunteers gather at Owl Point on the Old Vista Ridge trail.
TKO was formed with advocacy on Mount Hood in 2007, when we began our work to save the Old Vista Ridge Trail. Today, our commitment to rescuing Mount Hood’s backcountry trails includes annual work to maintain popular trails like Vista Ridge and Old Vista Ridge while also restoring long-neglected trails like Pinnacle Ridge and Bluegrass Ridge.
Our Mount Hood advocacy includes building new trails and trailheads to better serve hikers and enhance the hiking experience, while addressing the unprecedented number of hikers coming to the mountain.
Central and Eastern Oregon Trails
As TKO expands our presence in Central and Eastern Oregon, we have completed stewardship projects in places like the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Smith Rock State Park and along the Deschutes River corridor. We are currently advocating for a new accessible trail to an overlook of the Deschutes canyon from the Scout Camp Trail that would provide a low-barrier way to experience this remarkable place.
A view into the Deschutes Canyon from the Scout Camp Trail
The existing and proposed trails to the overlook of the Deschutes Canyon.
Our future plans call for expanding trail opportunities in Central Oregon, including the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, where visitation by hikers has grown dramatically in recent years.
OREGON TRAILS COALITION
Since 2017, TKO has been the fiscal sponsor for the Oregon Trails Coalition (OTC), a statewide coalition of trail advocates that includes hikers, cyclists, equestrians and other trail users. The mission of the OTC is to influence statewide trail policy and funding through our collective efforts as advcoates. The coalition is guided by a broad advisory board representing trails groups, public agencies, land managers, outdoor industry, travel and tourism partners, and other trails professionals and community leaders. TKO is represented on the advisory board, where we advocate specifically for the interests of hikers.
HOW CAN I ADVOCATE?
Hiking is the most popular recreation activity on our public lands, and yet hikers are among the least organized among recreation groups. TKO formed to help reverse that trend, but our formal advocacy for hikers is just one piece of the puzzle. You can help by simply weighing in as a hiker. Our elected officials and land managers hear surprisingly little from hikers, so even a few letters, e-mails and voice messages can have a real impact.
What is the best way to weigh in? Here are some tips:
keep it short– less than 250 words
use real examples – let your true passion show with trails or places you care about
be yourself – in this era of internet anonymity, using your real name can make a real difference
provide hard facts – use data or specific examples to make your case
·offer real solutions – it’s okay to be against something, but being a problem solver is a great way to have a real impact
So, if you see something threatening trails or hiking in your corner of Oregon, roll up your sleeves, start typing or even consider making a call to your representatives – you can make a difference!
If you need help with your advocacy, you can also reach out to TKO for help. We may already be advocating on the issue that you’re concerned about, or can connect you to the right land manager or elected official to make the best impact.
Curtis Barnard
January 31, 2025
Get Involved
Trail Ambassadors are gearing up for a big year on Oregon’s trails
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!
The Trail Ambassador program is critical to TKO’s mission of advocating for Oregon’s trails and improving the Oregon hiking experience through outreach and education. Having a welcoming Ambassador on the trails able to answer questions and offer resources makes a big difference in an individual’s experience and supports the long-term health of the trail and environment.
TKO Trailhead Ambassador sets up at Tom McCall Preserve.
Your volunteer experience as a Trail Ambassador is as unique as you; with two Ambassador styles, trails across Oregon, and flexible shifts, you’re certain to find options that suit your personality and schedule! Folks looking for a more accessible, front-country experience, should check out our Trailhead Ambassador events, where volunteers greet and offer information to visitors just beginning their adventure via a table at the trailhead. Those interested in a more active, back-country experience, may be drawn to Wilderness Ambassador events instead. These volunteers hike onto Wilderness trails and engage with folks already on their journey while gathering trail and environmental data for our partners at the U.S. Forest Service.
TKO Wilderness Ambassadors set out on the Timberline Trail.
So, where do Trail Ambassadors volunteer? All over the state! Through partnerships with Travel Oregon, Oregon State Parks, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Tourism Alliance, TKO is able to station Ambassadors at a wide variety of trails. Trailhead Ambassadors can volunteer across the entire coast, throughout PDX and the Gorge, and in the Mount Hood National Forest. Wilderness Ambassadors take to Wilderness trails in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, the Mount Hood Wilderness, and the Drift Creek Wilderness.
Trail Ambassadors will be hitting the trails beginning on April 20th, and we’d love for you to join us! Learn more about the Trail Ambassador program and get started on your journey by checking out our Trail Ambassador webpage here. If you have any questions or would like help creating your ideal volunteer experience, reach out to TKO Engagement Coordinator, Loren, at loren.payne@trailkeepersoforegon.org. We hope to see you on the trails soon!
Curtis Barnard
March 6, 2024
News

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is Trailkeepers of Oregon?

How can I get involved?

What’s a Trail Party?

What are Trail Ambassadors?

What is Trailkeepers University?

What is the Oregon Hikers Forum?

Volunteer Opportunities & Logistics

Can minors attend volunteer events?

My group and I would like to volunteer together. How do we do that?

Do you offer carpooling or shuttles?

Can I bring my dog?

How do I find the details for an event I’m signed up for?

How can I arrange for accommodations I need to safely and comfortably participate in a TKO event?

Trail Party Specifics

I want to join a Trail Party. Where do I start?

How physically fit/able do I need to be to join a trail party?

Do I need experience in trails, hiking, or tools to participate?

What should I wear?

What should I bring?

What should I do before I head to the event?

Board Expectations

TKO’s MISSION

BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES

WHAT WE ASK OF BOARD MEMBERS

Requirements

Attendance and Participation

Fundraising

WHAT WE OFFER NEW BOARD MEMBERS

BOARD COMMITTEES

TKO ELECTED OFFICER DUTIES

President

Incoming-President

Past-President

Treasurer

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Board

TIMELINE

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STEWARDSHIP MANAGER

Role of the TKO Stewardship Manager

Essential Functions

Desired Qualifications†

General Responsibilities

Steps to apply

Timeline

Engagement MANAGER

Advocacy

ADVOCACY BEGINS WITH EQUITY

HOW WE ADVOCATE

Oregon Coast Trail

Gorge Trail Recovery

Gorge Parks Plan

Mount Hood Trails

Central and Eastern Oregon Trails

OREGON TRAILS COALITION

HOW CAN I ADVOCATE?

Trail Ambassadors are gearing up for a big year on Oregon’s trails

Desired Qualifications^†