Wilderness Ambassadors Training

This two-day training prepares you to become a Wilderness Ambassador, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage with the public, promote responsible recreation, and support land stewardship in backcountry settings.

Day 1: Classroom Training (Full Day) Build a strong foundation through interactive learning, discussion, and hands-on activities.

You will:

• Learn about Trailkeepers of Oregon’s mission, values, and the role of Wilderness Ambassadors
• Explore the history and purpose of the program and its connection to public lands stewardship
• Develop an understanding of the Wilderness Act and key conservation principles
• Gain clarity on roles, responsibilities, and expectations

You will also develop core skills, including:

• Public engagement and communication with trail users
• Applying Leave No Trace principles in real-world conversations
• Using Authority of the Resource (ART) to educate effectively
• Practicing situational awareness and safety on the trail
• Understanding protocols for emergencies, SAR, and land manager coordination
• Basics of navigation, maps, and orientation
• Data collection and reporting to support stewardship efforts

The day includes group discussions, scenario-based practice, and opportunities to build confidence before heading into the field.

Day 2: Field Training at Timberline Trail (Full Day) Take your learning onto the trail with guided, hands-on experience.

• Part 1: Observation Shadow seasoned Wilderness Ambassadors to see how they engage with trail users, apply Leave No Trace education, and navigate real-world situations.
• Part 2: Practice with Support Step into the role yourself while being supported and observed by experienced volunteers, with space for feedback, reflection, and growth.

Wilderness Ambassadors play a critical role in protecting fragile ecosystems while helping people feel informed, safe, and connected on the trail. Through education and presence, you help reduce impact, support land managers, and contribute to the long-term health of Oregon’s public lands.

• New volunteers interested in becoming Wilderness Ambassadors
• Outdoor enthusiasts passionate about stewardship and education
• Individuals excited to connect with people and support responsible recreation

No prior experience is required—just curiosity, care for the outdoors, and a willingness to engage with others.

After completing the training, participants will be invited to:

• Join additional mentor-supported shifts
• Sign up for Wilderness Ambassador opportunities
• Continue building skills through hands-on experience in the field

If you decide to move forward as a Wilderness Ambassador, you will be welcomed into a supportive volunteer community where you can join other ambassadors and volunteer in group settings as you continue learning and gaining confidence.

Please note that all public-facing volunteers are required to complete a background check through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). This is a standard and secure process that helps ensure safety and accountability across our programs.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes and communities. We are the most recent in a long line of stewards to this land, and it is our responsibility to do so with humility and respect. We are grateful to these tribes and their descendants for being the original and continuing stewards of these spaces, and encourage everyone to go beyond a land acknowledgment by supporting Indigenous communities and organizations in your area.

ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS: TKO seeks 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 this event, please click here to complete a short Google survey. TKO staff will then contact you to discuss options. Please note: available accommodations will vary by event and typically need to be requested a minimum of two weeks in advance. If you have any questions, reach out to us by clicking Contact near the bottom of this page.

EQUITY & INCLUSION: TKO seeks to make Oregon’s trails a place where people can go to connect with nature & one another. Not everyone feels safe or welcome in the outdoors due to issues like racism, bias, and hate. We commit to being part of the solution to this problem and to enact change. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target any individual or group will not be tolerated by TKO.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Your physical and emotional safety is our number one priority. If a person’s actions or comments make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you may: interrupt directly, tell a crew leader, and/or inform TKO staff via the post-event survey.

While TKO no longer requires masking/vaccination for our events, we do support those who choose to mask for their own safety. We ask participants to respect the health of folks who wear masks by distancing or wearing a mask while in close proximity.

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Host or Publisher Trailkeepers of Oregon