Wilson River LGBTQ+ Trail Party (New Trail Construction) - PDX

Project Information:

We'll be removing branches and vegtation from the new trail's path. We'll use loppers and hand saws to clear shrubs and branches and digging tools to clear/transplant ferns. We'll work at a comfortable pace and take lots of breaks. This event is open to volunteers of any experience level -- all of the tools and techniques will be explained during the safety talk at the beginning of the day.

Hiking/driving information:

We'll only be hiking in a few hundred feet to our project area, but the ground is uneven since there's no trail yet so keep that in mind. The drive to the trailhead includes one mile on gravel roads that are in fair condition. There are large potholes that are avoidable and one dip that can be navigated by most small cars.

You should plan to participate in this trail party for its entirety. If you need to leave early, please contact the crew leader beforehand (their contact information will be sent out 48 hours before the event).

Event details:

Detailed event information, including directions to the precise meeting location, will be provided to registrants via email 48 hours prior to the event. If you're volunteering for the first time, read this blog by a volunteer to know what to expect at your first trail party.

What to bring:

• Plenty of water
• Snacks/lunch
• Work gloves if you have them (loaner gloves available)
• Any medications or emergency supplies you may need
• Sunscreen + insect repellent
• A pack to bring all of this with you on trail
• TKO provides all tools and personal protective equipment (hard hats, gloves, glasses)
• Need gear? TKO has clothes, boots, camping gear, and more available for loan. Reach out to [email protected] to let us know how we can help!

What to wear:

• Boots (Please wear something sturdy that will protect your toes from sharp tools. Tennis shoes are not recommended. Open-toed shoes will not be allowed.)
• Long sleeved shirts and pants
• Rain gear, insulating layers, sun protection, etc. as appropriate for the weather

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 ackowledgment 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, please contact TKO Stewardship Manager Lindsay McIntosh-Tolle at [email protected].

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.

Host or Publisher Trailkeepers of Oregon