For many people, the first step toward becoming a trail steward isn’t picking up a McLeod. It’s simply spending time outdoors, riding a bike, and discovering why these places matter.
That spirit was on full display at Chehalem Ridge Nature Park on May 30, when Northwest Trail Alliance partnered with Adelante Mujeres, a Forest Grove nonprofit that provides holistic education and leadership opportunities for Latine women and their families. Through Adelante Mujeres’ Adult Education Leadership program, supported by Metro, participants spent the day exploring the park, caring for its trails, and building lasting connections with one another.
Nearly 30 volunteers gathered for a day that blended mountain biking, stewardship, family activities, and shared meals into one memorable experience.
Participants divided into several groups throughout the day. One group of 12 riders pedaled three miles to the Iowa Hill lookout, learning how to ride together as a group while navigating shared trails and taking in sweeping views of Washington County’s rolling hills and native wildflowers. Along the way, one family shared that they had previously volunteered in the park planting native vegetation and were excited to experience the trails from a different perspective.
Meanwhile, another group grabbed trail tools and headed out to brush back overgrown vegetation, improving sightlines and creating a clearer path for future trail users. The work helped make the trails more welcoming while giving participants a firsthand look at what goes into caring for shared outdoor spaces. One volunteer summed up the experience perfectly:
“This nature is so cool.”
A third group of riders explored the trails later in the day, enjoying the park with a newfound sense of pride after contributing to its care.
Back at the pavilion, the community atmosphere continued. Children practiced riding circles with encouragement from their parents, families created nature-inspired crafts, and everyone gathered around a potluck featuring dishes from participants, including homemade Cuban ropa vieja.
We know that trails are places where people learn new skills, discover nature, build friendships, and develop a lasting commitment to caring for the places they enjoy.