What started as a school service project turned into something much bigger for two local students, Aaron and Alston. With a shared love of mountain biking—and a willingness to get a little silly for a good cause—the boys combined hands-on volunteer work with creative fundraising to support Northwest Trail Alliance (NWTA).
Over the course of several weeks, Aaron and Alston dedicated more than 24 hours to trail stewardship, contributing their time and energy across three regional trail systems: Rocky Point Trail System, LL Stub Stewart State Park, and Powell Butte Nature Park. Through digging, clearing, and maintaining trails, they experienced firsthand the effort required to keep outdoor spaces accessible and sustainable for the community.
Their project didn’t stop with trail work! Back at school, the pair created and presented detailed trifold displays, sharing what they learned about trail building, environmental stewardship, and NWTA’s mission with their entire 7th-grade class. Their goal: to inspire other students to get outside and recognize the value of caring for local outdoor spaces.
To amplify their impact, Aaron and Alston organized a fundraiser that reflected both their creativity and sense of humor. Held at Wilshire Park, the event invited friends to purchase water balloons for 50 cents each and throw them at the boys as they rode their mountain bikes in circles! The playful event drew a crowd, sparked conversations about trail stewardship, and raised an impressive $1,700 in donations for NWTA.
Behind the fun was a deeper motivation. Aaron shared that learning to ride a mountain bike was a meaningful gift in his life; one he hopes other kids can experience. Both boys also recognized the importance of creating more opportunities for young people to spend time outdoors, with Aaron noting that kids his age need to spend more time “away from screens.” Their volunteer work helped bring that idea to life, reinforcing NWTA’s mission to build, maintain, and promote sustainable trails for all.
By combining service, education, and a bit of good-natured chaos, Aaron and Alston demonstrated how youth-led initiatives can make a real difference. Their project not only supported local trails but also inspired their peers and community to think differently about giving back. NWTA is incredibly grateful for their impact and dedication to our mission.
And perhaps most importantly—they had a blast doing it.