Northwest Trail Alliance (NWTA) was proud to take part in the Tillamook State Forest’s Mega Trail Spring Cleanup and party on Saturday, April 18th, a standout day of stewardship, collaboration, and community.
This large-scale effort was spearheaded by the State Forests Trust of Oregon, which brought together an impressive coalition of partners: NWTA, Trail Keepers of Oregon, Westside Trail Federation, Daybreak Racing, and Oregon Equestrian Trails. In total, 70 dedicated volunteers spread out along the 9-mile Browns Camp Loop, tackling much-needed maintenance, including brushing, drainage improvements, and tread repair, all in a single day.
With beautiful weather setting the tone, the day carried an energetic and positive vibe as volunteers worked side by side, united by a shared commitment to caring for Oregon’s public lands.
After the tools were put down, everyone gathered to celebrate with a catered lunch generously provided by the State Forests Trust of Oregon, which also contributed a variety of raffle prizes that added to the festivities.
This event highlights the power of partnership. Each of these groups works closely with the Oregon Department of Forestry to help ensure that trails in the Tillamook State Forest remain accessible and sustainable. Public lands are central to life in the Pacific Northwest, with approximately 3.8 million Oregonians utilizing them each year. Thanks to volunteer-driven stewardship like this, roughly 90% of Oregonians get outside to recreate, supporting not only community well-being but also outdoor recreation, which is the leading driver of tourism in the state.
A special thank you goes to NWTA Local Stewardship Team (LST) member Nathan Frechen for his leadership in planning and coordinating this effort across multiple organizations, including the Trust and the Oregon Department of Forestry. His dedication, organization, and enthusiasm for bringing people together made this impactful and memorable event possible.