Northwest Trail Alliance is thrilled to welcome Nancy Stone to our staff as the first full-time Trail Stewardship Director!
Nancy is no stranger to the NWTA community — she began volunteering with NWTA in 2018 and joined the board in 2019. She took the helm of creating our trail education and sustainability programs, and was instrumental in forming NWTA’s Trail Sustainability Institute (TSI). She also helped launch NWTA’s Trail Sisters, leading group rides and holding skills clinics for the women of NWTA. Nancy also has taught many NWTA members through trail school classes and crew leader training.
When asked why this stewardship role resonates with her, Nancy states that the definition of stewardship itself is key.
“Stewardship is the job of supervising or taking care of something. The concept is that if you love and value something or someplace, you physically care for it. For me, this is our green spaces; our wild places. The places where we find refuge and peace. Recreating in these places is important; but even more so, doing it responsibly and keeping our impact as low as possible so that those who come after us have a place to enjoy as well.”
A life-long lover of being outdoors, Nancy first started mountain biking in 2017 and celebrates that her bike takes her to some pretty spectacular places. “The outdoors have a huge role in my life,” she notes. “Whether I’m hiking, foraging mushrooms, camping, snowshoeing, backpacking, paddling a canoe, or growing my own food, as long as I am outside with a little dirt under my nails, I’m happy.”
NWTA is ecstatic to welcome her to the team, and assures her that her new role will include plenty of dirt under her nails.
You can reach Nancy at [email protected].
—A special thank you to each and every member, sponsor, and supporter of NWTA that has helped make this new role possible for your trails. The Trail Stewardship Director is a 100% trail-focused position, bridging the communication between volunteers and land managers. The Trail Stewardship Director will work closely with lead volunteers to advance trail maintenance and new build projects. Further, this position will be able to continue to grow and mature our Trail Sustainability Institute training programs and expand course offerings. Be on the lookout for big projects at Hagg Lake, the Tillamook State Forest, Stub Stewart, Cascade Locks, and through Portland City parks. Thank you for your support to make this role a reality!