WILDERNESS AMBASSADORS

WHAT ARE WILDERNESS AMBASSADORS?

Wilderness Ambassadors are a special type of volunteer. Experts at public engagement and education, these adventurous folks head out on some of the most beloved wilderness trails on Mt Hood and in the Columbia River Gorge to share Leave No Trace principles, hiking etiquette, and trail stewardship with trail users.

These volunteers also gather data on physical and social trail conditions, perform some light stewardship projects, and help to train new Wilderness Ambassadors as they enter the program.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A WILDERNESS AMBASSADOR?

First of all, we ask that you fill out the Wilderness Ambassador Volunteer application. This application give you a chance to share a bit about yourself, your skill set and will help us tailor the training process to you.

Fill out the Wilderness Ambassador Application

Once you enter the training process of becoming a Wilderness Ambassadors, there are a few steps to take.

1

Take the online Trail Ambassador training. This is a short virtual training that can be done on your own time and will give you an introduction to TKO and Ambassador volunteering in general. These trainings will equip you with the resources to feel confident when talking to visitors.

Take the Trail Ambassador Training

2

Attend an in-person Wilderness Ambassador Training. These 1-day trainings take place in the spring and early summer and will cover all the specifics of the Wilderness Ambassador program. Topics covered will include safety procedures, advanced public engagement techniques, hike scheduling, and data reporting.

Attend a Wilderness Ambassador Training

3

Attend a minimum of 3 mentorship hikes. You will be paired with a current Wilderness Ambassador who will mentor and evaluate your skills on trail and give you opportunities to practice what you’ve learned. Once you and your mentor both feel like you have a solid grasp on the volunteer experience, you’ll be able to schedule and go out on your own hikes. These hikes will be arrange after you attend the Wilderness Ambassador Training.

CURRENT VOLUNTEERS

LOGIN HERE

Wilderness Ambassador Cache

Building a Trail Ambassador Network

Trail Ambassadors has been a collaborative effort from the start. This program is built on the foundational idea that nonprofit partners, agencies, and the public are more powerful together than apart. This program is the result of many years of hard work from the partners listed here. TKO works with an extensive network of partners to support this program. We are always excited to partner with new volunteer groups who might be look for skills training, or new land managers who might be looking for field support.

If you are involved with a nonprofit, agency, or business interested in becoming a part of the Trail Ambassador Network, please email:

natalie.ferraro@trailkeepersoforegon.org

Want to Get Involved?

Email volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org for more information on the this and other TKO programs.

Or contact us at:

Trailkeepers of Oregon
P.O. Box 14814
Portland, Oregon 97293
(971) 206-4351

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