We are excited to announce a new addition to the FPC team! Kyla Jarka has been hired on to join our team as FPC’s new Trails Manager & Stewardship Coordinator. In this role, Kyla will support our trails and stewardship programs through field work, volunteer management, and program development. Her work will focus on keeping Forest Park and Marquam Nature Park safe, accessible, and ecologically healthy with the help of our incredible volunteers.
Kyla comes to us with experience working for the Student Conservation Association, Lincoln Park Conservancy, Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District, and the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs. She has extensive experience maintaining both urban and backcountry trails, completing habitat restoration, managing volunteers and field crews, and collecting ecological data.
We are excited to have Kyla as part of the FPC team and look forward to seeing how she improves our work in caring for Forest Park and Marquam Nature Park.
“Growing up in Portland, I used to take my easy access to our beautiful and lush urban forests for granted. But living out of the state for 8 years showed me how unique and valuable Forest Park and Marquam Nature Park are to the community health, climate adaptability, and overall vitality of Portland. I’m honored to work in and for these publicly-owned lands, and to continue FPC’s mission of promoting equitable access and community stewardship of these forests for generations to come. I am excited to get to know Forest Park and Marquam Nature Park even better, as well as our volunteers, community members, and park visitors. If you see me knee-deep in black berries or brushing the trails, please say hi!”
-Kyla Jarka, Trails Manager & Stewardship Coordinator