We’ve often said that our work is not possible without our volunteers, and that is true! But we don’t always have the chance to showcase some of these volunteers – people who love our public parks so much that they spend hours upon hours in the field to help care for them. In this article series, we aim to shine a spotlight on some of these volunteers and the contributions they’ve made to Forest Park Conservancy’s work.
Meet Thomas!
Thomas is a dedicated Forest Park volunteer, being in the top 5 for logged volunteer hours in our community. He is a Rapid Responder who has been frequenting Forest Park for decades, and now he gives back to his community through his volunteer work. As a Rapid Responder, he helps our team keep an eye on every mile of trail, a tall feat considering there are over 40 miles of soft-surface trails to monitor.
Earlier this summer, Thomas put this training to good use when he noticed and reported a fire that had started in Forest Park. Thanks to his actions, Portland Fire & Rescue was able to respond to the fire before it could grow and spread throughout the forest.
So let’s take a moment to learn a bit more about Tom, and the work he’s done to protect Forest Park.
When did you first start volunteering for FPC?
I started volunteering at a brushing party in November of 2022.
What led you to volunteer for FPC?
Forest Park is a special space, and for over twenty years it has been my favorite destination for trail running. Volunteering for FPC addresses multiple post-retirement objectives for me; to give back to the community, commune with like-minded people, and to play outside and be active.
Which volunteer event or which volunteer role do you most enjoy and why?
I am a Rapid Responder for Route 17, which is in the north part of the park. This includes some of my favorite trail segments. Now when I run, I scout for issues that could put park visitors and trail integrity at risk. I am a Route 17 advocate.
Additionally, through Strava, I met Bill Bannister, and through Bill, I met Marcia Hendersen. They both work in the park as Independent Volunteers. I’ve been working with them a couple of times a week, digging drains and ditches, benching, rebuilding trail tread, removing logs, clearing culverts, and restoring stream beds. I’ve been covered in sweat, mud, dust, and poison oak. It’s been a lot of work and fun. Bill and Marcia have been very generous in training me along the way.
What was the most rewarding moment during your volunteer time in 2023?
It is always a joy while doing volunteer work to engage park visitors that are passing through. They are generally grateful and sometimes exclaim things like: “I’ve been hiking these trails for 20 years and they have never looked this good!” or “Finally, you guys are addressing the mudslide from 1997”. Visitors care about the park and appreciate that it is in good hands. Quite often they want to know how they can get involved themselves.
Volunteering is also a learning experience, what are a couple of new things you learned in 2023?
The list of things I have learned from Bill Bannister and Marcia Hendersen is very long. I have to admit to enjoying moving logs and rocks.
Most importantly, I continue to develop my “trail eyes”, my ability to examine and assess the condition of a trail. As I scout a trail, I ask myself questions like; is this a good trail corridor? Is there proper drainage? Are there tripping hazards? Can someone get hurt? This kind of trail assessment and the practice of trail maintenance are continuous learning opportunities.
What is your favorite place or trail in Forest Park and why?
There is a bridge near mile 27 1/4 on Wildwood. From there, I am elevated above a ravine and a Wildwood switchback below. During a run, I always take a moment there to take in the forest, listen for birds and critters, and catch my breath.
When not volunteering, what do you like to do in your Forest Park?
When not volunteering, I like to run the trails.
Have you been inspired to join our volunteer team? Visit our Events Calendar today to see all of our volunteer and public event opportunities. It’s a great way to give back to your favorite public parks and meet our wonderful volunteer community!