Exploring Resilience on the McCord Creek Falls Trail

Early in the morning on May 31 a group of OEC members and staff met up in a parking lot in the Columbia River Gorge. We gathered together to hike the Elowah Falls and Upper McCord Creek trails, led by long-time OEC member and Trailkeepers of Oregon volunteer Peter Reagan. Peter worked to rebuild the trail after the area was devastated in the Eagle Creek Fire in 2017. The air was crisp as we loosened up our muscles and enjoyed a final cup of coffee at the trailhead. The forecast promised a dry day in the 60s-perfect weather for a hike!

As soon as we gained enough distance that the roar of traffic on I-84 was no longer deafening, we gathered in a circle to introduce ourselves and share our personal connections to nature. Many of us touched on how the outdoors can calm our nervous systems, and promote both physical and mental wellness. We also discussed the impor tance of protecting natural spaces for our children and for future generations.

Along the trail, Peter pointed out how resilient nature is. Many trees had been charred in the fire, and showed no signs of life along their main trunks… but when we looked down, we saw numerous younger trees growing from their roots. Underbrush had grown back thick and lush in the burned areas. The fire was devastating, but nature found a way to reclaim the area.

As we continued deeper into the forest, Peter explained the ways that trails are built and maintained that many of us never think about. He discussed the process of building rock walls to keep hikers safe, the strate gy behind determining where to place stone benches so weary hikers may rest, and the rule that rocks that can be lifted by one person are not big enough to be used as steps. The work of the trail builders and maintenance volunteers is not often considered by those enjoying a hike, but it allows nature lovers to experience the outdoors safely.

Much like Peter and his fellow volunteers, OEC works behind the scenes to pass policies that benefit our communities, often in ways that go unseen. Many of the things that we take for granted in Oregon (curbside recycling, ample bike lanes, and toxic-free toys for our children, to name just a few) are the result of the hard work of the OEC staff and our partners.

As we near the end of the long legislative session, I am grateful to my colleagues on the program team who have been working so hard to improve the lives of Oregonians by fixing our transportation systems, ensuring that our homes are safe and resilient, monitoring and addressing groundwater quality, and protecting the health of our firefighters and communities by removing harmful PFAS from firefighting foam.

They do this work because of a love for Oregon and the people who live here-not for glory or recognition.

Spending the morning in community, feeling the burn in our muscles and the fresh air filling our lungs, and being reminded to look around and reflect on what we are seeing felt especially meaningful at this moment in time. As we pulled out of the parking lot and it began to drizzle, I felt deep gratitude for OEC's work, and for the members who make our work possible through deep care for each other, and the home we all share.

OEC's work to advance meaningful, lasting environmental progress is made possible by people across the state who care about safeguarding Oregon's future.

Make a difference. Become a member of OEC today .