Meet the 2024 Trail Apprentices

Claire Cutler grew up in Kailua, Hawaii exploring Oahu’s mountains and ocean. She developed a love for environmental science and policy, and attended Georgetown University to study Science, Technology, and International Affairs. After graduating, she spent time serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA and living in Great Basin National Park. Claire began her time at the Continental Divide Trail Coalition as the organization’s Community Engagement Coordinator. In July 2024, she began her current role as the CDTC’s Trail Policy Specialist. She is an avid runner on both roads and trails and also enjoys hiking and reading.

I would like to eventually pursue a career in environmental and conservation law, focusing specifically on the intersection of land use, renewable energy, and conservation, which to me is inherently related to National Trails and public lands. In the meantime, I’m eagerly learning a lot about trail management and policy at the Continental Divide Trail Coalition.

I grew up hiking and running on beautiful trails in Hawaii and the Mountain West. I care about protecting these trails so that others can have meaningful experiences on trails throughout the country.

I was about thirteen years old when I ran my first trail race, which I did with my dad. It was by far the hardest race I had run up until that point, but I was absolutely hooked! Since then, I have run on trails with family members and friends in so many beautiful locations.

I was drawn to the Trail Apprentice Program because of the opportunity to meet other young people work in the trails space. Given the large geographic spread of National Scenic and Historic Trails and the typically small nature of the nonprofits that steward them, it can be challenging to meet other young people working in this industry, and the Trail Apprentice Program seemed like a great opportunity to do so! I was also drawn to the program by the opportunity to learn more about the management of and advocacy for National Scenic and Historic Trails besides the Continental Divide Trail.

Paola Gascot-Chinea recently graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, complemented by minors in Sustainability and Spanish, from the University of Denver. Originally from Puerto Rico but raised in Colorado, she has been fortunate to immerse myself in both cultures, which has profoundly shaped her passion for conservation and sustainability. Growing up in Puerto Rico, she was surrounded by lush vegetation and frequent rainfall, especially near the mountainous regions, creating some of her most cherished childhood memories. These experiences sparked her love for nature and outdoor activities. In Colorado, she further expanded her outdoor skills through camping, hiking, and exploring diverse landscapes, allowing her to experience and appreciate the natural beauty of both regions. This unique blend of cultural and environmental exposure has deepened her commitment to protecting and preserving our natural world, driving her to pursue a career dedicated to sustainability and conservation.

I aspire to build a career in forest research and hydrology, with a particular focus on conservation and management. This career path is directly related to the stewardship of National Trails and other public lands, as understanding and managing forest and water systems is vital for their long-term preservation and ecological health

I care deeply about trails because they represent a vital connection between people and the natural world. Growing up, I was always engaged with the land, soil, plants, and my surroundings. I believe that humans are meant to live in harmony with nature, though this balance has been disrupted over time. Trails serve as a link to this harmony, preserving a pathway that connects us to our natural heritage. They remind us of our relationship with the environment and the importance of nurturing it. Without this connection, we risk losing sight of what we aim to protect for future generations. Preserving trails is crucial for maintaining this bond and ensuring that future generations can experience and appreciate the natural beauty and serenity that these pathways offer.

One of my most memorable trail experiences occurred during a recent visit to Puerto Rico, where I explored various state parks and forests, including rainforests, dry forests, and swamp forests. The experience that stood out the most was in Guajataca State Forest, a small forest in the island’s northwest. The solitude and rich biodiversity made it unforgettable; the trail passed through dense forest, allowing close encounters with butterflies, diverse spiders, lizards, and birds. Additionally, I had the chance to explore a limestone cave. This summer was particularly special because it was the first time I hiked extensively across my home island, making the experience deeply meaningful to me.

What drew me to the Trail Apprentice Program is that it perfectly aligns with my career goals and passions. After graduating, I took the time to carefully consider my next steps to ensure I found the right position for my skills and interests. During this period, I realized that my true passions lie in forestry and hydrology. This program offers a unique opportunity to network with professionals, gain hands-on experience, and develop both personally and professionally in these areas. It represents a valuable step in my journey to build a successful career in environmental science and conservation.

Elizabeth Morales graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Environmental Studies, concentration in environmental justice and sustainability. Her professional journey began at Sustainable Silicon Valley, where she managed the Youth Air Quality Advocates Program. She worked closely with high school teachers to incorporate air quality curriculum and sensor technology into their classrooms, helping students understand and address air quality challenges in marginalized communities in Eastside San Jose, CA. Currently, she is a trail planning intern with the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, through the National Park Service’s youth programs. This internship has introduced her to trail network systems, where she is focused on identifying and addressing physical gaps along the Anza recreational retracement trail to enhance its connectivity along or near the historic corridor. She will soon transition into a Community Volunteer Ambassador role, continuing her involvement with the Anza Trail but from a different perspective. In, this new capacity, she will be working with volunteer programs at partner sites, furthering her commitment to community engagement and trail conservation. She is passionate about building a more resilient trail system network to address climate-induced changes and improve both our society and the environment. Outside of work and her future career endeavors, she enjoys hiking trails with her dog and boyfriend, crocheting, art, dance, and family time.

As part of her career journey, she has an aspiration to improve the way we advocate and teach about our public lands.

I care about trails because they serve as vital connections to nature, providing access to the serenity of the wilderness and the freedom of movement. Trails not only offer a path for personal reflection and tranquility but also bring communities together, fostering shared appreciation for the diverse environments they link. They are essential for promoting well-being, environmental awareness, and a sense of belonging.

One of the most memorable trail experiences I have had was getting to take my dogs on hiking trails and seeing their excitement when seeing a deer for the first time. The excitement in their eyes is the type of joy I have for learning more about trail networks

I was drawn to the Trail Apprentice Program because of the opportunity and experience. I would be capable of continuing my journey on connecting to history and culture, environmental conservation, community engagement and education, and indulge even more within my passion for the outdoors.

Loren Payne is a queer and trans Oregonian who grew up in Michigan, where they came to love all things outdoors. They graduated from the University of Michigan with a BS in Environmental Studies and a minor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. After graduation, Loren explored a variety of positions in the environmental field, including as a USGS Fisheries Intern, the Great Lakes Garden Steward at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, and a Habitat Restoration Specialist. For the past few years, Loren has worked as the Statewide Engagement Coordinator for Trailkeepers of Oregon, where they strive to connect people to the outdoors through meaningful volunteer experiences. Their passion for trails lies in the opportunities they provide for people of all backgrounds and abilities to connect with the outdoors, one another, and themselves, and making the outdoors and trails more accessible and inclusive is at the heart of their work. They live in Portland, Oregon with their partner, dog, and cat and enjoy hiking, camping, biking, playing soccer, finding fresh water to swim in, and reading.

I have had the privilege of experiencing the environmental field from a variety of positions and perspectives, and have found value in them all. The more I explore, the more sure I am that my calling is in connecting people to the outdoors in a way that is nourishing for both human communities and the natural systems that sustain us. As the environmental and outdoor fields continue to grow, I see countless ways I could achieve this. As long as I get to engage with diverse communities, experience and love the outdoors, and stay committed to continuous learning and growth, I’ll be happy.

I am passionate about trails because of the unparalleled opportunities they provide for people of all backgrounds and abilities to connect to the outdoors, one another, and themselves. The physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of outdoor time and play are invaluable, and trails are a widely available gateway into the outdoors that can double as educational spaces when responsibly paired with historical, cultural, and environmental resources. As someone with a background in conservation and restoration, I also see trails as a crucial way to provide access to natural areas that minimizes negative human-caused impacts on the environment, in some cases even directly bolstering conservation efforts.

Recently, myself and two of coworkers at Trailkeepers of Oregon hosted an LGBTQ+ volunteer trail stewardship event in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge that has been really sticking with me. It was my first event back after gender affirming surgery, and to be able to express my joy and excitement at being in the outdoors with a group of people who understood me on an intrinsic level felt so comfortable and right. I couldn’t have experienced the euphoria of embracing a newfound confidence and comfort in my body without community around me. The positive experience we created for ourselves and our volunteers, along with the unfortunate negative response from bigots online, reinforced the importance of building and supporting diverse communities on trails and in the outdoors.

I was drawn to the Trail Apprentice Program because I work for Trailkeepers of Oregon, a nonprofit trails organization, and was interested in broadening my view and understanding of the trails sector and community so that I may bring new and diverse perspectives into my work. I was particularly excited by the prospect of building skills and connections that will help to support greater diversity, equity, and inclusion on trails and in the outdoors while responsibly caring for our communities and natural spaces.

Natural spaces have always been something I’ve loved and been interested in learning about. Taking classes in geography and sustainability studies at UT Austin made me realize that I truly enjoy learning about the natural environment and how people interact with it in their own unique way. As an undergraduate, I’ve had the opportunity to undertake an internship with El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail for a semester. My advisor had recommended the internship because it married my interests in indigenous studies, GIS, and natural resource management. Working with spatial data and GIS-related software has been a new passion of mine since entering university. Working with computers, collecting field data, and map-making in ArcPro and QGIS are some of the main things I do at school and my internship as well as what I plan to do in the future for my career.

The Trail Apprentice Program feels like a natural next-step in my career. Before my internship with El Camino, I was unsure what I would like to do with my GIS skills as there are various career pathways available. Learning about the history and significance of the trail led to the realization that I now have a responsibility to ensure that the trail remains intact and that as many people as possible are aware of it. I would truly enjoy continuing to work in trail preservation through GIS or other related means.

Being in South-Central Texas, I have easy access to the Camino Historic Trail and have traveled it by car multiple times through the Bexar, Hays, Comal, and Travis counties. Many of the highways and roads in Austin are signed with El Camino markers. The Camino itself has a connection to my ancestry, as it was first a trail created and used by people indigenous to Texas. My ancestors likely used the trail for trade and/or hunt. As an indigenous person, I naturally have an interest in the environment and am strongly concerned for the conservation of natural spaces. Being connected to an indigenous worldview means that the outdoors are not only respected, but revered as an old and important family member. My internship with El Camino allowed me to contribute in my own way to the preservation of not only the trail, but as well as the environment.

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The Trail Apprentice Program has the opportunity to open doors for me to continue working for trail preservation.

Summer Williams is in her third year of undergrad at the UA, pursuing a degree in Journalism and a minor in Photography. Before settling in Southern Arizona for school, Summer lived in Florida, Virginia, and Colorado, where she experienced a variety of climates and outdoor adventures. This nomadic upbringing developed a passion for connecting with people and sharing their stories. She finds that nature also has many stories to tell, so she values exploring the relationships between humans and nature through photography and writing. While in Arizona, Summer has had the opportunity to report on local humanitarian non-profit organizations, small businesses, and the Arizona Scenic Trail. Since the environment is such a vast and diverse field to cover journalistically, Summer enjoys opportunities to develop her confidence and understanding of the outdoors and the systems that connect people with nature. She is excited to participate in the Trail Apprenticeship Program to learn and develop experience within the trails community while connecting with others in diverse environmental fields. When she is not hiking a trail, Summer spends much of her time in the dance studio, roaming art museums, exploring nature and city streets with her camera, or in a cozy coffee shop with a friend.

I am interested in a career in Environmental Photojournalism, but I am still discovering what that could look like. I grew up absorbing the work of documenters and photographers from platforms like National Geographic and LIFE Magazine, hoping to someday do work that takes me around the world and connects me with the people and nature within those places. However, environmental journalism is a broad field that takes a significant level of understanding and experience within the environment and the systems that govern humans’ relations to it. So, cultivating an understanding of how The National Trails and public lands, in general, interact with nature and connect people in sustainable ways relates to my career because it will inform my future research and impact the way I approach documenting environmental communities, management, and systems

I care about trails because they’ve always been a part of my life. I’ve moved around for as long as I can remember, and little did I know that the National Trails always connected me with the new places I called home. I’ve been to parts of The Florida National Scenic Trail, The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, and The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, to name a few. It’s an honor to work alongside the organization that supports the areas that shaped many of my learning experiences. Trails have been places to escape the busy cities or manicured suburbs I lived in, and they often acted as my classrooms throughout grade school. Through homeschooling, my mom, as my teacher, would cater our learning to the places we lived, so that often meant we visited trail sites to do science experiences or historical sites for our history lessons. The trails brought to life what I learned in school, and their impact is continually evident on every hike and visit I get to do.

This past spring, I connected with Gro girl Gro through the Arizona Scenic Trail to photograph and film one of their Trail Work Days. It was a great experience to document the AZ Trail staff and Gro girl Grow’s leadership pouring into the next generation of women while giving back to the environment and building community. The young girls were excited to learn about trail maintenance and work on the trail they would bike the next day, and I remember the sunset that evening was a golden ending to the long afternoon.

Last spring, I reported on the Arizona Scenic Trail for a class project. This opportunity connected me with various people who introduced me to the Partnership of the National Trails, and I learned about the Trail Apprenticeship Program. In pursuing a career in Environmental Photojournalism, I’ve sought opportunities to connect with environmental organizations and systems to better understand human relations and governance with nature. The Trail Apprenticeship sounded like the perfect opportunity to grow my skillsets and knowledge of the outdoors, as it offers so much in career exploration, leadership development, and community-building. I’m excited to grow my expertise and connect with others I wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to.