A Message of Thanks from Evergreen
Time spent on a mountain bike is time well spent.
And if you’ve been fortunate enough to spend any time riding in Washington recently, you know that we have a lot to be thankful for.
An ever-expanding number of premium trails across our state is just scratching the surface of what we’re grateful for here at Evergreen. When you dig deeper into Washington’s riding scene, you’ll find a vast community filled with dedicated volunteers, trail builders, coaches, instructors, sponsors, local business owners and land managers.
The ecosystem of mountain biking is alive and well in Washington and YOU are an important part of it. For that, we’re thankful.
Read on to see what else Evergreen’s full-time crew is thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!
-Evergreen Staff
Yvonne Kraus
Executive Director
“There is so much community to celebrate, and so much collaboration, partnership, innovation and shared learning to be grateful for here at Evergreen!
I'm thankful for the bottomless inspiration by our members, support from our donors, innovation and encouragement from land managers, dedication from our volunteers and the incredible daily stoke of our riding community.
Our partners in conservation, recreation policy and land management encourage me to do my best every day, and I cannot underscore enough how much it means to me to work with you all, for Evergreen, to find balanced, sustainable and innovative recreation projects and solutions in the 'Washington Way.' Happy Thanksgiving!”
Mike Westra
Trails Director
“I’m thankful every day for the many awesome volunteers, builders, staff, partners, trails and landscapes I get to work with every day. It is such a privilege building trails with you all!”
Tara Moser
Operations Manager
“This year I'm thankful for our members. I'm continually blown away by the dedication and support that the community has for mountain biking in Washington.
Your support is helping build sweet singletrack and is making Washington THE best state to ride for generations to come! I’ll see you out on the trails!”
Patrick Walker
Sr Marketing Manager
“As a mountain biker I am thankful for all the years of effort put forth by riders all over the state to make trails happen.
Trail access and development of mountain bike trails doesn't just happen, it only happens because of the perseverance of dedicated riders and builders. It's amazing to see the progression of collaboration and the communities being built around the trails.
Builders, volunteers, riders, families, businesses and community leaders all coming together to build and ride together... it's awesome!"
Shawna Sherman
Finance Manager
“It takes a lot to pull off what Evergreen does. This year marks 30 years of doing great work, and with the organizational changes we've made we aim to be a stronger statewide non-profit for 30 years to come… and more!
To do that, it's taken hours of dedicated volunteer leadership to create the vision and strategy and a talented team of employees to pull off these changes along with trusted partners who understand where we're headed.
I'm thankful for our Board, staff, land managers and consultants that make the work we do possible. Here's to the next 30 years!”
Kristen McCune
Education Program Manager
“I'm thankful for the incredible dedication and expertise our volunteer instructors bring to Evergreen's education program.
The combination of passion and skill is what helps students not only be more confident on their bike, but also feel connected to our greater mountain bike community. I have so much to learn from all of them, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity!”
Cody Olsen
Trail Maintenance & Volunteer Manager
“I'm thankful for our strong community of volunteers and the numerous land managers that support, encourage, and allow Evergreen to positively impact mountain biking in Washington State.
Without devoted volunteers – whether they come to one work party a year or one hundred – our trails would not be in a condition to provide the world-class riding experience that we've all become accustomed to.
Alongside our volunteers are an incredible group of land managers that take the time and effort to foster trail maintenance and construction efforts on our publicly owned lands. We're living in a mountain bike wonderland!”
Ian Terry
Community Engagement Coordinator
“I’m thankful for the incredibly supportive riding community we have here in Washington.
When I’m on the trail, I always see riders helping each other out. I see experienced riders helping beginners, I see folks giving each other directions, I see friendly waves between complete strangers.
Mountain biking puts people in a good mood, and I’m thankful for that!"
Bobby Stewart
Operations Coordinator
“I'm thankful for how passionate and supportive Washington's huge community of mountain bikers is.
The contributions of countless people through their hard work on the trail and at events, or through their financial support of Evergreen's trail projects, advocacy initiatives and education projects is so important to the growing strength of mountain biking here.
I'm grateful to be part of a community that doesn't hesitate to chip in, and that is full of people eager to get their hands dirty and help out in one way or another!”
Travis Hornby
Central Chapter President & Project Manager
“I am amazed and grateful every year as I reflect on our community's accomplishments for mountain biking and recreation in our Central Chapter.
It is truly exciting and inspiring to be a part of this passionate community. Thank You!
Thank you for your time, your funding, and your dedication to making our chapter and the state a great place to ride.”