Register Now for Tour Operators, Guides & Outfitters Training

Travel Oregon is hosting a two-day training for tour operators, guides and outfitters, Nov. 5 - 6 at Marine Park Pavilion in Cascade Locks. Those interested in developing or expanding new guided visitor experiences are encouraged to attend. The first day of the training will help businesses identify, understand and attract their ideal customer. The second day will provide guidance on public lands permits, setting up successful business operations and providing excellent customer service.

Registration is required, along with a $30 fee for the two-day training (or $15 per day). Register online.

Photo by Brooke Weeber

Travel Oregon Awards $141,816 for Local Outdoor Recreation Projects

Travel Oregon awarded $141,816 in matching grants to organizations around the state to enhance, expand and promote local outdoor recreation assets and projects. Projects include developing new bike infrastructure and hiking trails, as well as marketing bike and skier-friendly accommodations. A total of 30 projects received funding, including nine specifically related to outdoor recreation. Learn more about all of the awarded projects.

Photo by Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory

Opportunities to Give Back on National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day was established in 1994 to celebrate the connection between people and green space in their community. It has become the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. This year on National Public Lands Day, Saturday, Sept. 28, consider joining one of the following volunteer events:

Deschutes County: Join the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Prineville District and the local community for a family-friendly, community-based river clean up along the Lower Deschutes Wild & Scenic River. The cleanup will begin at 9 a.m. at the BLM’s Bakeoven Facilities on the hill above Maupin.

Columbia River Gorge: Participate in a day of stewardship organized by REI Co-op, the U.S. Forest Service, Washington State Parks and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to give back to the Gorge on National Public Lands Day. The meet up will take place at 8:30 a.m. at Beacon Rock State Park. Volunteers will be assigned to sites throughout the Gorge.

More National Public Lands Day events around the state can be found here.

American Trails Webinar Series: Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI)

Tune into this webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. hosted by the Partnership for the National Trail System, the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance, and American Trails. Presented by The Avarna Group, this webinar will help organizations articulate what they mean when talking about JEDI and its importance.

Learn more about the webinar, learning objectives and presenters and register today.