In the green refuge of Tryon Creek, two bald eagles soar side by side, their rare appearance seeming to bless the efforts of Friends of Tryon Creek. Their flight marks a promising start for a new education pavilion honoring Indigenous culture and traditions, built to reflect traditional longhouses and plank houses. For those in the Portland and Vancouver metro areas, Tryon Creek is more than a sanctuary; it’s become an educational hub for the region.
While the pavilion is new, the nonprofit’s education work is not. They see over 600,000 visitors to the park annually, to hike, for field trips, after-school programs, summer camps, and nature exploration. But now they have more indoor classroom space and protection from the elements, not to mention a roster of artwork from local Indigenous artists.
“We’re a mission-aligned organization that works closely with Oregon State Parks to benefit this urban forest,” shares Executive Director Gabe Sheoships. “We do that through environmental education, restoration, and free public programming that connects people to the land.”
Community Banking Supports Local Organizations
Community partnerships are essential to supporting organizations like Friends of Tryon Creek, which rely on donations and sponsorships. Bank of the Pacific makes such contributions through event sponsorships and financial support.
“As a community bank, it’s important for us to invest in grassroots work like this,” says Chad Marting of Bank of the Pacific. “It’s about connection to nature, to education, and to each other.”
Connecting Kids and Families to Nature
With the expansion, Friends of Tryon Creek now hosts larger field trips, expanded summer camps, and connects more people with local natural spaces. The heart of the organization is a deep commitment to the land and environmental education to help ensure the land’s preservation for generations to come.
Programs are intentionally designed through a cultural and community-centered lens, helping participants not only understand nature but also their place within it. “One of the biggest impacts is getting kids connected and interested in their surroundings,” says Marting. “That connection to nature and education is massive.”
It’s not just for children. Friends of Tryon Creek has also created a workforce training program for people interested in environmental careers or pursuing education in the field. Many programs and events are open to all ages, making it easy for adults to participate.
Building Success From Participant to Park Ranger
While no workforce program can guarantee a job, Friends of Tryon Creek’s program has already seen meaningful success. Sheoships recently watched a participant in the Green Leaders workforce program land a highly competitive park ranger position.
“They became familiar with the park, the programs and the work,” Sheoships says. “When a park ranger position opened, they applied and got the job.” Their hands-on experience and familiarity with park operations helped set them apart from other candidates.
Tryon Creek Offers a Healing Nature Escape
As if they weren’t already doing enough, Friends of Tryon Creek’s work goes beyond education and job opportunities. It’s also a place where community is built.
Programs are designed for inclusion, creating pathways to welcome people who may not otherwise have access to nature. One example includes partnering with the Merry Hearts Children’s Camp to provide kids with heart conditions an opportunity to experience the outdoors.
“It’s a welcoming, inclusive community that really has space for everybody,” Sheoships says.
As access to green spaces becomes increasingly limited, their commitment to accessibility becomes ever more important. “There are so many challenges in the world,” he adds. “Having equitable access to nature and free programming is more important than ever.”
What’s Next for Tryon Creek
As the new pavilion settles into the ground, Friends of Tryon Creek can enjoy the expanded space and enrich the area with more educational opportunities. From cultural events and field trips to summer camps, community science and restoration projects, opportunities for deeper engagement continue to grow.
“We want to continue growing our programs and working with community partners,” says Sheoships. “Everything we do is about supporting the park and the people who rely on it.”
For those living in the area, it means more opportunities to learn, connect, and experience one of the area’s most treasured natural spaces. But they can’t do it without community support, whether it’s volunteering or donating. Every action counts.
For many, it all starts with a simple visit, and as they explore the area, it often becomes something much more.
To learn more about Friends of Tryon Creek, visit their website. To learn more about Bank of the Pacific and their support of local community organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest, visit the Bank of the Pacific website.
Bank of the Pacific is a member FDIC.
Sponsored
