Adopt a crag: Outdoor Pursuits gives back

Early in morning, 25 NIC students set off in the rain with garbage bags in hand, and hiked around the trails of Q’emiln Park, Post Falls, in search for loose trash that littered the area. For about four hours, the groups worked to clear out any garbage they found.

Adopt A Crag, a volunteer activity that began in 2006, and is sponsored by Outdoor Pursuits and the Access Fund is a nonprofit organization that promotes the cleaning of climbing areas around local parks and recreational areas. The event took place on Sept. 17 this year.

A volunteer returns with a garbage bag after cleaning trash from the trails and climbing spots of Q’emiln Park in Post Falls, Idaho.

After they were done cleaning, the group gathered at a meeting spot to enjoy hamburgers, warm coffee, and different snacks in celebration of the work they had accomplished.

Through the pouring rain and cold, the students of NIC managed to have a good time and beautify the trails and climbing spots of Q’emiln Park at the same time.

Jordan Nespitt, the head of Adopt A Crag, states that people’s love for climbing and the need to promote the health and growth of their local crag is what keeps volunteers coming back. That, and the fact that there is burgers and snacks available after the cleanup.

Jordan Nespitt, head of Adopt A Crag, begins cooking the hamburgers in preparation for the returning volunteers.

Nespitt, also an intern of Outdoor Pursuits,  coordinates with sponsors and volunteers to bring it all together. Her love for the beautiful nature of the northwest enticed her into volunteering as the leader.

The volunteers of Adopt A Crag prep their burgers before enjoying them after the clean-up.

Jesse McIntosh, a forestry major, needed 15 hours of participation for one of the forestry classes he is taking. McIntosh is a local climber and believes that helping in the Adopt A Crag benefits both himself and the local crags.

“It’s a win-win,” he said.

Adopt A Crag volunteers gather after the event to enjoy hamburgers in celebration of their accomplishment.