Volunteer Spotlight: The REI CO-OP Team—The Spirit of Stewardship
Trail Adoption Program (TAP) Team: REI CO-OP – Gretna, NE
2025 Combined Volunteer Hours: 40 Hours
About REI CO-OP Trail Team
From the sales floor to the singletrack, the REI CO-OP (Gretna, NE) team brings their passion for the outdoors straight to the trails — volunteering with THOR to mow, trim, and prep local trails. Their hands-on energy and teamwork remind us that when local businesses and volunteers unite, good things grow on our trails. What stands out most about the local REI CO-OP crew is their collective love for the outdoors — and their belief that trails connect us all.
“If we all pitched in, it would have such a profound impact. Caring for trails keeps them healthy and accessible for everyone.” — Emily, REI
Supporting Trails, Strengthening Community
When you stop by the Gretna REI CO-OP, it’s clear the staff aren’t just passionate about outdoor gear — they’re passionate about the outdoors themselves. This crew doesn’t just talk the talk; they grab gloves, fire up trimmers, and join in to make our local trails better for everyone.
Recently, the local REI CO-OP team joined the THOR Trail Crew at Platte River State Park for a Community Trail Day to help prepare for two major events: the Nebraska Off-Road Race and THOR’s Good Vibes Ride. Together, they tackled mowing, trimming, and corridor clearing across key sections of trail, helping ensure the course was safe, smooth, and ready for riders.
“We all use these trails — and someone has to care for them. Volunteering is our way of giving back to a resource we all benefit from.” — Jason, REI CO-OP
Trail Work in Action
Trail workdays are hot, dirty, and immensely rewarding — and the REI CO-OP team showed up ready to roll. Working alongside THOR volunteers, they cleared overgrowth, widened sightlines, and prepped turns and connectors that see heavy use during events. The REI TAP Crew knows that every hour spent mowing, cutting back overgrowth, or clearing sightlines directly impacts the rider, hiker, or runner who hits that trail
The result? Faster, cleaner, safer lines for racers and community riders alike — and a real show of what happens when local businesses and nonprofits come together to care for shared spaces.
Jason, a Sales Specialist and In-Store Experiences Instructor, said volunteering helps him connect with both coworkers and the wider trail community:
“I use trails, and I understand that someone has to maintain them — volunteering is my way of giving back. I love connecting with other volunteers outside of REI and seeing the impact our work has on the community.”
For Emily, also a Sales Specialist, trail stewardship is about responsibility and advocacy:
“As an avid hiker, I use our local trails a lot. I think it’s natural for one to assume that the Parks Department maintains them all — but that’s not the case. I believe it’s our responsibility as advocates for the outdoors to do our part by keeping them clean and accessible. If we all pitched in, it would have such a profound impact.”
Why It Matters
Trails don’t just appear — they’re built, maintained, and protected by people who care. The REI CO-OP team embodies that spirit of care, helping to keep our trails open, safe, and enjoyable for every hiker, biker, and trail runner who sets foot (or tire) on the dirt.
From swinging loppers to sponsoring stewardship projects, their ongoing support helps THOR deliver on its mission: building and maintaining sustainable trails that connect people, parks, and community.
Beyond the Trail
The local REI CO-OP team’s commitment to the outdoors doesn’t stop with a pair of gloves and a rake. They actively support programs like Fontenelle Forest’s invasive vegetation management, THOR’s Trail Adoption Program (TAP), and even policy-level advocacy through REI’s “Outside in 5” mission — collecting postcards from Nebraskans to help ensure everyone has access to green space within five minutes of their home.
“Being able to take ownership of a space as an organization can have such a big impact,” said Emily. “The TAP program is super cool because it gives us a way to care for trails long-term.”
The team also volunteers at events like the Missouri River Outdoor Expo, where Emily recently helped fit helmets for new riders.
“It was inspiring to see people of all different ages excited to get on a bike and potentially pick up a new hobby,” she said.
More Than a Store
REI’s partnership with THOR goes beyond a single volunteer day. Through community grants, staff volunteer hours, and ongoing advocacy, the Omaha team consistently supports trail sustainability and stewardship across the region.
They’ve contributed to projects at Fontenelle Forest, Mandan Park, and other local green spaces — proving that their commitment to the outdoors extends far beyond the store’s walls.
“We all use these trails,” says Jason, REI CO-OP Sales Specialist and In-Store Experiences Instructor. “Volunteering is our way of giving back to a resource that we benefit from every day.”
Thank You, REI CO-OP of Gretna!
From mowing and trimming at Platte River State Park to advocating for trail access across Nebraska, the REI CO-OP team continues to show what community partnership looks like in motion.
You’re not just helping THOR maintain trails — you’re helping nurture a culture of stewardship, connection, and outdoor joy.
Want to join the REI CO-OP crew and THOR in making a difference?
Check out our Volunteer Opportunities or learn more about our Trail Adoption Program (TAP). Together, we can keep our trails rolling strong. Let’s build and maintain great trails together—see you out there!
Photos by Eric Freudenburg
