The mighty, the fearless…the just plain fun crew leaders of this year’s Volunteer Vacations in Oregon and Washington are Justin Brimer and Wes Jones. Leading groups of a dozen volunteers into the backcountry for seven days at a time requires an incredible amount of logistical preparation. These guys are getting it all dialed. They are passionate about the backcountry and dedicated to ensuring volunteers have rewarding experiences helping the trail. We’re proud to have them as part of the PCTA team.
Volunteer packer Jim Forsman helps Justin brush up on how to pack and weigh tools for pack animals.
Justin, our Crew Leader, was first hooked on backpacking via the Pinhoti trail in his native state, Alabama. He traveled the country and got four seasons of trail crew experience under his belt. He’s now called the Pacific Northwest home for the past few years and makes his living as a freelance journalist. With a passion in public lands and citizen stewardship, he sees himself using his writing skills more and more to benefit conservation. Rumor has it, Justin plays the mandolin.
Wes, our Assistant Crew Leader, hails from southern California, and is an avid rock climber and backpacker. Most recently he worked as a tour/volunteer organizer and adventure guide for Rancho Del Pueblo certified organic vegetable farm. He organized volunteer harvest days, local hikes and rock climbing outings in the Ventura County wilderness. Rumor has it, Wes can make a killer hot sauce.
There are still spots available on their next volunteer outing beginning Sept. 25 on Mount Adams. Contact [email protected] for information.
Justin Brimer
Wes Jones
Justin and Wes working to armor a stream crossing with rocks.