Trail Ambassador Spotlight: Alexandria
My connection to public lands didn’t start with a title or an organization — it started with time outside. Like so many others, the mountains, trails, and quiet places of Idaho became where I learned resilience, responsibility, and gratitude. Over time, that personal connection grew into a deeper understanding of how fragile and important our shared landscapes truly are.
I am the founder of Mountain West Recreation Alliance (MWRA), a 100% volunteer-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting and enhancing multi-use and 80” trail access across Idaho and the greater Mountain West. What began as small cleanups and community trail days has grown into bridge builds, fencing projects, signage installs, habitat restoration, youth education, and long-term partnerships with land managers and agencies such as Idaho Parks & Recreation, BLM, the Forest Service, and Idaho Fish & Game.
As a Trail Ambassador, my role is rooted in education, stewardship, and collaboration. I believe responsible recreation is not about restricting access — it’s about earning it. That means showing up, listening to land managers and local communities, teaching Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace principles, and leading by example on and off the trail.
I am also an EMT and currently in paramedic school, which deeply informs how I approach outdoor stewardship. Working in emergency services has reinforced the importance of preparedness, risk awareness, and community responsibility in remote environments. On the trail, that means promoting safe, informed recreation and understanding that our actions — or inaction — can have real consequences for ourselves, other users, and first responders.
Beyond MWRA, I am a Wilderness First Responder, Master Tread Trainer, Idaho Master Naturalist, business owner, and mom. Balancing these roles has reinforced why access to nature matters — it is where people heal, connect, and grow. I am especially passionate about introducing youth and families to outdoor stewardship so the next generation understands not just how to recreate, but how to care for the places they love.
I’ve always preferred being the behind-the-scenes person, and I’ll be the first to admit that writing about myself doesn’t come naturally. But I also know the value of sharing my journey — because the trails I’ve walked and the projects I’ve been part of might inspire someone else to start their own journey, or to keep going when they think they can’t. I invite you to grab a coffee with me or join me around a campfire for a real conversation — one where we dive into each other’s stories, knowing that every experience shared has the power to guide, encourage, and spark the path forward for someone else.
Trail Ambassadors help bridge the gap between users and land managers. We are the boots on the ground, the voices of accountability, and the reminder that public lands belong to all of us — and that stewardship is a responsibility, not an option.
Be kind. Smile. Rove.
— Alexandria
Founder | Mountain West Recreation Alliance
