“A huge shoutout to everyone who has volunteered with Evergreen over the past year, whether it was the first time or the thousandth time. Evergreen would not exist without you!” says Evergreen’s Statewide Volunteer Program Manager, Brandon Lester. 

Take a look at what Evergreen volunteers have accomplished this year:

There are so many of you to thank, but a few who stand out for their exceptional efforts and generosity of time. The following volunteers have been selected as Volunteers of the Year by Evergreen’s chapter councils, statewide boards, staff, and other volunteers. Each of these folks will receive a patch of honor to wear on their packs as well as a new jersey to wear out on the trails! If you see these folks, be sure to say hello and thanks!

We’re proud to introduce you to Evergreen’s 2025 Volunteers of the Year!

Cascades to Sound Chapter

Arnie Mondloch

Volunteer focus: Trail Work Parties & Events

Testimonial: Arnie Mondloch is a dedicated Duthie local and active trail gnome, volunteering year-round, supporting Evergreen Trail Work Parties and Events. Arnie greets everyone with a quick smile, making other volunteers feel welcome, while instructing new volunteers on proper drainage and trail maintenance techniques.

Favorite Story: Living near the park allows Arnie the opportunity to deliver some of the first park status and downed tree reports, and he has spent many days helping clean up Duthie Hill after heavy windstorm damage. He also has kept work parties going strong by repairing and replacing worn out tools and rebuilding wheelbarrows at home.

Fun Fact: Arnie saved Take A Kid Mountain Bike Day's dual slalom races on Deuces Wild this year by running home to get his air compressor to replace a faulty one for the pneumatic start gate. Huge thank you for that, all the trail work, and booth support at Events!

Words from Arnie: I'm proud to be an Epic member and wish there were more Epic members!

Ashley McDonald

Volunteer focus: Events

Testimonial: Ashley has been massive in organizing events for the CTS chapter this year! While not always in the spotlight, she's been the glue behind the scenes organizing Duthie Jam and Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day. Both were large undertakings for a volunteer, but she kept everything moving forward with her calm and organized approach. While events are always a team effort, rockstars like Ashley are needed to organize the chaos and make events successful. On top of this, she and her family are also ambassadors and active in keeping Duthie in tip top shape.

Fun Fact: She's also a DJ for KEXP!

Bobbie Howard

Volunteer focus: Crank Sisters

Testimonial: Bobbie is the kind of volunteer every community dreams of having. Her leadership, generosity, and steady presence have shaped the culture of Crank Sisters in profound ways. As our Ride Leader Director, she gives endlessly of her time and energy, lifting up new riders, empowering new leaders, and creating a safe, welcoming space for women and co-ed riders alike. Whether she’s organizing rides, offering guidance, or quietly stepping in to help wherever needed, Bobbie shows up with heart, competence, and genuine care for the people around her. Our program is stronger, more inclusive, and far more vibrant because of her.

Favorite Story: One of our favorite stories about Bobbie is the season she decided to take on enduro racing. She committed herself wholeheartedly, spending the off-season and early spring sharpening skills, riding technical terrain, and pushing well outside her comfort zone. In a single season, she elevated her riding from low-intermediate to true advanced enduro proficiency—and she did it with her signature mix of grit, humor, and humility. Her progress inspired countless Crank Sisters riders who watched her model exactly what we tell new participants: growth happens when you’re willing to try, fail, learn, and try again. Bobbie didn’t just level up her own skills—she showed others what’s possible.

Fun Fact: In addition to her deep involvement with Crank Sisters, Bobbie is also an active ride leader for Cascade Bicycle Club, leading both road and gravel rides. Her versatility across cycling disciplines makes her a uniquely well-rounded leader—and showcases just how much she gives back to the broader cycling community.

Catherine Gard

Volunteer focus: Trail Work Parties

Testimonial:  Cat volunteers a huge amount of time to Evergreen across the state. While raising four boys and working two jobs she still can be found driving to far off places, sleeping in a car, and braving weather conditions all with a smile and a positive attitude. Always a silver lining when working with Cat.

Favorite Story: Cat is very simply ALWAYS excited to be outside. Nothing seems to dampen her spirits. Quite literally.

Words from Cat: “Volunteering for Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance has been such a rewarding experience for many reasons beyond helping to build and maintain fun mountain bike trails! It has given me countless opportunities to camp, ride, and explore new places I would never had explored otherwise, making lifelong friends, and connecting with a community that also values stewardship and sustainability of outdoor recreation. I look forward to continuing to volunteer with Evergreen!”

Gordon Brandt

Volunteer focus: Dirty Dozen volunteer lead

Testimonial:  Gordon has been the muscle behind the Dirty Dozen trail challenge the last two years. He rallies each chapter to make the selection of 12 trails, and spends his spring/summer/fall traveling around Washington State to promote the Dirty Dozen trails, connecting with other Dirty Dozen riders to encourage participation.

Erin Martin

Volunteer focus: Trails and Education

Testimonial: Erin has been at the forefront to support our adaptive mountain bike program through education and trails. She is one of our lead coaches and has been one reason why EMBA’s aMTB programs continue to grow. Erin has also been a huge proponent for accessible trails. She has provided EMBA Staff with feedback to enhance accessibility at the trailhead and the trails themselves. She has spent many hours “testing” trails to see if they are accessible.

Favorite Story: This past summer Erin and I “tested” all of the front-side trails at Raging River. When we rode Ferdinand the Bull (likely first aMTB descent) and Executive Decision, she asked if I thought the trails would “go.” I smiled, and before I knew it she was already going down the trail and shouted, “I’ll find out!”

Fun Fact: Erin is Nordic Paralympian and is training hard this winter to qualify for the 2026 Paralympic team! She loves sour gummies!

Jessica Mavica

Volunteer focus: CTS Chapter Council, Events

Testimonial: 
Jessica is deeply engaged across the Cascades to Sound MTB community both for Evergreen and as a Sturdy B. Her contributions to the CTS board have been instrumental in our success; and her energy and enthusiasm is infectious. Yes Jess!

Kevin Loper

Volunteer focus: CTS Ambassador, Trail Work Parties

Testimonial: Kevin Loper is an Evergreen Ambassador clocking in dozens of volunteer days over the past years' Trail Work Parties and Events. Kevin has developed keen precision with the flathead shovels and rakes, shaping countless berms, jumps and rollers, while helping to teach other volunteers trail building skills. 

Favorite Story: Keep an eye out for Kevin's custom made helmet propeller, spinning above a welcoming smile. He's happy to help new riders with directions or questions, while spreading the good word about Evergreen membership, community, and joining trail work parties. You may even get handed one of his fun homemade stickers as well!

Not too exciting but Kevin spent maybe more time on the dual slalom project than even our employees. I could see his confidence build out on the trail daily.

Fun Fact: “Kevin can ride his Dirt Jumper bike for more miles than you... Even completing tough hilly routes like the Stinky Spoke on a DJ, impressive!”

Vince Haag

Volunteer focus: CTS Ambassador, Trail Work Parties

Testimonial:  Vince is leading work parties on his own up on Raging and Tiger. The dedication to our trails Vince offers goes above and beyond anything I’d expect of an Evergreen volunteer.

Words from Vince: "I'm honored to be nominated.  I started volunteering a few years back just to satisfy that itch of “giving back” but instead found a bit of a passion for me.  It took me awhile to get comfortable hosting work parties but stepping up to do that this past year has been enlightening.  It turns out I not only enjoy working on trails by myself but sharing the experience and knowledge with others is also very satisfying."

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Central Chapter

Julie Ellington

Volunteer focus: Central Chapter Executive Council (Treasurer)

Testimonial:  What doesn't make Julie a rockstar!? From hosting volunteer work parties, being the chapter's treasurer, to hosting events at her home for the chapter, Julie has volunteered her time, resources, and hospitality to the chapter since 2018.

She's sat on just about every committee at one point in time, has been responsible for fundraising hundreds of thousands of dollars, assisted with putting on large scale events, keeps the board in check when needed as it's longest current running executive member as treasurer, and brings a smile to all the meetings.

Keary Kunz

Volunteer focus: Membership, Events, Trails

Testimonial:  Keary is a constant positive fixture at Evergreen Central events. Whether it's a membership drive at Number Two Canyon, volunteering for local events, or pounding the dirt for a work party, Keary is always ready to help out and always brings a laugh, a smile and a story to tell.

Favorite Story: Keary is never shy about talking to trail users about Evergreen Central's impact on the trails and how they can be a part of our success. Whenever he goes on a ride or works at a membership drive, he makes a point to talk to trail users and paints a positive picture of how Evergreen Central funds, builds, and maintains the trails they're enjoying. During one work party, on Community Property in Number Two Canyon, Keary, always the engineer, noticed that there was ample room to mow the sides of the trail instead of using an electric weedwhacker. So he brought up his riding lawnmower and made quick work of the tall grass.

Fun Fact: Keary likes to spend his free time at his cabin on Lake Roosevelt.

Words from Keary: "This is quite an honor.  I've enjoyed the trails in our area for a number of years, and it is a pleasure to be involved with the Central Chapter.  I have yet to meet an officer,  leader, or other volunteers of any of our events that isn't just a joy to work with.  I could use the phrase that I enjoy giving back, but any involvement that I have just increases the benefit I receive from being associated with this group of people."

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Columbia Basin Chapter

Ben and Lara Floyd

Volunteer focus: Chapter Council and Trails

Testimonial: Ben and Lara Floyd have been working together as a team to secure  MTB access on public lands here in the Columbia Basin.   Doing all the hard, behind the scenes work that most people don't want to do.  Their knowledge, expertise and involvement is invaluable and a game changer for our MTB community.

Fun Fact: They worked together in Washington DC when they were younger, and now they adventure together as grandparents.

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Cowlitz - Naches Chapter

Tyler Forman

Volunteer focus: Board of Directors Vice President, Chapter Council President

Testimonial:  Tyler has been a very active and engaged volunteer for the last year and a half serving on the advocacy committee. His measured and balanced thoughts and opinions have been vital to helping ensure the organization stays aligned with our mission.

Fun Fact: Tyler has been a dedicated volunteer and the Chapter President for the Cowlitz-Naches Chapter since its formation in 2017.

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East Chapter

Elaine and Dustin Irons

Volunteer focus: Group Rides and community building

Testimonial: Elaine is the East chapter group ride coordinator and Dustin is an expert grill-master for post ride gatherings as well as for other events like work parties and even board meetings. On rides both Dustin and Elaine are always inviting and inclusive for everyone and make sure we all have an enjoyable experience. But even more special, they make the rides fun and inspiring by having themes with costumes, inviting other volunteers to lead and share their favorite trails, and reaching out to folks who are new to the area and/or new to mountain biking.

Favorite Story: After our first group ride of the year we were grilling hot dogs and Dustin went around in the parking lot inviting EVERYONE to come have some food and socialize with us. We made lots of new friends - not to mention sold some merchandise and gained a few memberships!

Fun Fact: The most popular member of this family is probably Zissou the French Bulldog

Words from Elaine: "We have so many great volunteers at Evergreen East, it's an honor to be nominated!  I definitely couldn't do it without my better half, Dustin."

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Kittitas Chapter

Katie Newhall

Volunteer focus: Chapter Council, Events

Testimonial: Katie joined our chapter council a couple years ago and immediately volunteered to take on the role of chapter secretary. Katie is all about volunteering as she has volunteered to organize several chapter events as well as attend the events of other organizations as the chapter representative. We are lucky to have Katie in our chapter, and want to make sure that she is recognized for her outstanding contribution.

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Methow Chapter

Dave Baillie

Volunteer focus: Trails, Chapter Council, Events

Testimonial: Dave has an unstoppable positive attitude. He's always asking 'how can I help?' he shows up to almost every dig day and since he joined council in May 2025, he's contributed in big ways to chapter planning, strategy, and is always available to help coordinate events. All around awesome teammate.

Favorite Story: Dave showed up to a dig day when he had previously said he was going to be out of town. He broke a toe so couldn't ride, but still showed up to dig!

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Southwest Chapter

Todd McCarthy

Volunteer focus: Events and trail building

Testimonial: For his tireless efforts organizing the YBE.  In a year where no new trails are being built Todd maintained the stoke, building community and the war chest so we are well positioned to make new trails once planning and approvals are complete.

Favorite Story: Whenever I go to ride the Burn, Todd's truck is always there!  He rides nearly every day at 60 years old!  He is an inspiration

Fun Fact: He rides more than anyone I know! He is also  one of the few sawyers we have in the SW chapter

Words from Todd : "I'm very honored to be nominated. It's been a privilege to get to work with a great crew of builders in the SW Evergreen chapter from the very beginning. I also helped build Sandy ridge back in the day before parking lots. I've also helped at the Trans Cascadia build days, a couple of years ago. They also have an amazing crew!  Grew Up in Portland, served in the US Army for almost 10 years before coming back to Portland. I've been residing in NW Vancouver WA for the last 10 years. I've raced everything from XC to DH mountain bikes and still love to get out there at the local Enduro and DH races."

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West Sound Chapter

Drew Reynolds

Volunteer focus: Trail building and maintenance

Testimonial: Drew not only has been supporting West Sound work parties but has taken initiative to dive into maintenance across various locations. He has spent a huge amount of hours cutting back brush and scotch broom. He has spent hours blowing and raking the trails as well as running a plate compactor and slap packing. Not only has he assisted with maintenance at West Sound but has also shown his support at other locations like Raging River.

Favorite Story: Drew is such a caring individual and treats the Soil Squad like a part time job! A stand out human to have represent West Sound

Fun Fact: Drew works at Harborview hospital! Caring for people and trails.

Sky Eurich

Volunteer focus: Community and trails

Testimonial: Sky is an absolute cornerstone of the Soil Squadron and a shining example of what volunteer dedication looks like. Whether he’s at an organized work party or out on the trail completely on his own, Sky is always putting in the work — rake in hand, clearing debris, tuning features, and asking how he can go above and beyond to make our trails and the Poulsbo Pump Track better for everyone.

His passion for seeing these places thrive is undeniable, and he’s been eager to take on a bigger leadership role at the pump track. As we head into next year, we’re excited to help him become the go-to steward he’s been working so hard to be.

Sky shows up. He cares. And our riding community is stronger because of him.

Favorite Story: One of the best examples of Sky’s dedication isn’t even about the trail work itself — it’s about how much he cares about the community behind it. Sky was never a social media guy. In fact, he avoided it entirely… until he realized it could help support Evergreen and the local riding scene. So he created an Instagram account solely to follow trail updates, volunteer events, and everything Evergreen West Sound. He even named it perfectly: @here_for_bikes — because that’s exactly who he is. He didn’t join social media to post selfies or scroll memes… he joined to show up, help out, and be part of making the trails better for everyone. It’s simple, it’s genuine, and it’s pure Sky.

THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS! 

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