For the second year in a row, Friends’ membership survey allowed us to hear directly from our amazing community of Gorge enthusiasts. It was an inspiring reminder of how much our members care about protecting the Columbia Gorge, and how meaningful the work is. Thank you to everyone who submitted their valuable input!

We were proud to see that Friends' print newsletter was overwhelmingly selected as the most important source of conservation news related to the Gorge. These quarterly updates allow staff to go in-depth about Gorge protection issues.

Unsurprisingly, many survey respondents indicated that they were deeply impacted by COVID-19 and the stay-at-home orders. At the core of the human experience is a desire to locate ourselves in community. Gathering in person has been at the heart of every movement for change, including ours. About half of all respondents had attended an in-person Friends’ event in the last year, which emphasized the importance of gathering in community.

Although digital communications can only partially fill the void, there were numerous requests for more video material, virtual hikes, digital events, and photographs. Clearly the benefits of Friends’ membership go far beyond anything tangible.

This special community can’t be defined by a single shared trait, rather, what binds us together is a shared vision for the future.

Thank you for being part of it all. We look forward to seeing you again in person soon!