Bend Don't Break Podcast Celebrates Central Oregon Trail Stewardship

Executive Director Casey Andrews discusses the challenges and community behind the region's outdoor recreation network.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:24pm

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In the latest episode of the Bend Don't Break podcast, host Aaron Switzer interviews Casey Andrews, the Executive Director of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance. Andrews shares her path from working in national parks across the country to leading one of the region's most impactful outdoor nonprofits, discussing the realities of trail maintenance, the growing role of nonprofit partners, and Central Oregon's unique volunteer culture.

Why it matters

Trails are more than just recreation infrastructure - they are economic drivers, community connectors, and shared responsibilities that require long-term care and collaboration. This podcast sheds light on the behind-the-scenes work and community spirit that goes into maintaining Central Oregon's expansive outdoor trail network.

The details

In the episode, Andrews discusses the challenges of trail maintenance in a high-use and fragile environment, as well as the growing role of nonprofit partners like the Central Oregon Trail Alliance as federal staffing declines. She highlights Central Oregon's volunteer culture and the importance of community involvement in caring for the region's shared outdoor spaces.

  • The Bend Don't Break podcast episode was published on April 1, 2026.

The players

Casey Andrews

The Executive Director of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance, an outdoor nonprofit focused on stewardship and community engagement around the region's trail system.

Aaron Switzer

The host of the Bend Don't Break podcast, which explores issues and stories related to the Bend, Oregon community.

Central Oregon Trail Alliance

A nonprofit organization dedicated to the stewardship and maintenance of the outdoor trail network in Central Oregon.

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What they’re saying

“Trails are more than just recreation infrastructure - they are economic drivers, community connectors, and shared responsibilities that require long-term care and collaboration.”

— Casey Andrews, Executive Director, Central Oregon Trail Alliance

The takeaway

This podcast episode highlights the vital but often unseen work of outdoor stewardship groups like the Central Oregon Trail Alliance, whose efforts to maintain and promote the region's trail network contribute to Bend's thriving recreation economy and sense of community.