Ask Mrs. Trails: Mary Moerlins
Mary is a SW resident who lives on Trail #7 and thoroughly enjoys it as a nature enthusiast. Recently, we talked to her about the importance of trails in her neighborhood.
- Could you tell us who you are and how you are personally connected to the trails?
My Name is Mary Moerlins, I live in SW Portland with my family in the Vermont Hills/ Hayhurst Neighborhood. Professionally, I work in Corporate Citizenship at NW Natural and volunteer with a number of environmental nonprofits in town including Forest Park Conservancy and the Oregon Environmental Council. Personally, I’m a trail runner, road runner and all around nature enthusiast. My husband and I are parents to two Hayhurst Elementary Huskies and a 14 year old cattle dog. We live on trail #7.
- What is your favorite part about the trails?
Primarily convenience – we enjoy using the trail to connect us to both our neighborhood and to transit and restaurants on BH Hwy. We live on a dead end, as do many in our neighborhood. The trails prevent these dead-ends and cul-de-sacs from being incomplete streets and un-walkable neighborhoods. Rather than being isolated we have many play dates, walk down our hill on the trail rather than have to drive and we can grab the bus because with the trail, we’re only 0.1 miles from the bus stop rather than a quarter mile plus if we use the road.
- How important are the trails in your neighborhood? Have the trails improved your community?
The trails complete neighborhood connectivity and give us all an easy way to connect to one another as well as little islands of nature to enjoy.
- What are some major or fun destinations along the trails you use?
Most frequently we use our trail access to get to dinner at IBU : ). However we also take trails for adventure purposes to see parts of the neighborhood we wouldn’t otherwise pass through.
- Have you been involved with the construction of any of the trails as a volunteer? If so, what was that experience like?
We haven’t yet, but would certainly be open to helping to maintain these essential arterials in our neighborhood.
- Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with the trails?
They are well utilized and loved.
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