MORE THAN MILES
NeRA brings the Greater Portland running community together with local land trusts to steward the trails we run, hike, and explore every day. Once a month from June through October, we trade our watches for work gloves and give back to the trails that give us so much.
Why We Get Our Hands Dirty
Running is about more than miles — it’s about the spaces we share and the community we build together. NeRA was founded on the issues that shape a runner’s life: pedestrian safety, trail preservation and development, and open space advocacy. Trail stewardship is where that mission meets the dirt.
Every root, ridge, and quiet stretch of singletrack we run was cleared, graded, and cared for by someone. Runners are uniquely suited to return the favor — we’re on these trails in every season and notice the washed-out tread before anyone else. So about once a month from June through October, NeRA rallies runners to join a different local land trust or Portland Trails and keep Greater Portland’s trails safe, sustainable, and open to everyone. No experience required.
Our mission is to build a community centered around running that encourages engagement and collaboration, stewardship, and responsible use of shared spaces… we believe there is a place for every body.
What We Actually Do
On a typical work day, NeRA brings runners and land trust stewards together to tackle whatever a trail needs:
- Refreshing signage, blazes, and trailhead markers
- Building and repairing bog bridges, boardwalks, and steps
- Restoring tread and native growth — planting, drainage, erosion control
- Clearing brush and blowdowns
- Litter and debris cleanup, plog-style, along the corridors we run
Our Partners
We’re proud to connect runners with the land trusts protecting open space across Maine.
On the Trail
Ready to Give Back?
Trail work days run about once a month, June through October, each with a different local partner. They’re free, family- and dog-friendly, and open to runners of every pace — including folks who don’t run at all. Bring sturdy shoes, water, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Tools and instructions provided.
What to Expect
Yes — many hands make light work!