Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, Rita traded the shores of the Pacific Ocean for the Pacific Northwest in 2013, attending the University of Puget Sound, where she earned dual degrees in Geology and Environmental Policy & Decision Making. Rita has worked throughout the Pacific Northwest as an environmental educator, outdoor skills instructor, youth mentor, and most recently as a raft guide for Winding Waters River Expeditions in Joseph, Oregon. She strongly believes in the positive impact this Trail-with-Rail will have on our rural community by enhancing access to, and fostering connection with, the land we call home. Rita’s passion for community partnerships, knowledge of environmental policy, and skills in making folks feel comfortable with new ideas while nurturing relationships with the natural world enhance her ability to advocate for the trail. One aspect of the Trail-with-Rail that excites Rita the most is expanding day stretch access to the Wallowa and Grande Ronde rivers for kayaking, fishing, and lounging by the river.