Today we’d like to introduce you to J. Edward Crawford
Hi J. Edward, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Created by Jeffrey (Eddy) Crawford and Holly Diaz, Hike to Help set out on Earth Day, April 22, 2023 with the mission to inspire individuals to take pride in their local environment by keeping parks, hiking trails, and communities clean. Additionally, we wanted to give the opportunity for fellow hiking enthusiasts to connect and bond over shared interests while holding true to our goal.
Since that day, we have collected and properly disposed of nearly 400 pounds of trash on primarily hiking trails within the Orlando area. There were many times when we’ve had to wade through water, trudge through mud, and traverse difficult terrain, but we strive to foster a community that prioritizes the health of the environment.
While our organization is centered around clean-ups and hikes, the goals have expanded with every collaboration we’ve had. Education tailored to local wildlife has since become a staple of every hike, as the concepts of environmental health and applicable biology aren’t entirely divorced. I, Eddy, provide fun facts and information with active examples while leading the groups along the trails.
Photography is another interest that has become an integral pillar of how we function. Holly, who manages both the photography and the social outreach, maintains outward interest by the social media postings that highlight the wildlife found on the hikes.
Many thanks go to our collaborators, specifically current and past leaders of UCF clubs who introduced us to many of our current members. These moments of community partnership shaped what Hike to Help is today by giving us the opportunity to reach a wider net of individuals.
Although we have expanded toward wider scopes and greater goals, our initial mission has kept us true to our purpose; and in that sense, we have succeeded. We find great pride in revisiting trails we’ve cleaned to see the substantial changes that have been made. It is always a joy see both new and familiar faces every time we go for a hike, and we hope to encounter even more as we go forward.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Whether it be working full time, earning a degree, or encountering a rainy day on a scheduled hike, there are no shortages of obstacles that can be approached. However, I find it imperative to mention that motivation makes the roughest roads bearable. Motivation is the cornerstone of any functioning community, and there is no shortage of individuals looking to have a positive impact on the world around them. Sometimes, the most littered trails lead to the most motivated participants, and these are the moments I watch communities grow.
I, Jeffrey (Eddy) Crawford, am currently working full time and getting my degree part time. It is easy to say this is challenging, and it often limits scheduling — which is nothing to bat an eye at –, but it makes these explorative retreats all the more enjoyable.
When it comes down to it, it is a simple thing: making a community a nicer place. Going out and enjoying a hiking trail while intermittently picking up litter is little more a hobby than anything else. It’s a perfectly fine excuse to find friends and wind down for the weekend while making a change.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Our organization prides itself in its ability to draw parallels and tie in relevant information and activities to our mission. We have had many opportunities to expand the realm of our specialties, proving that recreation, education, and local improvement build upon each other.
It is hard to say what sets us apart from other volunteer organizations, as what draws in recurring members may be any number of aspects. Some people will return to learn about identification while others do it for the group hikes. What we’ve found is that every individual has something to add that makes our organization inclusive to anyone with any interest.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that is surprising about Hike to Help is our management. Running a volunteer organization, while not rocket science, can be very difficult; but at the start, it was two college students who had no connections or reference within the community.
So, to answer the question: we are still managed by only the two of us, J. Eddy Crawford and Holly Diaz. It has been an adventure creating so many professional connections from nothing, and we are showing no signs of slowing. We have big plans for the future with even more ambitious collaborations between other international and local organizations. We have a lot of help from the recurring members, but the vast majority of networking and success is from our hard work since the organization’s creation.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiketohelp_/
Image Credits
Holly Diaz
