The Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA Trails) is a 501c3 nonprofit. We are dedicated to building happy, healthy, and resilient communities by providing access to equitable and sustainable outdoor recreation experiences.
ORA Trails Staff
Tyler Heinz grew up in the outdoor recreation and trail scene of Eau Claire, WI in the 1990s and early 2000s. Building, riding and running trails was a family tradition - and that early passion has shaped both his personal and professional journeys. A UWL grad, Tyler began his professional career in La Crosse as a business owner and has been a staple in the ORA community logging hundreds of hours with the organization as a volunteer helping to shape the foundation on which ORA Trails has built.
A trail runner, mountain biker and skier, Tyler looks to leverage his impressive background in nonprofit development, project management, event management, communications and team building to continue ORA Trails’ mission of providing access to equitable and sustainable outdoor recreation experiences.
Willow is a Wisconsin native who grew up in the northern part of the state spending time hunting, fishing, or trecking in the woods with her family. When she moved to La Crosse to pursue her education, she found new ways to connect with the outdoors and people. Willow can be found hiking the local trails, kayaking the Mississippi River or Wisconsin lakes, camping or backpacking whenever she can, or simply curled up in a hammock. She's always been eager to get her friends outside, encouraging them to find their fun and peace in what nature has to offer. Willow is grateful to be part of advancing ORA's mission and inspiring others, while being inspired by others, to get outside and have fun!
For the last decade, Josh has been an educator in the K-12 schools, and has served in higher education around the Driftless area. As a child, he knew there was something special about walking barefoot in the forest, and has since spent his time playing, researching, and building connections to get more people outside. When Josh is not riding his bicycle around town or in the woods, he can be found camping, roadtripping, and exploring the rivers with his wife and kids. Josh is passionate about showing others what nature can do for our brains, our bodies, and our community, and he’s very excited to be part of the ORA team.
Kayla was born and raised in the Driftless region. Spending her childhood outside - whether fishing on the great Mississippi with her grandfather and brother or wandering around in the woods, she always found peace in the outdoors. As an adult, she pursued an education and career in Clinical Social Work, and spent the past 15 years working in the social services and non-profit world as a leader and advocate for marginalized and disenfranchised individuals in our community. After many years of working in stress and crisis, she started to realize that she needed to make changes that prioritized her own health and wellbeing. She started to get outside more and began to find that peace that she was missing. She fell (back) in love with hiking, kayaking, backpacking and sometimes, just being lazy outside in a hammock. Through these experiences she found that she could heal her body, and mind, with nature and outdoor recreation. This realization led her to ORA Trails. Kayla is excited to bring her social work perspective to an organization dedicated to strengthening the community through accessible and equitable outdoor recreational experiences.
ORA Trails Board
Michael Borst is a Physical Therapist, running coach, ultramarathon runner, and casual biker. As a Physical Therapist with Dynamic Performance and Therapy, Michael works everyday to keep people active and out enjoying everything the Driftless Region and La Crosse has to offer. He enjoys being an active volunteer, building and maintaining trails in Upper and Lower Hixon through ORA. He is also one of the Race Directors for the Hixon 50, the Race Director for the La Crosse Marathon and Half Marathon, and President of the River City Running Club.
Stephen moved to West Salem in 2017 and continues to enjoy many of the recreational opportunities the area has to offer. Mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking are some of his favorite things to enjoy with his wife and three young children. As a family, they are challenging themselves to spend 1,000 hours outdoors in 2022. This fits well with their “be a tourist in your own town” mentality and discovering new places in the area. As a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, it is Stephen’s passion to live and work in the same community and serve locally. Being an ORA board member gives him the knowledge to engage with local community members, find opportunities to advocate for nature spaces, and help provide access to equitable and sustainable outdoor recreation experiences.
Growing up in the Driftless Region shaped Ali’s love for the outdoors from an early age. Hiking, canoeing, and biking weren’t just hobbies — they were part of daily life and the foundation of her connection to this area. Today, she and her husband, Sam, continue to call the Driftless home, where they care for a small hobby farm and remain closely connected to the outdoors. Ali currently works as the Controller at Westby Coop Credit Union and is eager to bring both her experience and her deep connection to the region to ORA Trails. She hopes to make a meaningful impact by supporting sustainable recreation, expanding community access, and helping ensure the longterm stewardship of the places she loves.
Amber moved to the La Crosse area in 2016 and quickly fell in love with the bluffs, trails, and natural beauty of the region. She is the Human Resources Manager at Citizens First Bank. Amber enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, especially exploring all that the area has to offer. She is excited to support ORA and be part of an organization that helps connect people to the outdoors and strengthens the community. She values opportunities to give back to the community and appreciates ORA’s impact on the region.
Scott is a professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and became a member of the ORA board in January of 2014. He has been actively involved in grooming and maintaining the ski trails in Hixon Forest Park. Scott Cooper is active in endurance sports including cross country skiing, triathlon, kayaking, and biking. His top achievements include qualifying for the elite wave in the Birkebeiner and the Ironman in Kona Hawaii.
John moved to La Crosse in 2012 and has been a big fan of the area’s scenic bluffs and recreational opportunities ever since. He enjoys hiking, trail running, biking, and mountain climbing and most days can usually be found outside enjoying the trails with his dog Finn. John is a professor of public administration at UW-La Crosse, and teaches courses in economic and community development, budgeting and finance, and local government and nonprofit administration. He previously worked at City Hall and as an executive director of a community nonprofit organization in Milwaukee, and is also actively involved with the Alzheimer’s Association. For John, being on the ORA board is a meaningful way to serve the La Crosse community, and help a wonderful organization and its mission to promote fun outdoor adventures and the region’s beautiful natural spaces.
Megan Runge is a graphic designer who loves combining her creative work with her passion for the outdoors. She enjoys supporting ORA through event branding, apparel, and marketing materials. Megan, her husband, son, and English Setter love spending time together outside—especially running and hiking the incredible trails throughout the Coulee Region. As an ORA Board member, she's proud to help share the story of the organization and the impact it has on the community.
Arthur is a Wisconsin native and outdoor adventurer, focusing on biking with a healthy dose of hiking, pickleball, kayaking, and anything else that involves getting out. He has lived in La Crosse since Sept 2024, having lived in Viroqua for 20 years before that, although his La Crosse roots stretch back to graduating from UW-La Crosse in 1996. He works in the IT department at Organic Valley where he's been for 20+ years, in various areas including sales, marketing, and finance. He is also honored to serve as a coach for the La Crosse NICA team, after also coaching for the Vernon area VTAC MTB team. Having served on various boards throughout the years, he is excited to be part of the ORA board, doing his small part to help expand access in the La Crosse area!
Trent Ping is a La Crosse native. La Crosse’s nearby access to trails was a huge draw for him and his wife when deciding where to plant roots. He and his family try to spend time outdoors: running, biking, hiking, skiing, and fly fishing. Trent enjoys exploring new places and experiencing ways other communities provide access to nature.
Andrew and his wife Jenny moved to the La Crosse area in 2016 after falling in love with the river and bluffs. Andrew enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and boating, and spends as much time as possible exploring around the Seven Rivers region. Andrew and Jenny are now brining their new son on adventures and introducing him to the outdoors. Andrew works as a finance professor at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and a reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, so he brings insight on finance and governance to the board. Andrew is especially excited about the Community Trail Farm project, as it perfectly reflects of the ORA Trails mission - providing access to equitable and sustainable outdoor recreation experiences.
Finding Meaning in Curiosity, Recovery, and the Beauty of the outdoors.
Steven is someone who believes that life is always worth exploring. Whether he’s diving into science, philosophy, renewable energy, history, or simply wondering how something works, his curiosity is one of his defining traits. He enjoys going down “rabbit holes,” asking thoughtful questions, and learning about subjects from many different angles. For Steven , every answer often leads to another fascinating question.
One of the greatest sources of peace in Steven’s life is the koi pond in his backyard. More than just a landscaping feature, it is a sanctuary—a place where he can slow down, reflect, and reconnect with himself and nature . The sound of the water, the changing seasons, and the life it supports bring him a sense of calm that is difficult to find anywhere else. It represents resilience, growth, and the quiet beauty that can exist even after difficult times.
Steve’s journey has included significant challenges. He has been open about his long struggle with addiction and his commitment to recovery. Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, he continues working toward a healthier future with determination and honesty. His willingness to confront difficult realities demonstrates strength, perseverance, and hope.
Through it all, he has continued asking questions, seeking knowledge, and planning for better days ahead.
Steven has a genuine appreciation for philosophy, particularly the idea that meaning is something we create ourselves. He enjoys exploring life’s biggest questions while recognizing that purpose often comes through the choices we make and the people and places we care about.
Born and raised in La Crosse, and as a Small business owner , strong community connections are very important to him . His interests extend into science and technology, especially renewable energy, biochemistry, astronomy, home remodeling/repairs and engineering. As well as outdoor recreation . He also has an appreciation for classic design, especially mid-century modern architecture and interiors, where clean lines and timeless craftsmanship reflect his love of thoughtful simplicity.
Health and wellness are important to Steven as well.
Above all, Steve values authenticity. He doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, but he isn’t afraid to ask difficult questions. He enjoys learning, appreciates meaningful conversations, and finds happiness in both the grand mysteries of the universe and the simple pleasures of life.
If there is one place that symbolizes Steven best, it is being outdoors. Like the great outdoors itself, life has brought seasons of calm and turbulence. Yet nature remains a reminder that beauty can be cultivated, peace can be found, and growth is always possible. It is a reflection of who Steven strives to be: resilient, thoughtful, curious, and always moving forward.
Emeritus Directors
Kurt Schroeder is an architect and Chief Operations Officer for HSR Associates and has been involved with ORA since its inception when it began as Human Powered Trails in 1999. Kurt is an outdoor, silent sport enthusiast who enjoys giving back to the community and improving the venues for activity. Kurt was elected President of ORA, yet he thoroughly enjoys working on the trails, driving the snowmobile-ski groomer and having people say,
“these trails are great!“
Randi and her husband, Erik, are the owners of Smith's Bike Shop. Randi is always volunteering in the community and thought ORA would be the perfect organization to put her time and energy into. You can find Randi and her family biking or running around the Driftless Area throughout every season. She is excited to share her love for outdoor recreation with everyone.
Ralph Heath is an author, consultant, and keynote speaker on innovative leadership, marketing, and wellness. Ralph was a founding member of Human Powered Trails, and past president (5 years) of Mississippi Valley Conservancy. Ralph is a four-time Triathlon All-American, two-time finisher of the Hawaii Ironman, and passionate hiker and biker. Ralph is writing a follow-up book to his best selling Celebrating Failure: The Power of Taking Risks, Making Mistakes, and Thinking Big. Ralph helps organizations with leadership, branding, and public relations.
Subscribe to
ORA Trails
Find out the latest trail news, announcements, events and more!
Subscribe Here