As I guide a group of local middle-school students through their first paddle tour on Cascade Lakes, their eyes light up. These kids, despite having lived in Central Oregon for years, have never seen the lakes. It’s an honor and a joy to watch them connect with the landscape as our bilingual guide explains the geology and ecology to them in Spanish, their first language.

This experience sums up the vision we have for Wanderlust Tours–to use adventure, inspiration and education to forge meaningful connections between people and Oregon’s rich cultural and natural heritage, ultimately inspiring a commitment to its preservation.

As a local business owner in Central Oregon, I share many of the same concerns as other residents about the risk of overtourism, and how it can affect Central Oregon’s delicate high-desert ecosystem. However, I believe that with thoughtful approaches and community collaboration, we can address these challenges while harnessing the benefits that responsible tourism can bring to our region.

At Wanderlust Tours, we’ve made it our mission to be stewards of both our environment and our local community. We practice and teach responsible recreation, from small actions like proper trash disposal to larger efforts like educating visitors about Central Oregon’s natural habitats, public lands and endangered species. In addition, we’ve implemented a bike commuter incentive for our guides and use group transportation to dramatically reduce individual car use at popular trailheads and other sites.

By educating visitors about the land and the importance of preserving it, we aim to transform tourists into advocates for our region. We believe that when people feel connected to a place, they naturally want to protect it.

Our tours also directly contribute to the local economy as well as conservation efforts and community initiatives. We partner with local chefs and shops, showcasing their offerings and spreading economic impact throughout the community. Each season, we collaborate with nonprofit organizations to facilitate donations and highlight volunteer opportunities.

We’re fortunate to have support from organizations who share our values and commitment to responsible tourism like Visit Central Oregon, Visit Bend and Travel Oregon, organizations that provide crucial resources, networking opportunities and educational programs. Recently, with support from Visit Central Oregon’s Future Fund, we launched a new guided experience called AdvenTours, which uses off-road wheelchairs called AdvenChairs. This initiative connects individuals with mobility challenges to previously inaccessible rugged outdoor spaces, embodying our belief that Central Oregon’s wonders should be available to everyone.

As we navigate the challenges of our changing climate, such as unpredictable snow seasons and increased fire risks, adaptability becomes imperative. We’ve adjusted our policies to accommodate last-minute bookings during fire season and offer alternatives when air quality is poor. These challenges underscore the importance of diversifying our tourism offerings and educating visitors about the realities of our changing environment.

Long term, I envision a future where Central Oregon is known for its natural beauty, as well as its inclusive, welcoming community and commitment to sustainable tourism. A place where visitors and residents alike feel a deep connection to the land and, in turn, a responsibility to protect it. A place where diverse voices and experiences enrich our community, and where every person, regardless of background or ability, can access and appreciate our outdoor wonders.

As we move forward, I invite residents, business owners and visitors to join in this vision. Let’s engage in open dialogues about responsible tourism support initiatives promoting inclusivity and accessibility in outdoor spaces; and actively participate in conservation efforts. By working together, we can ensure that the natural wonders and community spirit that make Central Oregon special will be preserved and shared for generations to come.

Do you have a point you’d like to make or an issue you feel strongly about? Submit a letter to the editor or a guest column.