Where Adventure Meets Community

Native grasses have deep, extensive root systems that make them more tolerant to adverse conditions. Together, they function in harmony with other native plants, sharing resources, and make up diverse, attractive, and resilient biomes.

Likewise, individuals and families without deep roots in their community struggle to access the rich nourishment they require when they need it the most. But when rooted deeply in solidarity beside their neighbors, they reflect the beauty and culture of where they live, improve the environment around them, and flourish–with little intervention.

For many, religion can be an integral piece of addressing the fundamental human need for connection, purpose, and positive mental health–but where do secular folks turn when they seek community? Where do these people find rhythm and roots, and where can they foster authentic, intentional connections? Who delivers the new mother a home-cooked meal, and what group do they sign up with when they wish to provide community service? At TrailMix NWA, we believe it can start by meeting up with others to explore your neighborhood creek.

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Secular Community

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Environmental Stewardship

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Values-Based Education

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While many of us identify as secular humanists, agnostics, or atheists, we welcome individuals of all beliefs. There’s no religious litmus test here; some of our attendees may consider themselves spiritual but prefer spending Sunday mornings with us. At TrailMix NWA, we embrace values of inclusivity, social justice, and scientific inquiry. We affirm all gender expressions and sexual orientations. Our commitment to kindness extends to both our members and the wider community.

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Members

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Adventure and Community

Locations Held in NWA

Besides the great people and kids, getting to visit new parks, trails, and outdoor locations in Northwest Arkansas has been the best for our family.

– Eric and Christi

We are so grateful to have found this group. We have been able to explore the natural beauty of NWA with others and feel like we are building community and friendships.

– Roxanne Korpal-Gosvener

There’s nothing like seeking out nature for a mental reset, so when this nonreligious family found this group, we couldn’t wait to join. After coming for a year, I can truly say it’s so refreshing to not only be in nature but also to not feel we need to edit ourselves for safety or inclusion. We’ve made strong bonds with other like-minded humans and find ourselves giddy when an event is posted. If you’re seeking out wonderful people in a beautiful setting, come! I can’t wait to meet you!

– Alicia Younger

For secular families living in the Bible belt, there aren’t many “third spaces” available for us. TrailMix has become our safe “third space”. People are warm and community oriented. It’s hard to make friends when you’re in your thirties, have children, and don’t attend a church. We felt lost and isolated before joining this group. The friendships and community we’ve made over the past year have been invaluable to us.

The leaders of this organization do a fantastic job of making people feel included and part of something bigger. There are lots of fun events and opportunities to contribute both within the organization and in the wider community.

For anyone thinking this group isn’t for them because they aren’t the “outdoorsy type” I’m not either, and so are many other members. There’s always something for everyone.

– Angela Ledford

After deconstructing from evangelicalism, my family and I were looking for community outside of any religious context. TrailMix has been a safe space for all of us and I feel my most “unmasked” with this wonderful group of people. We also enjoy being outside but are not at all intense hikers, mountain bikers, etc. the community is welcoming to newbies too, we all remember what it was like to be on the search for community! With the current political/governmental climate it has been vital to my mental health to be around people who live in the same reality as me. TrailMix has been one of the few things that gives me some amount of hope for the future.

– Erynn Frenchak Weston

TrailMix Sundays and More

Besides our bimonthly Sunday morning gatherings, we offer youth education, group campouts, holiday and seasonal celebrations, and volunteer opportunities to which we can contribute. Visit our Events page or our Facebook page to keep updated on the latest.