About CAMBr

Who We Are

Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (CAMBr) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building, maintaining, and advocating for sustainable mountain bike trails throughout the greater Chicago region.

Founded and led by volunteers, CAMBr works in partnership with public land managers to responsibly expand off-road cycling opportunities while protecting natural resources and supporting shared-use trail systems. Our work is rooted in stewardship, collaboration, and long-term commitment to the lands we serve.

What We Do

CAMBr supports sustainable mountain biking through a combination of trail stewardship, volunteer coordination, and partnership with land management agencies. Our primary activities include:

• Designing, building, and maintaining sustainable natural-surface trails
• Providing organized volunteer labor and technical trail expertise
• Supporting land managers with ongoing maintenance and risk mitigation
• Promoting responsible trail use and shared-use etiquette
• Building a strong, engaged community of trail stewards

Our focus is not only on creating trails, but on ensuring they are well-maintained, environmentally responsible, and compatible with other recreational uses.

Our Stewardship Approach

CAMBr approaches trail access as a responsibility earned through consistency and care.

We work at the invitation of land managers and operate within approved plans, environmental guidelines, and management priorities. Our volunteers are trained to follow sustainable trail-building practices that emphasize durability, safety, and minimal environmental impact.

We recognize that public lands serve many users. CAMBr is committed to respectful collaboration, clear communication, and solutions that support shared-use trail systems over the long term.

Partnerships

Strong relationships are central to our mission. CAMBr partners with forest preserves, park districts, municipalities, and other public and private landowners to support trail systems that align with broader land management goals.

We view ourselves as a support organization—providing volunteer capacity, technical expertise, and reliable stewardship—rather than as owners or operators of land.

Our History and Impact

CAMBr has been advocating for and maintaining mountain bike trails in the Chicago area for over two decades. During that time, thousands of volunteers have contributed tens of thousands of hours toward trail construction, maintenance, and improvement.

This long-term presence reflects our commitment to consistency, professionalism, and the understanding that sustainable access is built over time through trust and follow-through.

Leadership and Governance

CAMBr is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and led by an Executive Director. Our organization relies on dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to trail stewardship, leadership, and community engagement.

As a nonprofit organization, CAMBr is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible management in service of our mission.

Our Values

CAMBr’s work is guided by the following principles:

• Stewardship of public land
• Collaboration with land managers and partners
• Sustainability in trail design and maintenance
• Respect for other trail users
• Accountability to our members, volunteers, and partners

These values shape our decisions and help ensure that today’s opportunities remain available for future riders.

Get Involved

CAMBr’s success depends on an engaged and responsible community. Riders, volunteers, and partners all play a role in sustaining trail access in the Chicago region.

Opportunities to get involved include:

• Becoming a member
• Volunteering at trail workdays
• Supporting CAMBr through donations or partnerships
  
  

Together, we work to ensure that mountain biking remains a positive, sustainable part of the region’s public land system.