Cloud Catcher & Map Maker
In January, Portland Trails unveiled the brand new fifth edition of our trail map and guide. It was the first time our paper map had been updated since (…wait for it…) 2011. Our old map was overdue for a redesign. Not only did we have trails and trail systems to add, but we also wanted to improve the map’s readability, include new features, and refresh the look. To make this happen, though, we needed someone trained in mapping who could devote their time to this project.
Enter Larz.
As a Resilience Corps fellow through the AmeriCorps program, Larz von Huene (they/them) joined the Portland Trails team in early 2024 to guide our map redesign process. They had mapping experience, a knack for data organization, and a passion for urban trails – a perfect combination for their role.
After finishing their Resilience Corps service in September of 2024, Portland Trails hired Larz, now 24, as a part-time GIS Specialist with a new assignment: redesigning our digital trail map. With that new interactive map set to premiere later this spring, I sat down with Larz to get to know the architect of our new and improved maps a bit better.
Larz with a map!
What were you like as a kid?
I was so shy. I basically didn’t talk at all except to my family. I was a nerd. (Laughs) I liked to look at bugs.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An author, and then a vet. And then at one point, I wanted to be a monk. I learned they were quiet and liked to look at plants, and I thought that sounded great. (Laughs)
What role did nature play in your childhood?
I had a very outdoor childhood. I grew up in Brookline, MA (just outside of Boston), but my parents would take me and my sisters to the White Mountains or somewhere like that every weekend. And in the summers, we came to Maine.
I did a lot of exploring and observing. It almost felt like I could talk to the trees. I was really at home in nature.
How did you become interested in mapping?
When I was at Smith College (where they graduated from in 2022), I studied biology with a focus on ecology. But I took a lot of landscape studies classes, too. One professor was a design geek, and I was really inspired by him. His classes showed me how design, mapping, and visual renderings could lead you to interact with a space in a certain way. That’s where I learned how to use GIS (the popular mapping software) and started to understand all its applications.
What did you do after college?
I worked for the Appalachian Mountain Club as a Cloud Catcher.
Wait, what? A Cloud Catcher?
It’s basically a cool name for a research intern. I lived on top of Mt. Washington and collected samples of clouds and streams and monitored vegetation.
Larz operating the cloud catcher
How did you get involved with AmeriCorps and the Resilience Corps?
After I finished up at the AMC, I moved to Portland needed a job! A lot of AMC people had done the AmeriCorps/Resilience Corps program before and recommended it. I worked for Portland Trails and GPCOG (Greater Portland Council of Governments), and it was an awesome experience. It was a good entry-level way to gain a lot of skills and be helpful.
And now you’re our GIS Specialist! Can you describe the work you do for PT?
I’ve organized and assembled trail data for the paper and now the digital trail map. Someone on our Trails Committee recently said I was “dragging Portland Trails into the 21st century.” (Laughs) A lot of trail knowledge is stored in our trail crew member’s heads, and I’m bringing that data out of their heads and putting it onto paper…or spreadsheets. Right now, I’m also creating systems for tracking trail information, easements, future projects, and maintenance.
What’s fun about this kind of work?
I really like problems that I need to solve. There’s nothing like super-clean data. It’s like cleaning your room every single day.
Do you have a super clean room?
Not at all. (Laughs)
Why do you love trails?
When I was younger, I did some back-country trail maintenance for trails that were very recreation-oriented. But sometimes I didn’t feel entirely on board with trails that were just for recreation. There’s so much value in trails as connections between neighborhoods. I see the trails in our network as a fast-paced transportation infrastructure solution. And they’re still great to recreate on, but they also get people from place to place.
Now what do you want to be when you grow up?
An ecologist! I love field research and taking time to focus on the world around you. The more you observe, the more you understand.
If you’d like to buy a copy of our new 5th edition trail map, you can visit this page. Maps are also included with donations of $50 or more. Stay tuned for more information about the grand reveal of our new digital trail map later this spring!