Every spring, an unusual gathering takes place in the Blue Mountains of Northeast Oregon. The Gambler 500, a rally-style event, brings together enthusiasts driving beat-up cars with quirky names like “Bat Claw” and “Corollavirus.” But these junker jockeys aren’t here for a race – they’re on a mission to clean up the national forest.

The Gambler 500 started in Redmond, and has snowballed into a nationwide phenomenon, with events in every state and several gatherings in Oregon. Participants drive inexpensive, impractical vehicles off-road on public lands and collect trash along the way.

It’s a unique blend of automotive enthusiasm and environmental stewardship. As gambler participant Seth Rice put it: “Being a true gambler is caring about the environment…and keeping these places open for generations to come.”