Running Towards Hope in the Face of Change

Liam McPhee and his daughter at last year’s 1/2 marathon. 

In the rolling hills west of Miranda, where the collapse of the cannabis industry meets the resilience of a community, comes a story of hope, change, and unity. Liam McPhee, a man in his 40s, is at the heart of this tale—a man on a mission to transform his own life while uplifting his neighbors and a cherished local institution, the Salmon Creek Community School which began as way to educate the “hippie” kids of the back-to-the-land movement 40 years ago but now is struggling to survive the economic collapse that is unfolding.

Liam’s journey began with a simple desire: to reclaim his health and vitality. Yet, what started as a personal journey of self-improvement quickly blossomed into something greater—a mission to support his community.

“I’ve always kind of liked to run. I hit 40 and I thought if I didn’t try now to run a marathon, I never would,” Liam shared. Last year, he ran a half marathon and raised money for the local fire department which he was a member of. This year, he’s raising money for the school his oldest daughter attends. This small off-grid school with its solar panels and play structure which views Bear Buttes has long offered alternative education in a region that has seen the once-thriving cannabis industry crumble, leaving businesses and communities grappling to stay afloat.

As Liam laces up his running shoes and takes to the trails of Tooby Park near Garberville or pounds the dusty rural roads in the Salmon Creek watershed with his dog running beside him, his determination to keep meeting his goals day after day is not only for himself but for his children and for his community.

This year, his aspirations reach even higher then his first full marathon–he has targeted raising $10,000 for the Salmon Creek Community School by the time he finishes his run at the Humboldt Redwoods Marathon on October 8 of this year.

“We’re at $1200 at the moment,” Liam says.

But his journey encompasses much more than raising funds. It’s a journey of transformation for himself, his family, and the community he holds dear.

With a 4-year-old daughter and a newborn, Liam’s determination carries a deeper purpose. “I want to be around for them,” he states, reflecting the connection between his journey towards better health and his role as a father and mentor. “I gave up drinking, gave up smoking…I want to be a good example to my kids,” he adds, his dedication to setting a positive example evident in every step he takes.

As the once-booming cannabis industry collapses, Liam’s journey mirrors the challenges faced by the community at large. “With the [cannabis] industry going down, I just passed and got my real estate license,” he reveals, a testament to his resilience and adaptability in the face of change. Just as he’s embracing new avenues for growth, he’s also forging a path to uplift those around him.

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Liam’s weekly training regimen is a testament to his unwavering dedication: “I’m currently in the best shape of my life. I am currently running about 40 miles a week. I go to the gym 5 days a week.” Many from Southern Humboldt (SoHum) may have spotted him training, a testament to his commitment to his cause.

Amidst the uncertainty of the economic times, he said, the Salmon Creek Community School provides a central hub for neighbors determined to find a path forward. “The school serves as a community center – AA meetings and Yoga events, firewise events, a Community exchange, and more,” Liam explains. But perhaps most importantly, the small school, rooted in the principles of the Waldorf approach, provides a space for children to learn, grow, and connect—a critical refuge in a changing landscape.

Liam’s wife, Sarah McPhee, sheds light on the school’s significance to the little ones and their parents: “Right now, [Salmon Creek Community School is] catering to the preschool age. We’re operating as a playgroup. One day a week, all the parents and children get together. There is lots of free play. Then three days a week, there is more of a structured setting,” she explained. The children do activities that start with art and progress through learning their numbers and letters and how to play together.

“They are starting their own garden,” she told us.

Liam McPhee’s journey to fitness and to help his neighbors is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of community, and the hope that can be found in the face of change. Each stride he takes embodies the courage to adapt, the strength to support, and the belief that every small step can make a big impact. In running for himself and for his community, Liam shows that the path to a brighter future begins with the first step of a determined heart.

Your contribution will not only help Liam achieve his goal but will also contribute to fostering a brighter future for the children and the neighborhood. Every dollar counts.

The fundraiser for the school states, “Every stride Liam takes represents his commitment to our close-knit community and education. Your contribution fuels his determination…Join us to break barriers and provide opportunities for our students. No amount is too small—each dollar counts.”

You can follow Liam’s journey on his Facebook page.Note: This reporter was once a teacher at the Salmon Creek Community School for many years before retiring. Her husband and her sons attended the school in their time. She is not impartial. Behind her chair where she writes nearly all her articles hangs a retirement poster from the school that means so much to her.