Springing Into A New Season

Another season of taking care of the outdoor places we all share is just around the corner, and this year's calendar is one we're especially excited about. We’ll return to favorite sites and work on a few new ones too, with backpacking trips, downtown pocket parks, technical trail projects, another Beaver Dam Analogue (BDA) restoration effort at a new site, and more.

We’re excited to share the full lineup in a couple of weeks. Volunteer registration opens March 16 for RFOV members and April 1 for the public. You can still sign up to become a member and enjoy early access registration! Becoming a member is one of the easiest ways to support this work and help care for the trails, rivers, and places that define our quality of life here.

Join us at the Season Kick-Off Party on March 19 from 5–8 PM at the Third Street Center for tacos, drinks, and good company. We’ll share what’s ahead this season and help folks sign up for projects.

Welcome To The RFOV Team, Susana!

We're excited to welcome Susana Prieto-Bravo, our new Youth Education Coordinator! Susana (very) recently settled in the Valley from Colombia and we couldn't be more thrilled for her to join the RFOV family. She is passionate about connecting people with the natural world and believes environmental education is about curiosity, observation, and creating meaningful experiences outdoors - enamorarse del la naturaleza.

Susana will play a key role leading the Youth in Nature program and supporting our Young Stewards Programs while working alongside our programs team to connect the community with hands-on conservation work across the valley. Curious to learn more? Read Susana's bio at rfov.org/team.

Adventure Stewards Registration Is Now Open

Crew Leaders are essential to the heart of our work — guiding volunteers, sharing skills, and helping create safe, fun, and impactful project days. Our Crew Leader Program is a great opportunity for experienced volunteers (or those ready to grow into leadership) to build new skills in group management, tool use, and on-the-ground stewardship.

Training will take place May 2nd-3rd and includes leadership techniques paired with hands-on instruction in trail work and restoration practices. If you’re looking to deepen your involvement, give back in a meaningful way, and help lead our community on the ground this season, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Jack Douglas, Director of Programs, for more information and details on how to get involved.

Growing the Next Generation of Stewards

Adventure Stewards Registration Opens Soon

Adventure Stewards invites middle school youth, ages 11–14, to spend a week exploring local public lands and open spaces while giving back in meaningful ways.

Program Dates:
Session 1: June 22–26
Session 2: July 27–31
Times: 9am - 3:30pm
Drop off at the Third Street Center

This five-day program blends outdoor adventure, hands-on stewardship, and plenty of fun. Each week includes outdoor activities, games, team building, and stewardship projects to help maintain well-loved trails.

Adventure Stewards costs $500 per 5-day session. Financial assistance is available to help make the program accessible. For any questions, contact RFOV Education Director Ben Sherman.

Registration for members opens Friday, February 20th and general registration opens the following week.

Guías de aventura

Applications are open for the 2026-2027 Youth in Nature Cohort

Youth in Nature (YIN) is a year-long, paid internship for 10th-12th grade students who want to get outside, build real-world skills, and grow their confidence. Through hands-on stewardship, outdoor adventures, and leadership training, students learn how to care for the places they love.

Recently highlighted by The Aspen Times, YIN helps young people discover their strengths, form lasting connections, and step into leadership. If you know a student who’s curious, adventurous, and ready to make a difference, please encourage them to apply!

YIN Application

Youth in Nature Alumni in the Community

Anasophia Brown, an alumna of the 2023-2024 Youth in Nature cohort, has taken her commitment to community and environmental awareness into the world of youth journalism as a contributor to the Sopris Stars Youth News Bureau.

She's tackled a range of thoughtful topics: exploring what political diversity means in the Roaring Fork Valley, unpacking the nuances of community belonging, and lifting up voices across generations.

We’re incredibly proud to see Anasophia continuing to grow, explore, and share her voice beyond her time in Youth in Nature. Watching our students take what they’ve learned—curiosity, care for place, and confidence in their perspectives—and apply it to their own paths is exactly what this program is about. Stories like this remind us why Youth in Nature matters, and why community support helps these opportunities continue. Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 cohort, please help us spread the word!

Check out Anasophia's articles

Próximos eventos

A huge thank-you to the volunteers who came out for Tool Maintenance Day. Seeing familiar faces in the off-season reminds us that stewardship isn't just about project days, it's about getting together, sharing stories, and having fun. That's exactly why we're thrilled to keep gathering with memorable get togethers throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

RFOV Colorado Conservation Trivia

RFOV Trivia Night returns as a chance to gather, connect, and celebrate our shared love for the outdoors. Challenge your conservation know-how, enjoy an easygoing night with friends, and help us build momentum for another impactful season on the land.

Thurs. Feb. 26th
at Carbondale Beer Works
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

2026 Season Kick-Off Party at the Third Street Center

We're celebrating the start of the project season!

Thurs. March 19th

From 5-8pm

At the Third Street Center

Learn about upcoming programs, meet fellow volunteers, enjoy food and drinks, and catch up with familiar faces as we look ahead to another season of meaningful stewardship. Please RSVP so we can plan for food and drinks for the night.

Empleos en RFOV

In Search of Housing Support

As we welcome new seasonal staff, we’re also navigating the ongoing challenge of housing in our region. If you know of affordable housing options—an ADU, room rental, or unit you’d be willing to rent below market rate—please contact Jack Douglas, RFOV's Director of Programs. We appreciate your help connecting us with housing resources for our new staff!

Bring Your Crew to the Trail

Looking to get your group involved in hands-on stewardship? Group Projects and Adopt-a-Trail (AAT) opportunities are officially gearing up, and we’re starting to schedule projects this month. These options are perfect for workplaces, community groups, families, or friends who want to give back together while making a tangible impact on local trails.

If you’re interested in learning more, exploring a group project, or adopting a trail this season, we’d love to connect. Reach out to Claire to start the conversation and help shape a stewardship experience that works for your group.