Beyond the Trail: Building Tomorrow’s Stewards
Each year, the Youth in Nature (YIN) program starts with an orientation in June—but the true beginning is a 4-day, 3-night hut trip to Margy’s Hut outside of Lenado, CO.
This year, students from five high schools, from Aspen to Parachute, set out together along the Spruce Creek Trail, leaving behind screens in favor of sunset hikes, card games, and reflective journaling.
Guided by RFOV staff and partners like the Buddy Program, ACES, and the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association, they learned new skills, engaged in stewardship, and discovered the power of “slow fun” and shared community. By removing distractions, this immersive retreat unites these teens from diverse backgrounds and sets a strong foundation for the rest of the YIN year.
Ready to join us?
There’s always room on the trail for more boots, more smiles, and more good work!
A Legacy in Action: RFOV’s 30th Anniversary at Maroon Bells
On a beautiful summer day at one of Colorado's most iconic destinations, more than 40 volunteers and partners joined RFOV for our 30th Anniversary Commemorative Project at the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. Together, we transformed this milestone moment into tangible community impact by installing 34 timber check steps throughout this heavily traveled trail.
The energy, teamwork, and dedication of everyone involved turned a celebration into lasting impact. It was a day that honored our past while reaffirming our commitment to the future of public lands stewardship. This project is just one chapter in our 30-year story—a legacy built through thousands of hours of volunteer labor, countless partnerships, and an enduring passion for protecting the places we love.
Read more about our three decades of community-powered impact.
On the Ground: Field Highlights
Committed to Fire Adaptation
Our hearts go out to all who are affected by the wildfires this year, especially the nearby Lee and Elk fires. We send our deepest appreciation to the firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
Fire Adaptation is a key focus of RFOV programming and consists of both mitigation and restoration projects. Fuels reduction projects—removing dead trees and dense vegetation that can accelerate the spread of wildfires—are crucial to mitigation efforts but often require technical skills and experience.
In 2023, RFOV started its first volunteer sawyer cohort, providing professional chainsaw training to meet project needs. Since then, we've added another cohort and have worked with the City of Glenwood Springs, Pitkin County Open Space & Trails, the Town of Marble, Redstone Castle, and Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley on fuels reduction projects. We are immensely grateful to our volunteer sawyers and appreciate the impact they have on protecting our public lands. If you’re interested in our volunteer chainsaw program, contact Jack Douglas, RFOV Program Director.
Volunteer of the Month: Shaw Hughes
Thank you, Shaw, for your dedication to RFOV and for always bringing a fun and positive attitude to the group!
Here's what Shaw has to say: “I volunteer with RFOV because of the loving community and the shared purpose. It's a lot easier to get to know someone while you're both digging in the dirt, in my experience. And it seems to attract a lovely batch of folks. I always love felling trees, but the marble extravaganza was fun too and I even enjoyed selling beers at the Basalt concert. It's impossible to regret any time spent volunteering with RFOV!”
July Group Projects
A big shout-out to our Adopt-a-Trail and group project crews who powered through July’s heat, sudden downpours, and everything in between! REI hit the Cross Trail for the second time this season, tackling erosion control and corridor clearing. Jaywalkers kept Light Hill Trail in top shape with fresh maintenance on this popular Basalt trail.
Group Health/Martin Insurance took on a Carbondale hidden gem, Riverfront Park, pulling invasives, clearing brush, and spotting some wildlife. And up on Independence Pass, Aspen Rotary rallied through a brewing storm to repair badly eroded sections of Linkins Lake Trail.
Celebrating Success
Upcoming Projects
Sky Mountain Park:
Aug. 20th
CMC Spring Valley:
Aug. 23rd
Independence Pass:
Aug. 26th
Latino Conservation Week at Veltus Park:
Sep. 13th
Filoha Meadows:
Sep. 14th
Grizzly Creek:
Sep. 20th
We’re halfway through the season, and the numbers speak for themselves! Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our amazing community of stewards, we’ve already:
Completed 183 project days
Engaged 1,035 volunteers, contributing 4,582 hours of service
Plus 4,169 staff hours
Improved over 23 miles of trail
Together, we’re making a lasting impact on the places we love—one project, one mile, and one volunteer hour at a time.
Upcoming Events
Your Brain On Nature with Florence Williams
You're invited to spend an evening with award-winning science journalist Florence Williams for an exploration of why spending time in nature—and volunteering—benefits our health, wellbeing, and creativity. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and global medical research, Florence reveals how the outdoors shapes our minds and bodies, and what we can do about today's growing disconnection from nature. Don’t miss this engaging discussion that blends science, storytelling, and actionable ideas for reconnecting with nature.
Event Details
Friday, September 19th
Dunaway Room at Pitkin County Library
5:30 pm
Meet & Greet with Florence + RFOV
6:00 pm
Community Talk &
Book Signing
Sponsor Spotlight: Holy Cross Energy
Holy Cross Energy is proud to power more than homes and businesses — they power community. As your local, member-owned electric cooperative, their mission goes beyond delivering safe, reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy. They invest in programs, partnerships, and volunteer efforts that strengthen the places we call home. From supporting local nonprofits to advancing environmental stewardship, they believe in working together for a brighter future. Partnering with Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers reflects their commitment to preserving the natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and quality of life that define our Colorado communities.
More Ways to Support
THE ASPEN PLEDGE
Simply by signing the Aspen Pledge, the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) will make a donation on your behalf to Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers.
Go to citymarketrewards.com
Login or create an account
When asked to "Link your card", choose "Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteer" from the list of organizations
