NEW YEAR BIG NEWS
GOCO Awards Big Grant
This past December, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) awarded RFOV a $300,000, two-year grant to support our stewardship work.
Through its Stewardship Impact program, GOCO is dedicated to enhancing the quality of our state’s public lands through collaborative outdoor stewardship initiatives.
RFOV is honored to be the recipient of this grant. GOCO’s investment will provide funding to support essential programs aimed at engaging a more diverse range of volunteers as well as increasing our region’s collective capacity and skill set to complete a variety of stewardship projects.
Read the full story in the Sopris Sun
Join the RFOV Team!
RFOV is hiring seasonal staff for the 2024 project season.
For information about specific positions and how to apply,
please visit http://www.rfov.org/careers or call 970-927-8241.
DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
Youth In Nature News
In December, the Youth In Nature (YIN) team all received Wilderness First Aid certifications from Desert Mountain Medicine. Over the course of two days, the students honed their backcountry medical skills via scenario-based learning.
This month, our students will be digging into the Colorado snowpack and learning snow science with The Buddy Program on Richmond Ridge.
Applications for the 2024-25 cohort open on January 15. YIN is open to rising 9th-12th graders. The last day to apply is April 15.
Learn more about the Youth In Nature program HERE.
HEARTFELT GOODBYES
Sara Gilbertson
In December, Sara decided to embark on a new path and stepped away from her role at RFOV. As Director of Communications and Engagement, Sara has been an integral part of the team. During her tenure, volunteer participation grew by almost 15%, a testament to her ability to engage new members of our community. Sara also revitalized our Project Ambassador program, ran multiple fundraising campaigns that proved 2023 to be the most successful year to date, and used her depth of experience to improve our digital marketing strategy. We wish Sara the best as she travels the world and applies her passion for community engagement to our region.
Melissa Daniels
At the end of the month, Melissa will be leaving RFOV and relocating to Bellingham, Washington. As Program Director, Melissa has made lasting contributions to the quality and reach of our stewardship programs. She has helped RFOV expand and enhance the types of projects and trainings we offer, spearheaded the launch of a new volunteer chainsaw crew, made significant advancements in our Crew Leader program, and has served as a leader and expert in her field of work. Volunteers, partners, and staff admire Melissa and we are confident that she will thrive and excel in her future endeavors.
In light of these departures, we are taking steps to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the momentum for the 2024 season.
SAVE THE DATE
RFOV Trivia Night
Trivia night is returning for another year at Honey Butter. Find a team and get ready for some good food and a fun time.
WHEN: Wednesday, February 21st
6-9 pm
WHERE: Honey Butter Diner in Carbondale
RFOV Bonfire
Aspen Valley Land Trust is hosting this year's bonfire at their Coffman Ranch location again! Bring your friends and family, enjoy warm drinks, and join us for good conversations and company around the fire.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 19
4-7 pm
WEATHER CHECK DATE: Thursday, March 21
WHERE: Coffman Ranch in Carbondale
EASY WAYS SUPPORT RFOV
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
