Into the Wild: Backcountry Staff Training at Cathedral Lake
Last month, our field crew kicked off the backpacking season with a multi-day training in one of the most stunning classrooms —Cathedral Lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. With snow still clinging to the upper trail, the crew hiked in with full packs and high spirits, ready to sharpen their backcountry skills.
From navigation and safety protocols to camp life and workday activities, they spent a few days living the volunteer experience they’ll be leading throughout the summer. They even got to test their freshly built drainage structures with real-time snowmelt!
It’s not all digging and hauling—there’s laughter, shared stories, and a deep sense of purpose in protecting the places we love. We’re lucky to work on world-class trails that people travel across the globe to visit.
Ready to join us?
There’s always room on the trail for more boots, more smiles, and more good work!
Next Gen Stewards in Action
Adventure Stewards
Last month, we had two incredible groups join us for our Adventure Stewards program—each diving into hands-on stewardship and outdoor adventure!
Our first group of students restored trails and removed invasive species at Coal Basin Ranch. Then they wrapped up the week learning to rock climb at the Puoux with Glenwood Climbing Guides!
Our second group tackled invasive species at the Glenwood Fish Hatchery, cleared the corridor on No Name Creek Trail, and finished the week with two days of rafting on the Colorado River with Defiance Rafting.
Each session was filled with teamwork, exploration, and a growing sense of care for our public lands and waters. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make these two impactful weeks possible!
Youth in Nature
Our newest Youth in Nature cohort has officially launched! During orientation, this inspiring group of local high school students met one another for the first time, setting the stage for a year of connection, discovery, and growth. Next up: a 4-day, 3-night hut trip that will take them into Colorado’s backcountry!
This immersive adventure serves as the foundation for a year of learning about environmental leadership and public lands. While unplugged from their day-to-day routines, the students will explore what stewardship means, learn about the landscapes that surround them, and begin building the kind of friendships that only a shared journey can spark. Stay tuned for updates!
To learn more about the Youth in Nature program and how it fosters the next generation of land stewards, visit rfov.org/youth-in-nature.
On the Ground: Field Highlights
Volunteer of the Month: Kevin Toepke
Congratulations to Kevin! He's been on three projects already this season and is signed up for even more. We're so grateful for his positive attitude and hard work.
Here's what Kevin says about volunteering with RFOV: “I volunteer to improve the world around me. I love helping people get out and recreate and help the environment. I love the sense of acceptance, purpose, and community that volunteering with RFOV provides. As someone who sits at a desk all day, I love being able to see the immediate effect I have on the trails and trail users. I volunteer with RVOF because it gets me outdoors, I meet new people, I get to explore new places, I get to learn new skills. It's fun, and hard work. Heck, I even get free food and beverages!”
June Group Projects were packed with trail love and team spirit!
Ragnar Relay runners didn’t just race—they gave back! Volunteers logged 45 hours of post-race TLC on Upper North Mesa, sprucing up the trail they ran on as part of their Adopt-A-Trail commitment. Whole Foods Basalt brought high energy to Glassier Equestrian Trail, clearing corridor and improving tread.
The crew from Strafe Outerwear tackled the Congo Trail, trimming back overgrown limbs, removing thistle, and building rock bars. REI brought their A-game to The Cross Trail with solid corridor, tread, and rock work as part of their Adopt-A-Trail project. And last but not least, Aspen Skiing Company hit the Sunnyside Trail, pulling invasive plants and improving water drainage to keep things flowing smoothly.
Win Gear While You Volunteer!
Volunteering with RFOV comes with extra rewards this summer. In honor of our 30th season, we're giving back to YOU—our trail-loving, dirt-digging, nature-defending community. We’re giving away some awesome prizes, including a $50 REI Gift Card, two 'Intro to Gym Climbing Class' Certificates from Rifle Climbing Center, and $500 toward Strafe Outerwear’s Summer Line!
Eligible Projects
Jul. 11-12th: Butler Creek (Overnight)
Jul. 19th: Snowmass Falls Ranch
Aug. 22-24: Avalanche Creek (Overnight)
Aug 23rd: CMC Spring Valley
Sep. 14th: Filoha Meadows
Sep. 20th: Grizzly Creek
Sep. 29th: Coffman Ranch
Oct. 4th: Rifle Falls
Here's How to Enter the Drawing:
✽ Tag a Friend on our Social Media + Bring them to an Eligible Project = 1 Entry
✽ Share a Project Photo on Social Media & Tag Us = 1 Entry
✽ Attend 3+ Eligible Projects = 2 Entries
✽ Bring a Friend to 3+ Eligible Projects = 6 Entries
Earn more when you sign up and share!
Sponsor Spotlight: Aspen Chamber Resort Association
We’re proud to shine this month’s Sponsor Spotlight on the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA)—a longtime partner and strong advocate for responsible recreation and environmental stewardship. ACRA serves as both Aspen’s chamber of commerce and destination marketing organization, supporting local businesses while promoting Aspen as a world-class, sustainably minded destination. From managing visitor services to organizing community events, ACRA plays an important role in balancing economic vitality with environmental responsibility. Together, we’re inspiring a culture of sustainability through volunteerism, education, and collaboration. Thank you, ACRA, for being a cornerstone of this community—and for your shared commitment to keeping our lands wild, welcoming, and well-loved.
More Ways to Support
BASALT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - Wednesday, July 23
Join us for some great live music and community fun at the Basalt Summer Concert Series. Proceeds from sales benefit local nonprofits, including RFOV! Mama Lingua opens the show at 5:30 pm, followed by Bella Rayne and Friends at 7 pm.
We'll be volunteering, selling drink tickets, pouring beverages, and lending a hand wherever needed. Register below if you're interested in volunteering with us!
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
