In 1984, a savvy group of Coloradoansundertook a challenging and unique approach to protecting and preserving Colorado's public lands from the enormous impacts caused by exploding population growth, dramatic increases in the numbers of people playing outdoors, and declining public land management budgets.
Using borrowed tools and a truck,volunteers arrived at Lory State Park and built the Overlook Trail the first project to be completed by the newly formed Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC). From these humble beginnings,VOC has matured into a nationally recognized leader in the land stewardship community, having engaged 46,500 volunteers in the completion of 240 trail and habitat projects valued at over $12.5 million. Building upon its success managing large-scale volunteer projects, and aiming to address public land stewardship issues in a broad way,VOC has developed and implemented a suite of tools to help land managers and other nonprofits design and manage their own outdoor volunteer events.
Today, VOC accomplishes its mission through four interrelated programs and activities designed to help the land stewardship community best use volunteers to preserve, protect, and enhance Colorado's public lands.
VOC's flagship program involves large-scale conservation projects with land managers across the state. Every year,VOC recruits and mobilizes 2,500 volunteers to undertake 15 or more high-priority projects ranging in size from 50 to 1,000 volunteers. Projects include building and maintaining trails, planting trees and shrubs, and removing invasive plants.
An equally important program of VOC engages Colorado's future land stewardship leaders through VOC projects and/or V Outdoors. Each year, VOC's Youth Advisory Board hosts conservation projects selected, managed, and implemented by young people. Through such experiences, Colorado's young citizens learn invaluable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and project management while building a strong environmental ethic and giving back to their community.
On April 21rst, VOC kicks off another landmark project that truly deserves the accolade and support of YourHub members, readers, and the Community Cares award.
A carefully orchestrated army of 400 volunteers including over 75 youth will meet to build a mile of new trail, improving access for all future visitors, and plant 75 new trees that will count towards Mayor John Hickenloopers 7000 trees in 7 days initative in the Parkfield Park in Northeast Denver. This is VOCs third project of the year and will also be their largest in terms of volunteer hours.
Located just minutes from Montbello, Parkfield, and Green Valley Ranch, Parkfield Park is home a vast array of wildlife including waterfowl, mammals, raptors, and song birds. Its close-in solitude and natural beauty make it a wonderful retreat in the urban setting, and a prime viewing for birdwatchers.
"This project is a great way to celebrate Earth Day, building trail and planting trees with friends and neighbors", stated VOC team leader Gordon Carruth. Caruth and the project team has been planning the project for several months. "This project will launch new friendships among neighbors, improve the environment and access to an incredible park, and support several national and local initiatives. What more could you ask for?"
Please consider awarding Volunteer's for Outdoor Colorado your Community Cares award. By doing so you are supporting the efforts of hundreds of volunteers who truly know how to show Colorado that they love her.