30TH ANNIVERSARY
HISTORY NUGGET
From left: David Hamilton, Kevin O'Brien, and Michael Hutton
We are so happy it is February because that means we are one month closer to the start of our 30th season!
This month, we want to give a big shoutout to the visionaries who started it all. Back in 1995, locals David Hamilton, Kevin O'Brien, and Michael Huttonrecognized the need for a volunteer organization to work with agencies and organizations dedicated to managing, preserving, and protecting our public lands.
Thanks to their vision, RFOV was born. Now, 30 years later, we’re still working together to protect the places we all love! We hope you’ll join us on the trails this season to celebrate three decades of impact.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers offers a variety of programs dedicated to stewarding our public lands. In light of the recent wildfires that have devastated California, we want to highlight our Fire Adaptation program.
What is fire adaptation?
RFOV aims to both restore burn areas within our service area and also mitigate the impacts of future wildfires through targeted fuels reduction projects on public lands.
How can the community get involved?
Volunteers can help reduce the risk of severe wildfires by hand-limbing plants, making slash or burn piles, removing flammable invasive species, and replanting/reseeding less-flammable species. Volunteers can help restore fire-affected landscapes by reestablishing infrastructure, reseeding, replanting, and reducing the risk of erosion.
How are these projects selected?
RFOV currently engages in fuel load management projects only on public lands in areas of significant need. We choose project sites that are identified by land managers as benefitting residential and commercial infrastructure, or projects that are accessed-through or combined-with recreational infrastructure projects (e.g. trails).
WINTER EVENTS
Fire Mitigation Training
Don't miss out on this free training on Saturday, March 8th from 8 am to 4 pm at the 3rd Street Center in Carbondale! Join us as experts from Coalitions & Collaboratives share relevant and engaging information about fire mitigation. This classroom-based program is open to the public and will connect you with applicable resources.
YOUNG STEWARDS
Youth In Nature
Last month, the 2024/25 Youth In Nature cohort visited McClure Pass with Dylan Craaybeek from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to learn about winter recreation, snow science, and avalanche safety. The group snowshoed to Huntsman Ridge, enjoying hot chocolate and beautiful mountain views along the way.
Do you know a student that would benefit from this year-long, paid program? The Youth In Nature application for 2025/2026 is NOW OPEN until April 4th. Students join this program to meet new people, get out of their comfort zone, unplug, and have fun!
The application and more information can be found on our website at https://www.rfov.org/yin.
Adventure Stewards
Adventure Stewards is back and this season and we will be offering TWO sessions!
This program introduces students 11-14 to local, world-class outdoor adventure activities while also giving back to these special places through hands-on stewardship projects. Students will walk away with the skills they need to become a life-long outdoor adventurer and steward.
Be on the lookout for open registration no later than March 1st!
GROUPS + BUSINESSES
Enrich and engage your organization while helping to maintain and preserve our spectacular outdoor spaces. RFOV provides everything you need for the day – leadership, tools, training, education, & logistical support – you supply the volunteers!
Custom stewardship projects are designed to maximize your impact on the outdoors while also building connections among your team. Each RFOV Group Project is between 4 to 6 hours and can accommodate 6 to 30 people.
The type of volunteer work and financial commitment depends upon the desired project.
To schedule a group event or get more information, email Claire at cwoodward@rfov.org or call 970-927-8241.
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
