In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers will host a party at Arbaney Kittle park in Basalt Oct. 24.
In 1995, a group of volunteers set out to improve Scout Trail in Glenwood Springs. It was the start of a summer collaboration that saw more than 100 people join together to work on three valley trail projects. That community-powered stewardship is what continues to drive Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers today. The organization has constructed 53 miles of new trails, maintained and restored 529 miles of trails, restored 50 acres of habitat and inspired more than 13,000 young stewards through its youth education program. In the wake of tragedies, RFOV responds. Its post-wildfire work at Lake Christine has been integral in restoring the landscape and the community. When the coronavirus struck, RFOV partnered with Carbondale Arts, The Art Base and Red Brick Center for the Arts for the My Window, Our World initiative, which enlists students to draw the scenes as viewed from their own windows. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, RFOV has a special event planned for this fall. It will build on its success both outdoors and in the classroom by providing free summer youth programming; continuing trailwork, maintenance and restoration projects; and encouraging community member involvement. As we’ve learned during stay-at-home orders, the natural environment and trails offer some of our region’s most important solace.
Photography by: Courtesy of Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers
