ABOUT VOC
ABOUT US
Founded in 1984, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is the state's oldest outdoor stewardship nonprofit organization. Our mission is to motivate and enable people to become active stewards of Colorado's natural resources.
Each year, we engage thousands of people to provide a volunteer workforce for recreation and habitat improvement projects in partnership with land agencies, nonprofits, and community groups. These volunteer projects take place in every corner of Colorado and over the decades, we've grown beyond our projects - and our borders - to help others start and improve their own volunteer stewardship programs and inspire all of us to find our place in caring for the outdoors.
Our vision is a Colorado where all people connect to nature and care for our outdoor spaces.
OUR IMPACT
Learn about the impact Volunteers for Colorado has made over the last 40 years.
$28.18M
LABOR VALUE DONATED
137,000
VOLUNTEERS ACROSS COLORADO
1,700+
OUTDOOR VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
100
PUBLIC VOLUNTEER PROJECTS PER YEAR
FINDING COMMON GROUND
For 40 years, VOC's mission has been to motivate and enable people to become active stewards of Colorado's natural resources. From our on-the-ground volunteer projects to behind-the-scenes management, everything we do is grounded in our mission.
To achieve our mission and best serve Colorado and its people, we are committed to creating a welcoming and collaborative environment that encourages stewardship—of the outdoors, the volunteer experience, and the long-term sustainability of our work.
WHAT VOC VOLUNTEERS DO
We offer volunteer projects for the general public, as well as youth and corporate groups in:
- trail construction and maintenance
- habitat restoration and invasive species management
- tree planting and urban gardening
- flood and fire restoration and mitigation
- park improvements and historic restoration
Projects range in type and difficulty level, and volunteers can also help with project photography, camp cooking, tool transport, and more.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS
In addition to engaging volunteers in hands-on stewardship, we offer a variety of programs that encourage more people to get involved in caring for Colorado’s outdoors and inspire a lifelong commitment to conservation. These include:
- The Cairn Program, an experience that guides high school students through monthly outdoor education and leadership activities throughout the school year.
- Family Camping Projects, which introduce children as young as six to the joys of outdoor exploration and giving back.
- Collaborative Partnerships, working with local organizations to expand outdoor stewardship opportunities for more communities.
- Healthy Community Projects, which focus on improving both environmental and community well-being through initiatives like planting food gardens and restoring green spaces.
Johnson Foundation of the Rockies
BEYOND THE BOOTS
Volunteerism is the foundation of VOC, and volunteers' hard work over the years has given us a platform to refine our organization and deliver the highest-quality work for land management agencies of all sizes, from local open space programs to state parks and federal agencies.
The success of our volunteer model has led to the creation of similar groups across the state, and served as inspiration for outdoor nonprofits and agencies across the country and even internationally.
We believe it is up to all of us to care for the outdoors, which is why we share expertise and collaborate with others, elevating our collective ability to tackle the most pressing stewardship challenges.
HONORING ORIGINAL STEWARDS
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) acknowledges the original stewards of the lands we serve today. Prior to their forced removal, many Indigenous peoples called Colorado home and we thank them for their care of the lands, waters, and wildlife we enjoy today. We also recognize their continuing commitment and connection to the land, and we honor the enduring wisdom they contribute to stewardship today.
WHY VOLUNTEER STEWARDSHIP?
Simply put, outdoor stewardship is responsibly managing our natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations of people, plants, and animals.
GROWING CHALLENGES...
Colorado’s stunning natural resources, abundant sunshine, and world-class recreation draw millions of residents and visitors each year. As Colorado’s population grows—projected to reach 7.8 million by 2040—our trails, parks, and open spaces face increasing pressure. Budget cuts to land management, natural disasters, and environmental changes add to the challenges of keeping these outdoor spaces healthy, accessible, and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
...ENDLESS OPPORTUNITY
The challenges facing our state offer the chance for all of us to play an important role in making sure our shared lands are well-cared for, not only for our enjoyment today, but for the future wellbeing of our communities and the flora and fauna who also call Colorado home.
