Skye Kreisler discovered VOC in 2013 while looking for a rewarding way to utilize her employer's paid 'volunteer day'. She first came out for the Oxbow Trail Construction, which involved building a 1,700-foot section of new trail that was to ultimately connect 40 miles of trails from Golden to distant Loveland Pass. 

"As a new volunteer, I wasn't 100% confident in what I was doing, but the crew leader on the project made my day fun, educational, and meaningful," said Skye.

She quickly decided to take her volunteerism to the next level, and began her path to become a VOC Crew Leader. During her Crew Leader training, she said that the instructor offered the advice to "truly listen to each individual, learn and use each person's name, and always start and end the day by thanking the crew." Skye said she's based her leadership style on that advice, having served on his crew that first day in 2013.

Skye is a firm believer that by promoting sustainably-built and maintained trails, VOC projects help minimize impact on the surrounding ecosystem while fostering in people a connection with the land and a respect for its stewardship. 

"Once a volunteer has lugged a heavy hand tool, scraped away duff, installed a water bar, or hauled some boulders, they will never view any hiking trail the same way again. They will also look back on the day with a sense of accomplishment, realizing that they have contributed to something outside of themselves and made some new friends along the way. It is a great feeling," said Skye.

Outside of VOC, Skye is a full-time student majoring in Natural Resources Policy and Management via Oregon State University's online education program. Aspiring to become a land manager with an ecological conscience, Skye has worked seasonally as a state park ranger, natural resources technician, GIS intern for trails, and is trained as a wildland firefighter, chainsaw faller, and wilderness first responder. She enjoys backpacking, camping, running, kayaking, snowboarding, gardening, and playing guitar; and she hopes to crew lead and volunteer with VOC again this season every chance she gets!