From the very beginning, Boulder County Parks & Open Space (BCPOS) has been rooted in service. Volunteers have shaped trails, cared for animals, gathered scientific data, shared stories of the past, and connected thousands of residents to the land we call home. As the department grew, so did the dedication of volunteers, expanding into many more roles that continue to shape our work today.
From the Beginning
Volunteerism existed even before BCPOS was created. In 1963, a volunteer parks advisory committee was formed to guide the development of an open space program. The committee gathered public input and laid the groundwork for what would become Boulder County’s open space program.
In 1967, the Boulder County Commissioners formally appointed the first members of the Parks & Open Space Advisory Committee (POSAC), a volunteer group created to advise the commissioners on open space matters. POSAC continues to meet monthly, providing opportunities for community input into open space management.
Soon after the Parks & Open Space department became official in 1975, staff began recruiting and training Volunteer Naturalists. By 1979, BCPOS had 10 to 20 dedicated volunteers. These naturalists served as the county’s boots on the ground, helping connect with the community at a time when the department’s budget and staff were limited. Last year, 130 volunteer naturalists contributed 6,395 hours preparing, and presenting 182 programs to the community. These naturalists spark curiosity, foster stewardship, and help thousands of residents connect more deeply with Boulder County’s open spaces.
Expanding Our Reach and Volunteer Involvement
As the department grew, volunteers began assisting with everything from trail building to weed management, and wildlife monitoring to plant research. In 1986, volunteers helped trap and tag deer in response to farmers’ concerns about crop damage. Efforts like these provided valuable scientific data to guide staff and support to landowners living near county properties.
While some volunteers focused on gathering data and protecting wildlife, others turned their attention to keeping history alive. The first class of volunteers dedicated to cultural history was recruited in 1990 after Walker Ranch and its historic homestead were added to the National Register of Historic Places (1984 and 1988). At the homestead, volunteers in period clothing offer living history demonstrations (Vintage Baseball Game and Autumn Heritage Day is coming up on Oct. 5. See page 11 for details). Beyond living history demonstrations, cultural history volunteers educate school groups, staff museums such as the Assay Office and the Nederland Mining Museums, and serve as tour guides. At the Agricultural Heritage Center, volunteers also provide daily care for the animals as part of the cultural history program. Last year, 129 volunteers contributed 2,821 hours, leading 190 programs that reached 3,937 participants.
As trails grew busier, there was a need for peer-to-peer education, leading to the creation of the park host program in 1996. Today, these volunteers are part of the Volunteer Ranger Corps and can often be seen on the trails. Park patrol helps BCPOS connect with community members in the moment by enhancing visitor experience, reducing conflict, and providing service and information. The Bark Ranger program allows volunteers to hike with their certified dogs that serve as trail ambassadors. Last year, 79 Volunteer Rangers gave 2,614 hours of their time and contacted 19,567 visitors on our open spaces.
Starting in 2008, the department placed an even greater emphasis on volunteerism, expanding efforts in trail building, invasive weed removal, native seed collection, prairie dog fencing, and more. Today, this work continues through the Wild Work Program, which engages community groups, corporations, families, and individuals in one-day projects that enhance visitor experiences, strengthen land conservation practices, and build community. Last year, 1,268 volunteers participated in 178 one-day projects, contributing 4,250 service hours.
Engaging Youth
The Lefthand Outdoor Challenge began engaging youth in 2012. Participants ages 14 to 18 take part in nine monthly challenges focused on outdoor exploration, environmental stewardship, and careers in the outdoors. Volunteer adult mentors, some of whom participated in the program as teens, help guide the youth through their experiences.
Connecting With New Communities and Volunteers Into the Future
Today, BCPOS has more than 500 ongoing volunteers assisting seven dedicated teams, along with more than 1,200 additional volunteers who have contributed through one-day programs. Boulder County CSU Extension has their own extensive and storied volunteer programs. Look for a future article highlighting these programs, including the Colorado Master Gardener program, also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year!
Our volunteers share the wonders of our properties with the public, collaborate with staff, monitor wildlife and plant species, and help build a more sustainable natural environment. Our mission would not be possible without them!
Have you attended an educational program, joined an outreach event, or met a volunteer on the trail? You are part of the inspiration that keeps our volunteers coming back!
Are you interested in learning more about volunteering? Sign up for our monthly volunteer newsletter at boco.org/VolunteerEmails to discover opportunities. Or visit boco.org/discover to see upcoming events and programs.