Outdoor stewardship doesn't just happen. It takes grassroots organizations such as Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) to make it so.

To help support these efforts, REI today announced the distribution of $600,000 (part of our $4.2 million in grants provided last year) to VOC and 13 other nonprofit partners through our Stewardship Leader Grants program. All of these are deserving groups, but VOC offers a great example of how to create a lasting legacy of stewardship.

The statewide group expects to lead more than 3,500 volunteers on some 50 outdoor volunteer projects in 2012. Projects vary widely across the state, ranging from trail maintenance on routes leading to Colorado's popular "Fourteeners" to planting vegetable gardens in the greater Denver area—with harvests going to area food banks.
 
Many VOC volunteer opportunities are full- or half-day events designed for the general public, while others are tailored specifically to families, teens or even "young stewards" ranging from ages 6 to 12. Other VOC projects are multiday and offering stewardship work combined with the chance to camp out under the stars. Previous experience is never a requirement; VOC's experienced guides provide hands-on training.
 
What's it like to volunteer? Check out this 2011 VOC event that included volunteers from REI.

"Our mission is to motivate and enable citizens to become active stewards of Colorado's outdoors," notes Sue Anderson, director of programs for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. "It's about so much more than getting the stewardship work done—it's about helping people understand the need for and importance of caring for the outdoors and helping them see how they can be part of that—as volunteers and in their daily lives."

 "What they're doing with their programs," says Peter Streit, REI's supervisor of market-based giving, "is exactly what we are looking for in a partner organization." In addition to their current programs, Peter notes, "They're the building the infrastructure to do more and reach more people."

Here's a tip of my sun-shielding hat to Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado and all of the other nonprofit organizations who are building the next generation of outdoor stewards.

If you enjoy the outdoors, please make time to volunteer sometime in 2012.