As we enter the month of November and near the end of our field season at RMFI, I tend to enter a period of reflection and celebration. 

Reflecting on this past season, I can't help but feel immensely thankful for the incredible community members who volunteered with RMFI. From first-time volunteers to our Rockstar Volunteers (those who volunteer with us 3+ times), the work we do wouldn’t be possible (or nearly as fun) without each and every one of you. The public lands we steward provide so much to the people of the Pikes Peak Region—having community members join us in giving back to these places is truly special. 

We live in an extraordinary place. From the trees of the Pineries to the hoodoos in Palmer Park, the red sandstone of Garden of the Gods, and the breathless alpine of Pikes Peak, our hundreds of miles of city, county, state, and federal lands offer incredible opportunities right from our doorstep. How rewarding it is to care for these places alongside a community of fellow public land enthusiasts? Growing up in metro Detroit, I dreamed of moving here. After just a few visits, I fell in love with the natural spaces in Colorado Springs. It’s incredible to now care for these places alongside you. 

I want to thank each of RMFI’s volunteers for spending some of your precious time giving back to the public lands we love. I’ve had the immense pleasure of working with many of you this season—it’s always a special day, whether meeting new volunteers or reconnecting with familiar faces. I’ve enjoyed every bit of dirt and trail snacks shared with you. From invasive species management with school groups and the next generation of land stewards, to rock work with my fellow lady mountain bikers, to ecology talks, Leave No Trace workshops, and all the laughs shared this season—you all ROCK! 

This season, volunteers worked on projects in Garden of the Gods, planted 500 trees in the Pineries Open Space burn scar, helped reroute the Devils Playground Trail at over 11,000 feet, packed gear and tools in and out of Barr Trail with help from the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, built new trail at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, maintained trails at Austin Bluffs Open Space, repaired erosion damage at Palmer Park, and so much more! This season, 1,176 volunteers contributed 4,709 hours of service, equating to over $170,000 in volunteer time over 48 project days. 

And there is still time to lend a hand! There is ONE more day to volunteer during the 2025 season—join us this Saturday, November 8 at Garden of the Gods!  

From the bottom of all of our hearts at RMFI, thank you for volunteering with RMFI. We look forward to seeing you on a project in 2026 and continuing the memories, impact, and fun! 

See you on the trails,  

Calla