Shovel Stories

Shovel Stories brings you behind the scenes of the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, spotlighting the volunteers and partners who keep Southern Colorado’s trails and public lands thriving. With your host, RMFI's Marketing and Community Engagement Manager, Calla!

Each episode delivers real stories of stewardship, challenge, and connection to the landscapes that make this place special. If you love the outdoors or want to get involved, this podcast is your trailhead.

In this episode of Shovel Stories, RMFI introduces its new Executive Director, Jess Verplank, a Colorado native whose lifelong connection to the outdoors began in the San Luis Valley. Jess shares her passion for public lands, trail stewardship, and outdoor recreation, while discussing her vision for RMFI's future, including sustainable trail building, youth engagement, environmental education, and stronger community partnerships.

In this episode of Shovel Stories, Sam Hinkle talks with longtime RMFI volunteer Dean Waits about a lifetime spent outdoors and the joy of giving back to Colorado’s trails. Dean shares stories from his early days on a Texas farm to years of trail work, his connection with RMFI crews, and why public lands matter. His advice for aspiring volunteers? Get out there, give it a try, and enjoy the experience.

In our first episode, RMFI’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year, Halie Kritner, shares how discovering Colorado’s mountains, tackling tough trail projects, and bringing fellow military members outdoors has transformed her life—and theirs.