Volunteering when traveling (or even at home) is a great way to give back to the local community. It’s also an awesome way to meet new people and get outside. Here are a couple of incredible organizations that we have found with outdoor volunteer opportunities.
Colorado
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado
This organization hosts outdoor opportunities all around Colorado. They have community gardening, ecological restoration, trail maintenance and also weekend camping projects. We’ve volunteered with them several times and had an absolute blast on the overnight projects!
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers
The Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers is located in the Roaring Fork Valley, which is from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. They host trail work projects throughout the summer and fall and even have several multi day options.
Patagonia Denver
While not necessarily a nonprofit organization, the Patagonia in Denver hosts monthly South Platte River trash cleanups. Unfortunately, this river, which runs through the middle of Denver, has a ton of trash in it and needs all the help it can get!
Colorado Fourteeners Initiative
The Colorado 14ers Initiative builds and maintains trails on Colorado’s iconic 14,000 foot peaks (there are 58 in the state!) They have multiple opportunities throughout the summer – from trail restoration to hiker education.
Idaho
Idaho Rivers United
This Boise based organization hosts river clean ups, brewery fundraising events, and other opportunities throughout the year.
Oregon
Trailkeepers of Oregon
The Trailkeepers of Oregon has projects located throughout the state of Oregon. They mainly do trailwork restoration but have special opportunities for families and women only events as well.
Other Organizations
The above organizations are ones where we have volunteered. However, there are many other outdoor volunteer programs throughout the world. Here are a couple of other places to check for opportunities:
- Surfrider – coastal clean ups & protection.
- National Park Service – volunteer at national parks & available throughout the US!
- The Nature Conservancy – great organization with outdoor volunteer opportunities in most states.
If you have any organizations in your area that you would like to recommend for outdoor volunteer opportunities, please let us know!
