Natural Areas and Trails Rangers

Volunteer Ranger Assistants

Welcome to the first class of Natural Area Volunteer Trail Hosts!

Are you looking for a way to give back to the outdoors? Are you committed to land stewardship and public enjoyment of natural areas? Do you enjoy the outdoors and talking with others? Are you looking for meaningful volunteer service? Become a Volunteer Ranger Assistant!

Since 2008 the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County have collaborated to create the Volunteer Ranger Assistant Program. Online applications are being accepted for summer 2009 training. Volunteer Ranger Assistants promote outdoor safety and awareness, respond to visitor questions and monitor areas for safety. The Volunteer Ranger Assistant program was created to integrate the community in promoting visitor safety and enhancing the enjoyment of the outdoors.

Volunteer Ranger Assistants participate in about 20 hours of training. The 2009 summer training session will be August 11 and 13, 6-9 pm and Aug. 15, 9 am-4 pm. Training topics include the values of natural areas and open lands, basic ecology, managing visitor use, outdoor safety, conflict management and responding to emergency situations. Training is generally offered twice a year, winter and summer.

Applicants who are at least 18 yrs old with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to promoting the responsible enjoyment of City natural areas and County open spaces are encouraged to apply. Once accepted, volunteers will be required to undergo a background check and must complete a volunteer agreement requiring a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service per year. Volunteers can host at a trailhead, special event or monitor trails by wheelchair, hiking, biking, rollerblading or horseback. Volunteer opportunities are year-round.

You can apply online here, or use the pdf application. Pick up an application at City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department, 215 North Mason, or at the Natural Areas Program Office, 1745 Hoffman Mill Road. You can also call 970-416-2815 and request an application be sent to you.

Read the Coloradoan article about the Volunteer Ranger Assistant Program from March 2008.

See more volunteer opportunities with the Natural Areas Program.