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A 501c3 nonprofit

The Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund

The Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund’s mission is to improve wildlife habitat, inspire the next generation of nature stewards, and ignite a lifelong love of the outdoors for all. Much of our work is driven by local support—community donations, corporate partners, grants, and volunteers—who believe in the power of wild places to enrich our lives and protect what makes this community special.

Reconnecting Youth with Nature
Today’s kids are growing up in a world filled with screens, schedules, and stress. The Backcountry Wilderness Area offers something different—a chance to experience the freedom of exploring and learning in the outdoors.  More than 1,000 infants and pre-K children each year enjoy our free Sunshine & Storytime program, and we offer affordable and accessible outdoor programming for youth of all ages. This conservation property gives them room to breathe, explore, and reconnect with the natural world—a much-needed counterbalance to the structured pace of everyday life. When we give kids the opportunity to engage with wild places, we give them the opportunity to love wild places. When they love wild places, they’ll protect places like the Backcountry Wilderness Area in the future.

Protecting Wild Spaces for Wildlife and People
The Backcountry Wilderness Area spans 8,200 acres and is quickly becoming the ‘Central Park’ of the South Denver Metro area. It’s home to elk, black bears, bobcats, Golden Eagles, and more—but this land is surrounded by development. Preserving and improving this habitat takes more than HOA dues—it takes committed support from the broader community. Every donation helps us protect this vibrant landscape and the species that call it home.

Nature for Everyone, Close to Home
Not everyone has the time or resources to get to the mountains. That’s why our mission is to bring nature opportunities right to the community’s doorstep. From toddlers to retirees, our programs are designed to be accessible, affordable, and deeply meaningful. There’s nothing better than joining in on a morning Nature Walk with coffee or a visit to Backcountry Base Camp with your family to visit our barnyard animals and meander our Discovery Trail … two of many no-cost programs thanks to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund. We’re creating space for connection—between people and nature, and with each other—without barriers of cost or distance.
 
The Backcountry Wilderness Area is more than open space—it’s a place for discovery, restoration, and community. It’s where wildlife has a home, kids find adventure, and we all reconnect with something greater than ourselves. We know that there
 can be balance between outdoor recreation and conservation when environmental education of our community is a priority. Your support—whether through donations, partnerships, or volunteering—makes all of this possible. Let’s protect this local treasure, together. For the wildlife. For the next generation. And for all of us who thrive in a local wild place.
Get Your Hands Dirty

Volunteer Opportunities

Throughout the year, we are always looking for people who want to lend their talents and muscles to making the Backcountry Wilderness Area a better place. From trail maintenance and brush clearing to photography and event help, there are opportunities to suit almost everyone who wants to donate their time and effort in the Backcountry.

Consistently Scheduled Volunteers

Age Requirement:

  • 14 and 15 (with a parent)
  • 16 and 17 (with parental consent)
  • 18 and up

Minimum Commitment:

  • Bi-weekly shifts, a regular day/schedule is preferred
  • At least one-half day of training, maybe more for some positions
  • April-October typically, some positions will differ
  • Staff will email you the link to our volunteer application. This application is necessary as the information provided will be used for a background check.
  • If qualified, staff will conduct a phone or in-person interview.
  • Background check is mandatory for all positions.

  1. Contact: 
      Animal Care Positions: hailey.setzer@hrcaonline.org
      Program Positions: ellen.dolph@hrcaonline.org 
  2. Staff will email you the link to our volunteer application. This application is necessary as the information provided will be used for a background check.
  3. If qualified, staff will conduct a phone or in-person interview.
  4. Background check is mandatory for all positions.

Animal Care Positions

Base Camp
  • Base Camp positions do not require previous experience. 
  • Volunteer Orientation is required for all Base Camp positions. 
  • Includes learning how to thoroughly deep clean the goat shed/pen, and the chicken coop, and how to interact with and muck the donkey pen.
  • Includes taking our goats on a walk along the fence lines to trim down any weeds and vegetation and provide enrichment for the goats.
Horse Corrals
  • This position works under the direct supervision of Backcountry Horse Staff. 
  • Volunteer Orientation is required for all Horse Corral positions. 
  • This volunteer position allows you to give back to our horses all while spending time with them. 
  • You'll have the opportunity to interact with our horses a variety of ways such as mucking, facility maintenance, grooming and can even have the potential to aid us in programs.
  • Program Positions:

Program Positions

Birding Specialist
  • Lead groups of visitors on hikes to look for and identify birds
  • Experience birding and knowledge of native bird species and habitat
  • Greet participants and ensure they are properly signed in and have signed our waiver
  • Practice group management on the trail, including enforcing safety expectations
  • Record species and number of individuals spotted each program
Naturalist/Program Assistant
  • Knowledge of or willingness to learn about Colorado flora and fauna
  • Provide customer service and information about the Backcountry Wilderness Area to program participants
  • Run biofact stations along our Discovery Trail, rove the Discovery Trail and talk to visitors, assist in hiking programs
  • Maintain safety and enforce other program expectations on the trails or during programs

One-time Opportunity Volunteers

  • 14 and 15 (with a parent)
  • 16 and 17 (with parental consent)
  • 18 and up

  1. Please complete the Volunteer Request Form.
  2. After we receive your Request Form, staff will be in contact with you regarding opportunity availability.

Property Care/Maintenance Volunteer Positions

Laborer
  • Various maintenance duties around Base Camp and the Archery Range and occasionally some duties within the restricted area of the Backcountry
  • Examples include: watering trees, moving mulch, mowing, trimming, general upkeep of various amenities, painting, cleaning.
  • Other duties may be assigned according to skills and abilities
Trail Maintenance
  • A regular schedule is not mandatory for this position.
  • Volunteer would perform routine trail maintenance using hand tools. Includes improving rolling grade dips, general surface maintenance, and drainage. Also includes trimming brush to improve sight lines.
  • Volunteers must either be supervised by staff, or trained by staff and then work independently.
  • Groups are welcome, along with group volunteer days.
  • We provide the tools.
Archery Range Maintenance

Various maintenance duties around the archery range including target maintenance and replacement, trimming, general clean up and other tasks as assigned.

Events

Parking Attendant
  • Assist event coordinators with parking vehicles at Base Camp and nearby parking lot.
  • Assist event attendees with guidance toward the event.
Help us make a difference

Corporate Sponsorship

At Backcountry Wilderness Area, we believe in the power of collaboration to protect our precious wildlands, educate our community, and nurture a deep appreciation for nature. Your business can make a significant impact by becoming a Backcountry Backer, presenting event/program sponsor, or even adopting a shot at our renowned 3D Archery Range.

Contact Lindsey McKissick for Sponsorship Details

Be the backbone of conservation and community connection. Your support as a Backcountry Backer means aligning your business with values like wildlife habitat conservation, environmental education, and fostering a love for nature within our community.

Showcase your commitment with:

  • Logo Inclusions: Display your logo on our monthly email newsletters reaching 3,000+ engaged recipients, showcasing your dedication to our cause.
  • Social Media Features: Gain exposure through dedicated social media posts, linking your brand to our passionate community.
  • Guest Blog Opportunities: Share your insights and stories on our platform, demonstrating your expertise and commitment to a sustainable future.
  • Event Support: Enjoy supporting sponsorships at our community events, showcasing your dedication to the local environment.

Connect your company to the right community with targeted sponsorships. Select from our exciting range of events and programs to sponsor, aligning your brand with specific themes and engaging audiences. 

Enjoy benefits such as:

  • On-site Presence: Set up your display at sponsored events, connecting directly with attendees and making a lasting impression.
  • Social Media Buzz: Get featured on our active social media platforms, showcasing your brand to our enthusiastic followers.

Leave a Mark with Your Brand in the Great Outdoors! Sponsor a shot at our 28-target 3D Archery Range, where sportsmen and sportswomen will encounter your brand and creativity. 

Your sponsorship includes:

  • Target Association: Showcase your business name and a creative shot name at your chosen target, leaving a memorable mark.
  • Membership Inclusions: Gain an individual 3D archery membership for the duration of your one- or two-year adoption, connecting you with outdoor enthusiasts.

Current Corporate Sponsors

More Information

  • Jeff Wellen
  • Steve Simpson
  • Alexis Nead
  • Chris Canter
  • Mary Splitek
  • Valerie Koenig
  • Woody Anderson
  • Megan Heugh
  • Janet Slate
  • Liz McKinney
  • Kelly Schin
  • Brian Brugger
  • Roger Sass
  • Asta Gurklys
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