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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.

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.

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.

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 welcome passionate individuals who want to lend their time, talents, and energy to make the Backcountry Wilderness Area a better place. Whether you're eager to get your hands dirty with trail maintenance and habitat restoration, assist behind the scenes with program setup, engage with our horses or barnyard animals, or step into a more active role helping lead nature hikes, birdwatching hikes, or educational activities, there’s a place for you here. Volunteers might help teach visitors, supervise our trails and play areas, support community events, or even share their unique skills like photography or storytelling. Whatever your strengths, we have meaningful ways for you to contribute to our thriving Backcountry community.

Consistently Scheduled Volunteers

Age Requirement:

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

Minimum Commitment:

  • Regular day/schedule is preferred
  • At least one-half day of training, maybe more for some positions
  • Opportunities available year-round, most need May - August
  • Below is links to our volunteer applications. An application is necessary.
  • Once applied, staff will be in touch.
  • Background check is mandatory for all positions.

Please visit our volunteer job listings to explore all volunteer positions and apply.

Animal Care

  • If you love animals and don’t mind a little dirt and adventure, this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! Spend time with our friendly horses, donkeys, goats, chickens, and ducks while helping them stay happy and healthy.
  • As an Animal Care Volunteer, you'll play an important role in keeping our animals' living spaces clean and safe, supporting their enrichment, and helping with the daily rhythm of farm life. Whether you’re mucking, cleaning, or grooming the animals, your efforts make a real difference! No experience? No problem! All you need is a love for animals, a willingness to learn, and a good pair of boots.

Base Camp Attendant

  • Become the welcoming face of adventure at Base Camp! As a Base Camp Attendant, you’ll guide visitors through exciting self-guided exploration, helping them connect with nature, interact with farm animals, and discover the beauty of the Backcountry Wilderness Area. The Base Camp Attendant helps oversee Base Camp Exploration, a self-guided program at the Backcountry Wilderness Area. This volunteer will assist with check-in, handing out chicken food, directing participants to various activities, ensuring safety and rule compliance, and assist with basic camp duties when needed. These activities may be combined with the Camp Backcountry Attendant activities to obtain more volunteer hours.

Birding Specialist

  • Turn your passion for birds into an adventure! As a Birding Specialist, you'll lead or assist guided hikes, teach bird identification by sight and sound, and inspire others to appreciate the diverse birdlife of the Backcountry Wilderness Area. This volunteer role involves educating participants on bird identification, habitat, and behavior while ensuring a safe and engaging outdoor experience. The Birding Specialist also records species data for each program and promotes responsible birding practices.

Camp Backcountry Attendant

  • Keep the adventure going at Camp Backcountry! As a Camp Backcountry Attendant, you'll support daily operations by delivering water and supplies, prepping activities, directing parking, and assisting staff—helping create a seamless and fun outdoor experience for campers. These activities may be combined with the Base Camp Attendant activities to obtain more volunteer hours.

Gear Shack Attendant

  • Gear up to help make a difference! As a Gear Shack Attendant, you’ll assist visitors with their outdoor essentials, keep the shop organized, and support conservation efforts with every sale. The Gear Shack Attendant is responsible for setting up and organizing merchandise in the Backcountry Wilderness Area’s gear shack. Volunteer tasks include assisting program participants with purchases, maintaining an inviting retail space, and using an iPad for sales transactions. Proceeds from gear sales support the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund, which helps fund conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and outdoor education programs.

Naturalist/Program Assistant

  • Gear up to help make a difference! As a Gear Shack Attendant, you’ll assist visitors with their outdoor essentials, keep the shop organized, and support conservation efforts with every sale. The Gear Shack Attendant is responsible for setting up and organizing merchandise in the Backcountry Wilderness Area’s gear shack. Volunteer tasks include assisting program participants with purchases, maintaining an inviting retail space, and using an iPad for sales transactions. Proceeds from gear sales support the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund, which helps fund conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and outdoor education 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.

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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