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Larimer County natural-resources volunteers logged hundreds of contributors and thousands of hours, staff says
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Summary
At an April 20 work session, Larimer County staff reported the Department of Natural Resources recorded roughly 502 volunteers in 2025 who contributed about 14,000–15,000 hours and offered survey feedback asking for clearer communication and more continuing-education options.
Ashley Kruger, education and volunteer coordinator for the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, told the Board of County Commissioners on April 20 that the department recorded 182 ongoing volunteers and 321 one‑time volunteers in 2025 — about 502 people who together contributed roughly 14,000–15,000 hours of service.
Kruger said the program supports a wide range of activities, from trail and facility maintenance to campground hosts, volunteer ranger assistance and volunteer naturalists who lead education programs. "They extend our mission impact, by over half $1,000,000," Kruger said, describing the volunteer contribution as a material supplement to staff capacity and department budgets.
The presentation summarized a winter volunteer satisfaction survey that received responses from approximately half of the most active volunteers; staff described the results as "overwhelmingly positive" while noting common suggestions. Volunteers asked for clearer communication about rules and changes, more continuing-education offerings including hybrid options, and additional opportunities for social connection and recognition.
Kruger described recruitment pathways that include tabling at trailheads and school outreach, and she outlined a range of volunteer commitments — from single-day litter cleanup shifts with simple online onboarding, to volunteer ranger assistant roles that require application, background checks and 20-plus hours of training. Commissioner Kefalas urged staff to build intentional outreach to broaden participation beyond long-standing volunteer demographics.
Staff also announced a revised recognition program and a volunteer appreciation event moved to July at Horsetooth; Kruger said commissioners would be invited to attend. The county requested volunteers and community members with questions or who want project updates to consult the department engagement website.
The presentation and questions took place during the county's weekly work session; staff said they will continue outreach and consider commissioner suggestions about formal recognition from elected officials.
