Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)

Here. We. GO! ?? Today, the GOCO board awarded $7.9M in grants for parks, planning, and conservation efforts across the state. ?? 6 new or updated parks expanding outdoor access? ?? 2 rich landscapes with public recreation protected forever? ?? 6 community-driven planning efforts? ?? 3 collaborative stewardship efforts Sneak peek: The Town of Alma and the Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative are ramping up their efforts to care for a biodiversity hot spot in Park County known as the ‘Mosquito Range’. The area is highly unique for its high peaks, geologic formations, and rare plant species. It features some of Colorado’s beloved fourteeners: Mount Lincoln, Mount Bross, Mount Democrat, and Mount Sherman. See what else is happening near you ?? https://lnkd.in/g9m-zieT ?? courtesy of MOSQUITO RANGE HERITAGE INITIATIVE

Too many accomplishments to fit in a single post? Now that's a great problem to have! ?? Give it up for 25 outdoors projects recently completed by 22 of our incredible partners. ?? Here's the round-up ?? https://lnkd.in/gbSm2NUu

Exciting updates!?? 25 projects crossed the finish line, our 2024 Annual Report is live, upcoming events, hot jobs, and more.

Greetings from Leadville! ?? GOCOers Crystal Medrano and Christopher Aaby joined partners for the 2nd annual Outdoor Equity Summit on Saturday, exploring topics related to connection and access to Colorado's great outdoors. They were WOWed by Get Outdoors Leadville's gear lending library for Lake County community members. And, of course, took some cross-country skis out for a spin! Special thanks to all who made this convening possible. Keep up the great work, partners. ?????? Learn more about the summit: https://lnkd.in/gqheR4mt

Here's a #tbt shout-out to brighten your day. Back in September, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to beautify Barr Lake State Park in Brighton, putting in nearly 400 plants. ??? This is just one of over 150 stewardship projects led by WRV each year to heal the land while building community among volunteers. We're so proud to support this work. Let's go, partners! ?? See what they're up to and how to get involved at wrv.org. ?? : courtesy of WRV

A valentine ?? from us to you, partners: Roses are red, violets are blue Cuz you spend your days out with your crew Protecting what's special so the future can see How magical Colorado's outdoors can be. There's a lot to be done With big dreams to fulfill But with this group of advocates We have no doubt we will. Go team! You inspire us. ?? Ferret ??: Wayne D. Lewis, courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Inspo for your next outdoors campaign. ?? Last summer, Generation Wild distributed 100,000 Wilderflower? seed packets, encouraging millions to help #SavetheBees and get kids outside. Here's how ?? https://lnkd.in/gi3FRHri Get readyyy, Wilderflowers? 2.0 is coming this spring. ??????

We're #hiring a grants officer! Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gaG_PRbZ. This role is responsible for managing land acquisition grants?and providing administrative oversight of GOCO’s Colorado Parks and Wildlife grant awards. GOCO is a wonderful place of employment (take it from us!) where staff take pride in their work, are respectful and accountable, and find joy in serving Colorado. Come join us. ??: Rito Seco Park, Costilla County. Photo by Christi Bode.

Greetings from Ouray! ?? The ice-climbing capital of the world. GOCO and the Colorado Lottery visited Ouray Ice Park, Inc. for their annual Ice Festival and Competition bringing together ice-climbing enthusiasts to climb, connect, and support the park. We're so proud to support this truly epic opportunity to get outside. Thanks so much for having us!

Home, sweet home. ?? There's no place like it, especially for Colorado's wildlife. This past year, GOCO investments helped partners restore habitats containing the food, water, shelter, and space they need to thrive. Shout out to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for their leadership on the RESTORE Colorado program, which brings funders (like GOCO!) together to combine resources and get bigger landscapes restored faster. In 2024, $3.1M went to 11 projects supporting everything from wildlife migration to healthy river flows. More great news for wildlife and wildlife-lovers in our 2024 Annual Report ?? https://lnkd.in/gA25cdpF