It’s always a fantastic feeling to donate a little sweat equity to give back to the places we play in and the 2011 Backyard Collective was no exception. Backyard Collective’s were started back in 2008 as a program of The Conservation Alliance. In essence, they bring Conservation Alliance member companies together with grantees for a day of service work. Put a bunch of outdoor industry people together with environmental not-for-profit folks and that adds up to a LOT of work done in one short day. This is an energetic and motivated demographic that’s not afraid to get dirty!
This year, we gathered at Eldorado Canyon State Park outside of Boulder, Colorado. All Colorado BYC’s have been at Colorado State Parks – budget cuts have made volunteer efforts such as this key in helping maintain park facilities. The Colorado Mountain Club, (a grantee of The Conservation Alliance) is a great partner of Eldorado Canyon State Park and did a fantastic job organizing and coordinating the event.
Here are the vital stats:
- 100+ volunteers from Osprey Packs, American Recreation Products, Backpacker’s Pantry, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Nite Ize, Outdoor Industry Association, Leisure Trends, Burts Bees, IMBA, Verde PR, Great Plains Mountain Stuff and Sea to Summit.
- Restored a variety a trails throughout the park and planted numerous trees in the park’s picnic area.
- Special thanks to Whole Foods Market and New Belgium Brewery for crucial sustenance!!
Here are some great pictures from the event. Can’t wait for next year!!
