I've been climbing 14ers and enjoying the great state of Colorado for three summers now. After all of the incredible experiences I've been afforded here, I decided it was time to give back. I worked with the Colorado Mountain Club and Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado earlier in the summer, completing a wide variety of trail maintenance. They are great organizations that make an enormously positive impact in the state.

One year to the day after I climbed the peak, I worked with the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative and Friends of Dillon Ranger District on Quandary Peak. It was a fun day of rewarding labor. We performed basic stonework to build retaining walls; they will prevent erosion and support the trail for over 100 years. Both of these organizations are made up of quality individuals who are genuinely enthusiastic about outdoor stewardship. They made the work very enjoyable, and coordinated the project to perfection.

I highly encourage any of my fellow hikers to give back in any way you can. I am convinced that Colorado is the greatest state in the Union, but it will take concerted effort to keep it that way. The trails we hike do not sustain themselves: from carrying out stonework that will close social trails and prevent water erosion, to planting seeds in an unstable ecosystem, there is work for everyone of all capabilities. If you are unable to volunteer with an organization, DONATE! These are quality organizations whose impact on Colorado cannot be overstated. (here is Bill Middlebrook's link for his CFI fundraiser: https://www.coloradogives.org/14ersbillm2013)

I met some fantastic individuals this summer and had a blast working under those blue Colorado skies. Preserving the mountains that I enjoy so much is just as rewarding as summiting them. Get out there and give back!