Parks and trails are an important part of our community and quality of life. Colorado Springs has a robust system of trails and open spaces that allow residents and visitors to explore nature within city limits. But many new users lack the knowledge of how to responsibly and safely recreate outdoors. This can and has led to the destruction of sensitive ecosystems, confrontations between users and avoidable injuries. The need for positive, proactive education is at its highest, as more and more people are spend time outside. The Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC) fills this gap in trail education and stewardship with the TOSC Trail Ambassador Program.
In 2020, TOSC helped launch the Green Mountain Falls Trail Ambassador Program.
In 2021-2023, TOSC maintained the Open Space Trail Ambassador Program that had a volunteer presence in City of Colorado Springs open spaces.
Now in 2024, TOSC has launched a new Trail Ambassador Program at the Manitou Incline.
TOSC’s Trail Ambassador Program supplements Park staff by providing another community resource for popular parks and open spaces. Volunteer Trail Ambassadors assist visitors with general trail information, promote friendly user etiquette, and monitor and report trail conditions. Trail Ambassadors are trained to provide route info, answer questions, and connect people with additional resources in our community.
The current focus is on the Manitou Springs Incline. There are similar programs current in place in Green Mountain Falls, North Cheyenne Canon Park and Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
made possible by these financial partners:
Interested in becoming a TOSC Trail Ambassador?
TOSC hosts several training opportunities throughout the year, which will include information on Leave No Trace Principles, the local environment, geological and historical facts of interest, and trail monitoring procedures. At the completion of training you should feel confident in:
- Providing environmental education to trail users
- Monitoring and reporting trail conditions and issues
- Promoting trail courtesy, safety and awareness
- Serving as a cheerleader for the outdoor spaces
- Trail Ambassadors will have a presence both on trails and at trailheads.
- During shifts, Trail Ambassadors will actively engage with trail users in friendly manner by providing positive reinforcement to encourage good trail behavior, answering questions, and sharing information as appropriate.
- At the end of each patrol, Trail Ambassadors will complete a report, which will include data on user interactions and trail conditions.
TIME COMMITMENT:
After the completion of the training, Trail Ambassadors can begin their shifts. TOSC will seek a commitment of 1-3 months of service. Hours are flexible to your schedule and TOSC’s Program Coordinator, Aaron Rogers will be available to offer support and guidance throughout the program.
GOALS:
The primary goal is to maintain the quality of our parks and trails through positive user interactions. These interactions include: praise for good behavior on trails, answering questions, sharing information (about parks/trails, leave no trace, safety, nature, etc.), promoting volunteer opportunities and TOSC.
QUESTIONS?? Please contact Aaron Rogers, aaron@trailsandopenspaces.org.