Get Trained on the Trail!
Join Walking Mountains Science Center & the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative to learn about CFI's peak steward program while hiking to Colorado's most stunning alpine environments!
This training supplements CFI's web-based training for new & returning peak stewards. Participation in the peak steward program & the web training is not required to register and anyone interested in learning more about CFI, the peak steward program, or Colorado's alpine ecology is encouraged to join!
What to Expect
In this training you will learn to help educate 14er hikers about Leave No Trace practices to protect the fragile alpine ecosystems found on these peaks. We will also dive into the unique ecology of Colorado’s alpine tundra, the plants and animals that live there, and the challenges facing them.
For trained volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteer peak stewards, this program will give you the opportunity to develop your stewarding skills alongside seasoned volunteers, as well as about Colorado's alpine ecosystems. We will cover the logistics of volunteering as a CFI peak steward, discuss challenges and tactics for a successful peak steward experience, and shadow experienced peak stewards. Walking Mountains Science Center will lead the alpine ecology training portion of the program.
Optional transportation is available from Avon.
*these programs take place on 14ers, but we will generally not summit the peaks in this program.
What is Colorado Fourteeners Initiative?
Colorado Fourteeners Initiative was formed in 1994 as a partnership of nonprofit organizations, concerned individuals, and public agencies. Our mission is to preserve and protect the natural integrity of Colorado's Fourteeners after a 1993 study noted significant environmental impacts due to rapidly expanding recreational use.
What is the Peak Steward Program?
Through CFIs "Peak Stewards" program, volunteers play a vital role in educating Fourteener hikers about Leave No Trace practices designed to minimize on-the-ground resource impacts. Peak Stewards also serve as ambassadors in the field, contacting hikers while climbing Fourteeners to reinforce Leave No Trace practices, as well as monitoring visitor action for the Forest Service. Once trained, Peak Stewards commit to spending four days per season making contact with hikers out in the field or doing outreach events.
For more information on the peak steward program and to do the formal web-based training visit 14ers.org, or register for this training!
