Since 2001, RMFI has partnered with Colorado College students to offer a 5 day service learning opportunity that involves trail and restoration work in the magnificent Canyonlands region of Utah. In 2008 this program added an adventure driven back-country experience with 5 days of canyoneering and backpacking. This all happens over spring break and this year RMFI is embarking on the 11th annual expedition.

This program provides an educational experience that inspires outdoor appreciation and stewardship. These goals are central to the RMFI doctrine and are accomplished by RMFI staff and Colorado College students through several steps. First we “put our backs into it” through trail maintenance and construction. We then give the students a chance to serve as crew leaders with students from Montrose High School. And, during the 5 day backpacking trip, RMFI staff teaches map and compass and leave no trace techniques while educating on the challenges facing federal and private conservation initiatives.

2011 program alumni Karen Ritland had the following to say about her experience,  “I think that any person who enjoys hard work and good company would have a great time on this trip. It's also not the typical spring break option, it is a great outreach program that combines new opportunities with volunteering and is a model that should absolutely be considered by more non-profits. I would absolutely suggest this trip to others, after Spring Break I felt great about how much I accomplished.”

Over the years this program has provided an estimated 80% of the labor for our work in Indian Creek climbing area Utah. This work, as is our druthers, focuses on making popular climbing areas sustainably accessible through the construction of built-to-last trails and staircases and the closing of social trails.

RMFI is proud of our continued commitment to education and outdoor stewardship and would like to thank Colorado College, The Ritt Kellogg Memorial Fund, Jerry Ahlberg Outdoor Education Fund, the Bureau of Land Management and the CC Outdoor Recreation Club (ORC) all for their continued support regarding this program.