Hiker Education/Peak Stewards
Peak Stewards
Through CFI’s “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. Talks at education and outreach events, including REI’s “How to Climb a 14er” clinics, reach hikers before they leave town. 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 actions for the Forest Service.
Volunteers undergo a one-day training program before being deployed to the peaks or community talks. The day of training covers background information about alpine plants and animals, Forest Service visitor regulations, Leave No Trace practices developed specifically for the high-alpine Fourteeners, and visitor contact skills. Training is offered at the beginning of the field season, typically in late may or early June.
Once trained, Peak Stewards commit to spending four days per season making contact with hikers out in the field or doing outreach events. Volunteers can choose when and where they work, but are encouraged to devote attention to high-use Front Range peaks on heavily used summer weekends. You are encouraged to partner up with other stewards during your days of service!
To be involved in the program during the 2024 field season, please click here to signup for training on June 15th.
If you have questions about joining the program, contact CFI’s Operations Manager, Hannah Clark, at hannah@14ers.org or (303) 278-7650.
Peak Steward Resources:
Peak Steward Handbook – Learn about the Peak Steward program
Peak Steward Calendar – Enter your upcoming day of service so others may join you.
2024 Peak Steward Log (electronic) – Submit a report after your day of service
2024 Peak Steward Log (pdf version) – Use this form to take notes during your volunteer day
2024 Priority Peaks– See where CFI needs volunteer help with hiker education! This is based on resource impacts, hiker-use days, and planned trail maintenance.
Wilderness Regulations Related to 14ers- Know before you go!
Additional Resources:
Authority of the Resource -Learn how to have positive hiker engagement by using the techniques in this article.
Minimum Impact on Colorado’s 14ers – Alpine specific Leave No Trace booklet
Alpine Ecology Training Slides – Check out Loretta McEllhiney’s (USFS) presentation slides about alpine ecology.
Peak Steward Crash Course – This is an online training module which has information about the program and incorporates Leave No Trace videos and hiker contact strategies.
Discovering Colorado’s 14ers (REI Presentation) – copy of presentation slides used by Peak Stewards at REI.
Videos: