Our Crew Leaders

1. Where are you from? Where do you live now? I am originally from Illinois, but I have lived in Colorado for just over 30 years. I currently live in Westminster, CO.

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? My husband (Scott Smith) and I participated in our first volunteer trail crew in 2013. Shortly after that, we were asked to become crew leaders, and who can say no to that! We were crew leader apprentices in 2014 and lead our first crew together in 2015.

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? I have been a volunteer for the City of Westminster Open Space for a long time and have had many opportunities to do work on urban trails. This combined with the fact that I love hiking, made it logical to take the next step and try my hand at working on hiking trails. My first experience was in Denali National Park in Alaska, followed the next year by a stint in Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana. After those experiences, it was time to stay a little closer to home and start work on the Colorado Trail. This was a promise my husband and I had made to ourselves as a way of giving back to the trail we so loved hiking (we have segment hiked the whole trail). Because Scott and I come as a team and we both have food backgrounds we do both the crew leading and cooking.

4. What keeps you coming back each year? We have been told we are not allowed to quit. But, seriously, I wouldn’t want to quit. Leading trail crews is a wonderful way to spend a day or a week getting dirty with a bunch of fun-loving dedicated volunteers that I am honored to call friends. It is so rewarding to see a bridge get fixed, a trail appear where there was none before, or an existing trail get an upgrade to make it something that will last for many years to come.

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? It is hard for me to turn off the teacher and life-long learner in me, so I enjoy helping newbies learn trail building skills and, in turn, I always learn something new from seasoned veterans. I am easy going, patient, and love to collaborate on projects. As a dietitian, I am always happy to go the extra step to make sure that you have delicious foods to fuel your hard work, even if you have “challenging” dietary needs or restrictions. I must warn you that because I am also a personal trainer, there will be stretching that happens every morning before we head out to work…and whining won’t get you out of doing it!

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? This is a hard one to answer because every trail crew has been special and memorable in its own right. However, I hold a special place in my heart for the Hancock area, just because we spent so many years working on that reroute.

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) I would buy a really fancy greenhouse. I love to garden in the summer and go through “withdrawal” in the winter. And few things would make me happier than to have fresh tomatoes and strawberries all year round.

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? I would be a pick mattock…I like to think I am pretty versatile and can do a lot of hard work without giving out (although I am not prone to losing my head like a pick mattock can!).

1. Where are you from? Where do you live now?
I was born in Virginia and spent most of my life living up and down the eastern US. Currently I live in Omaha, Nebraska.

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF?
Since 2022

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work?
I've always loved the outdoors and thru hiking. Getting to improve that experience for everyone sounded rewarding and important.

4. What keeps you coming back each year?
Getting to see the progress made to improve the trail with all volunteers.

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you?
I have Bob Ross energy.

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF?
In 2022 I was on Illinois Creek II. It was my first project and I enjoyed it enough to commit to coming back for a while.

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF)
Probably somewhere to live much closer to the CT!

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why?
Definitely a Rogue Hoe. It's the most versatile tool.

1. Where are you from? I’m originally from Croatia. I’ve lived in NYC, New Jersey and Arizona before settling in Westminster, CO.

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? This is my sixth year volunteering with the CTF.

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? After experiencing the trail, I wanted to give back and found the CTF.

4. What keeps you coming back each year? The beauty of the trail and the people. I’ve met so many great people from all over the country who give their time and hard work to the trail.

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? I’m easy going, a hard worker and have so much respect for the trail and all the work that goes into it to keep it accessible for all users. I also love sharing camping and backpacking experiences as well as learning from others.

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? Hard to pick one favorite. The women’s crews are always so much fun and the backpack in crews are such a challenge, but they are all been amazing experiences.

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) Buy a home and land in the San Juan’s near the trail!

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? Katanaboy Saw … we are both small and light but take care of trees like nobody’s business.

1. Spent most of my childhood in Iowa.
2. First crew 2016, every year since, except 2020.
3. My wife Monica, saw a flyer on CTF trail crews and urged me to volunteer.
4. Enjoying the outdoors and the friends I have made over the years.
5. I am a semi-retired Railway Bridge Engineer. I have worked mostly in western North America, from Fairbanks, Alaska to Làzaro Càrdenas, Michoacàn, Mèxico. I am an active hiker. Through hiked the Colorado Trail in 2024, through hiked the AZ Trail 2025. Completed the CDT from Grand Lake, CO to Chama, NM.
I try to make the crews fun and stress it is volunteer work and each individual crew member can contribute.
6. Hancock Reroute, worked numerous crews over several years on a 3.4 mile reroute on Segment CW4.
7. 1969 Mustang Convertible.
8. Silky Katanaboy, sharp and efficient.

1. Where are you from? I am originally from Texas but I moved to Tennessee before I came to Colorado so I didn't have to say I moved here from Texas!!! I have lived outside Woodland Park for about a decade and I am never leaving.

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? I began volunteering in 2024 and decided I want to do it every year.

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? I love the outdoors and particularly the Colorado wilderness. My wife, dog, and I backpacked the CT a few years ago and we received so much joy and fulfillment, I decided I wanted to give back to express my gratitude for the spectacular public resources available for our enjoyment

4. What keeps you coming back each year? The people, the outdoors, important work, and Matt and Vince, of course!

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? One of my core values is "look for work" and my trail name is "Tigger" because apparently folks think I am bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy and fun, fun, fun, fun, fun!

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? Trail repair and drainage infrastructure on Section 4.

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) A race donkey. Okay. A lot of race donkeys. Maybe all the race donkeys.

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? Pulaski because it is fun to say.

1. Currently living in Colorado Springs

2. This will be my third year.

3. I completed a section hike of the Arizona Trail and wanted to give back. I started volunteering with the AZT Association and got hooked.

4. I love doing trailwork.

5. Safety is a primary focus on the crews. That being said; everything has the potential to be a joke and I try to foster a light hearted work environment. Come join my crew if you want to work hard and laugh harder.

6. Finishing up the Fooses reroute.

7. Probably spend it on a sprinter van and a few more bikes.

8. A clinometer because I am constantly evaluating the trails I work on and recreate on. Sometimes to the annoyance of those around me.

1. I grew up in central NY. Small town called Rome. At age 20 I took a leap of faith and moved to CO. Lived there for 46 years. Raised my family. Then a couple years ago I took another leap and moved to Wilmington NC. But I come back to CO to lead the Women’s Crew each summer.

2. I started trail crews on the CT in 1987 and have done at least 1 crew nearly every year since except the year I was too pregnant. I started leading trail crews about 17 years ago.

3. My spark was, I was single and knew I wanted to spend more time in the mountains. I heard an ad on a radio station soliciting volunteers to help build a new trail. So I called and was hooked on my first crew. And it did what I wanted, got me in the mountains. And I have lifelong friendships because of it.

4. What keeps me coming back? The people, the comraderies, the scenery, the work and physicalness. And I feel like I really make a difference and a contribution.

5. Why you should come on my crew? Well see previous statement. As a leader I try very hard to make everyone feel successful and that they have made a difference. And my menu is great.

6. Favorite project. Hard to pinpoint, but I was on maybe 5 successive years building the new Winfield section so I really feel attached to it. I adopted it in fact for several years.

7. If I won the lottery, I would first buy a small camper van. I love road trips and I would probably start a very long one.

8. If I were a trail tool, I'd be a pulaski. Light and agile, it can do a lot of things.

1. Where are you from: I am originally from New England but I have lived in Boulder since 2005.
2. How long have you been volunteering for the CTF? Since 2018.
3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? I love it when I am hiking and a trail is well maintained and I want to help maintain the beauty of the trail.
4. What keeps you coming back each year? It is so rewarding to improve the trail and the people are great!
5. What new crew members should know about you? I am super energetic and never get exhausted on the trail. I love to solve some problems on the trail and love seeing other people develop their own skills and passions.
6. Favorite project: All rewarding for different reasons.
7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) Nothing specific, would really just love never having to work for money again.
8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? Silky Bigboy or a Pulaski. They both make such quick work of trail maintenance and building.

1. Where are you from? Born and raised in Denver
2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? 4-5 years
3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? I was looking for a post retirement volunteer activity. I started with Jeffco Open Space and then moved to CTF and fell in love with the organization and one of their crew leaders.
4. What keeps you coming back each year? Loads of fun, great people and fabulous food from the trail cooks.
5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? I am an engineer by degree and therefore have a rather logical brain. I also love learning so am very curious and can ask some weird questions.
6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? That is difficult answer as they have all been fun. I do love being an adopter as well.
7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) A fancy catio for my cats.
8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? McCleod because cleaning or making drains is so fun with this versatile tool.

1. Born and raised in Indiana. Moved to Colorado as soon as I could.
2. 1st CT crew in 2013.
3. 1st trail work was a VOC project in 1987. I think I signed up with some friends.
4. All of the friends I've made over the years.
5. I have 3 main objectives for my crews. The first, and most important, is safety. The second is to have fun; I want people to come back, and recruit their friends. The third is to do good quality work; that's also a big part of having fun.
6. I enjoy rock work and bridges. I can't pick a favorite; that's like asking a parent to pick their favorite child.
7. I'm not sure; I have never bought a lottery ticket.
8. My favorite tool is a rock bar; I like moving big rocks.

1. Where are you from? Where do you live now? I’m originally from PA. I moved to CO in 1992, where I subsequently raised 3 children.

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? I’ve always been a lover of the outdoors. I became involved with the CT Foundation about 8 years ago when I sparked the idea of one day completing a thru-hike of the CT.

3. What was your spark for getting into trailwork? I became involved with the CT Foundation about 8 years ago when I sparked the idea of one day completing a thru-hike of the CT. From there I was totally hooked! Since then, I’ve participated in CT Crews yearly (with the exception of the year I did my thru-hike).

4. What keeps you coming back each year? The friendships and bonds I’ve built during my years involved in the CTF are wonderful. I’m proud to be one of the strong women working with similar interests for the benefit of us all in the outdoors. Many of these ladies have become my fellow ‘Adventure Buddies’!

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? In my years of “giving back” I have learned SO MUCH from my fellow volunteers and dedicated staff at the CTF. Trail-building is an art…and I’ve now worked on projects including water mitigation, bridge building and new trail building.

6. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? As for my favorite tool….I’d likely say the smaller Pulaski. So versatile and easy to handle for me, with less overall fatigue.

1. Where are you from? Cinnaminson, New Jersey

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? This will be my second year

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? Being from back east, I spent a fair amount of time on the AT. Now that I live here and I'm retired I have the time to give back

4. What keeps you coming back each year? A sense of accomplishment and the people!

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? Managed people and processes for many years. Never ask anyone to do what I wouldn't be willing to do myself. Lead by example. We will accomplish and learn things together.

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? Rock Creek

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) A ticket for a cruise around the world. Been to all 50 states, 4 continents, and 20 different countries so far. Need to get to more 🙂

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? A shovel....cause I dig the work and the feeling of accomplishment once it's done!

1. Where are you from?
I grew up in eastern Massachusetts and now live in Denver, CO.

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF?
Since 2018.

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work?
The combined appeal of being outside in the Colorado mountains and helping maintain such a wonderful trail.

4. What keeps you coming back each year?
The experience of all members of the trail crew working together for the same goal, contributing however each person is able.

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you?
I assume all trail crew members are volunteers who chose to join the crew and want to contribute. I'll be there to help facilitate your experience and help you achieve your own goal of giving back to the trail.

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF?
The Fooses Creek reroute.

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF)
A cabin in the woods of the Colorado Mountains.

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why?
I would be a single jack because I see the value in something as unglamorous as crushed rock.

1. Where are you from?
I was born in Sacramento, CA, but only lived there until I was 6.
I grew up in Las Vegas, NV roaming the desert on horseback.
I've lived in Broomfield 24 years and in Erie for 13 years.

2. How long have you been volunteering for the CTF?
I've been volunteering for 10 years on all the various types of trail crews

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work?
Hiking the trails has given me SO much starting with amazing friendships forged through the adventures and memories made.
The trails and a very special friend, who introduced me to hiking and suffered through my learning curve, were instrumental in my emotional repair, as I navigated through a divorce and many other emotional strains.
As I was 'reinventing' myself, I was learning my resilience and determination through all this as well as on the physical side thru-hiking the CT and completing the 14ers in my 50's and into my 60's.
It is very important to me to 'give back' to The Colorado Trail, so it can be whatever it needs to be for others!

4. What keeps you coming back each year?
The trail and the people - both are wonderful in so many ways!

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work for you?
I may wear pink and be only 5'2", but I'm far from a dainty princess.
I may have done a lot, but I'm always learning new things.

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF?
There hasn't been a project I haven't liked being a part of and truthfully, each project and crew are so different, it is hard to compare them. Even the 'issues' that arise are part of the problem-solving for the group and a huge part of the wonderful memories!

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF)
A home in the mountains (preferably on a lake or river) AND a travel trailer or camper van to take the adventuring on the road!

8. If you were a trail tool, what would you be and why?
One of the small pick mattocks -small but mighty and versatile!

1. Where are you from? Highlands Ranch CO

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? First volunteered summer 2012

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? Great excuse to spend time in the mountains.

4. What keeps you coming back each year? Crew leaders, volunteers and the beauty of the trail.

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? If it's not worth doing right, it's not worth doing. I prefer quality over quantity.

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? Illinois Creek reroute.

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) Material and workers to reconstruct and maintain the (former) CTF Yurt.

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? A rock sling. Because it takes teamwork to use it.

1. Where are you from? Where do you live now? I have called Colorado home since high school. I live in Buena Vista now, which is just a few miles from the trail. I cannot imagine living anywhere else.

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? I volunteered on my first crew in 2019, which was a wonderful experience.

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? I solo bikepacked the trail in 2018, which was one of the most difficult yet rewarding thing that I have done. Volunteering seemed to be best way to pay for that opportunity, and to enable others to share and enjoy the experiences that the trail has to offer.

4. What keeps you coming back each year? The community. The pride in working with a team that does the job right. The food. It is a great excuse to spend more time on the trail.

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? I strive to have every crew member finish the crew with a sense of accomplishment, pride in a job well done, more knowledgeable about trail maintenance and construction, and just plain happier!

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? Not a fair question. Which child is your favorite? Each project has had its own highs, its own challenges, and its own crew. I have loved them all.

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) Ground-penetrating radar system to find the rock right below the surface with the perfect size and shape for that wall or step. And it could be used to find that close by borrow pit with perfect mineral soil and no rocks.

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? A rock bar. I can multiply the force applied by others to move the rock.

1. Where are you from?
Fort Collins, CO
2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF?
3 years
3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work?
Fell in love with the CT and thruhiking and wanted to give back.
4. What keeps you coming back each year?
The people and an excuse to be outside 🙂
5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you?
I’m fairly easy going. I think it’s important to get work done, but style, fun, and safety are my priorities (in that order… don’t tell anyone that though). Come work with Connie and I on Elk Creek!
6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF?
Trail reroute near Molas Pass! Seeing the fruits of your team’s labor from hill side to exquisite trail then walking on it later brings me the utmost satisfaction.
7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF)
A new backpack! Or two…
8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why?
A rock bar… I also can be leveraged to move large stones.

1. Where are you from? Where do you live now? Born in Boulder, CO (3rd generation Colorado and Boulder native) and live in Westminster, CO

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? 10 years

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? To play in the dirt.

4. What keeps you coming back each year? Need to play in more dirt 🙂 There will always be more trail work to do and it is always so nice to meet new people when we are doing it.

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? I am easy going and love to teach trail building techniques, I also enjoy learning from our crew members and other crew leaders. As a crew leader, I believe it is important to create a crew environment that is inclusive, safe, and fun. I also take pride in the work each crew accomplishes and value quality work over quantity. When cooking for the trail crew, it is enjoyable to have the crew members join in and help with the camp cooking. Nothing brings together a community like hanging out in the kitchen.

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? I would say it was the first one I volunteered for, it set the tone and foundation for a long lasting relationship with the CTF and working with trail crews on the trail.

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) The first thing I would buy is all terrain, low-impact, mobile kitchen. It would be fun to be able to set up a trail magic hot kitchen and roll on into a trail crew camp and cook a yummy meal.

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? I would have to say I would be a rock bar. Only just used for a while, works hard, then just lies around until needed again. Is also a pain in the butt to go long distances with 🙂

1. Where are you from? Where do you live now? I was born in rural Western Pennsylvania, and then I lived in Atlanta, Georgia for 15 years prior to coming to CO. Today I live in Golden, CO.

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? I began volunteering with the CTF in 2021.

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? After moving to CO I got involved with a professional organization, the American Society of Civil Engineers, who are the adopters of segment 3.2. Volunteering with them was what prompted me to want to do more trail maintenance and improvement work.

4. What keeps you coming back each year? The knowledge that the trail maintenance work that I help perform is meaningful and will improve others experience while hiking the trail.

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? I think that people appreciate working with me because I'm a very motivated and driven person, but not at the expense of making sure that everyone is being safe, having a good time, and feeling included. I'm also very willing to listen to other people’s input and learn about the things that I don't know.

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? Helping to maintain segment 3.2 as a trail adopter and the ongoing Fooses Creek project.
7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) I would hire a full-time nanny for my dog, Leo.

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? I would be a shovel because I think that they're underrated as a trail tool - moving loose dirt off the trail without one is a pain and there never seem to be enough shovels around!

1. Where are you from? Where do you live now? I have been living in Colorado Springs since 1970. My father was in the Air Force, so we moved a lot when I was young.

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? Since 2013.

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? Part of my duties at the Air Force Academy was working on trails with volunteers. I really enjoyed that type of work, so I started looking for opportunities and found a great fit with the Colorado Trail Foundation.

4. What keeps you coming back each year? I think it is wonderful being able to work with great people, make some new friends and then get to work with those friends year after year. Building trails, Oh Yeah!

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? I want all the crew members to enjoy their experiences and come away with a good feeling of accomplishment. I like for the trail work to be done right and everyone to know how and why we do it that way. So when we are done with the project you can look back with pride and say "I did that''!

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? Illinois Creek. Physically challenging, High Altitude, Great Scenery and some BFR’s!

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) A new paleo-pick. My old one broke!

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? A paleo-pick because getting down on your hands and knees and working in the soil and rocks is a great feeling.

1. Where are you from?
Wisconsin/New Jersey. Currently in Colorado.

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF?
Since 2025

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work?
I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to do several thru-hikes. I want to help keep trails in the best shape possible for everyone to experience these amazing places!

4. What keeps you coming back each year?
Love of trails and spending time away from a computer.

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you?
I want people to have fun, be safe, and take pride in the work they're doing. You will also be forced to look at pictures of my cats!

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF?
Any that is outside!

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF)
Depends how much...if it's like a billion dollars, then a boba, a catio, and a cat cafe (in that order). If it's like $10, then one banana.

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why?
A pick mattock or shovel because I sometimes dig myself into holes.2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? Maybe about 17 years.

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? Friends and my constant use of the trails.

4. What keeps you coming back each year? Satisfaction.

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? Crews should be fun while being safe and getting the job accomplished. Communication and training is important. Crew members should know the schedule, plan of the day, and how they will make that happen. My crews have been wilderness backpacking and if a crew volunteer shares that passion they should come work with me!

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? Clearing Avi #4 on Elk Creek was one of my recent favorites because we were working side by side with the Forest Service Wilderness crew. Learning from them and sharing the project was a great experience.

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) After my huge donation I can't think of anything I really need but I would definitely quit my day jobs and just travel and volunteer with boundaries!

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? Katana Boy for tree cutting because it is light, compact and efficient. Rogue Hoe Travis Tool for tread work because it is an all-in-one tool.

1. Where are you from? Where do you live now? After living in Colorado Springs for 20 years I moved to Durango where I have been living for the past 28 years, I call it my home.
2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? Maybe about 17 years.

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? Friends and my constant use of the trails.

4. What keeps you coming back each year? Satisfaction.

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? Crews should be fun while being safe and getting the job accomplished. Communication and training is important. Crew members should know the schedule, plan of the day, and how they will make that happen. My crews have been wilderness backpacking and if a crew volunteer shares that passion they should come work with me!

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? Clearing Avi #4 on Elk Creek was one of my recent favorites because we were working side by side with the Forest Service Wilderness crew. Learning from them and sharing the project was a great experience.

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) After my huge donation I can't think of anything I really need but I would definitely quit my day jobs and just travel and volunteer with boundaries!

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? Katana Boy for tree cutting because it is light, compact and efficient. Rogue Hoe Travis Tool for tread work because it is an all-in-one tool.

1. Where are you from?
A: Mancos, CO

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF?
A: About a year, or so

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work?
A: Retirement and fondness for cooking

4. What keeps you coming back each year?
A: People!

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you?
A: Having fun and playing music.

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF?
A: Erecting confidence markers.

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF)
A: A cabin on a lake in the woods or house on the beach.

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why?
A: Spatula. To flip people sideways!

1. Where are you from? For the past 22 years we have lived in Fort Collins. Originally, we are both from northern Illinois.

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? 2023 was our first year volunteering for the CTF.

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? We both retired in 2023 and wanted to do something together. Bill loves to cook and Stephanie loves to hike, especially the CO Trail and has completed all but 20 miles of the trail. Bill has done the resupplies in the past and is great at navigating to her location. We have both volunteered in the past with United Way, Santa Cops and Poudre School District. When we received the flyer about CTF positions, the thought of cooking for a crew was appealing to both of us.

4. What keeps you coming back each year? We absolutely enjoyed the trail crew experience. The people we volunteered with were top notch and the CTF crew is fantastic. We think the CTF organization is first rate and they have the experience, knowledge, and equipment to make these crews effective. Plus with the popularity of the trail, there is no shortage of work to be done.

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? Bill enjoys serving others. His past work experience allowed him to lead several teams and mentor those around him. It was always a behind the scene role that helped others be successful. Plus he loves to cook! Stephanie has a fond love of the trail and the desire to help others experience the backcountry. Since retirement, we want to devote some time into giving back to others and we’ve found this is a great opportunity for us to do this together.

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? In 2023 we were on the Corske Creek project of finishing a new bridge. We enjoyed the experience so much we are ready to cook for more crews.
7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) It has always been a dream of ours to own a large parcel of land to farm and ranch (cattle, horses) and with a stream to fly fish. We’d want something large enough so all of our family could live there too.

8. If you were a trail tool…what would you be and why? Cast iron skillet. They are an essential tool and a component of successful cooking. It’s been around forever and needed for making good food which keep trail crews fed and ready for their day’s work.

1. I have lived in Boulder Colorado for 42 years
2. This is my second summer volunteering with the CTF. However I did help build the Colorado Trail in the 1980's with Gudy Gaskill. I spent a week in the San Juan's on that project.
I have done other trail work projects over the years. I just enjoy being outside in the backcountry getting away from civilization!
⭐️ I have also through hiked the entire Colorado Trail in 2016. It took me 5 weeks and I did Collegiate West.
If I won the lottery, my husband would be able to quit work and retire with me so we could do more backpacking and birding/photography. And we would buy a camper van 🚐 😊

Coming soon!

1. Where are you from? Where do you live now? My family has lived in Colorado for over 200 years, I am currently in Littleton.

2. How long have you been volunteering for CTF? My late husband and I started working on crews in 2004.

3. What was your spark for getting into volunteer trail work? After first crew we were addicted!

4. What keeps you coming back each year? The pleasure of seeing friends from years past and enjoying the variety of tasks to come brought us back every year.

5. What new crew members should know about you? Your personality traits? Why come work with you? I guess I am passionate about the trail, the cooking, teaching, being outside with a bunch of wonderful people, and hopefully honoring the ones who started everything and continue to support the CT.

6. Favorite project you have been a part of with CTF? Hard to pick “a project”, all unique and learning experiences. Darin will tell you I have stories!

7. First thing you would buy if you won the lottery? (Besides a huge donation to CTF) I would buy a new bigger pickup to haul more people and stuff to crews!