Colorado Parks and Wildlife marks National Volunteer Week, highlighting nearly 5,000 volunteers and 283,000 hours of service
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is celebrating National Volunteer Week from April 19 to 25, 2026, recognizing nearly 5,000 volunteers who contribute more than 283,000 hours each year — an effort the agency values at over $10 million and the equivalent of 136 full-time employees.
Volunteer roles range from staffing state park entry stations to participating in annual walleye spawns, with opportunities at state parks, wildlife areas, fish hatcheries, regional offices and educational programs across Colorado.
“Volunteers remind us that meaningful change starts with individuals willing to step up,” said Statewide Volunteer Coordinator Becky Mares. “This is an opportunity to celebrate our volunteers at CPW and all the incredible work they do alongside our employees. We hope their dedication and passion inspire other people to volunteer at CPW and experience the fulfillment we feel working to support our state parks and wildlife populations for generations to come.”
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Mares said volunteering can also be a source of personal renewal. “A meaningful story from a longtime volunteer is that they didn’t know what to do after retirement and felt lost,” she said. “Volunteering at CPW gave them that sense of purpose again. Volunteers commonly find that the interactions they have with people at our state parks and while participating in wildlife conservation are meaningful, new and exciting.”
During the week, the agency is highlighting volunteer impact through volunteer stories, educational opportunities, and outreach for new and returning participants. Many upcoming volunteer projects will align with Earth Day activities around the state, and CPW will connect with active volunteers through a Director’s letter and a virtual meet-and-greet session later this spring.
As state park visitation and wildlife management needs grow in Colorado, the agency says the need for volunteers continues to grow as well. Whether through a few hours of support, a season or a long-term commitment, the agency says every act of volunteering helps conserve Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle and legacy.
Outdoor enthusiasts gearing up for the summer season can find a variety of CPW volunteering opportunities to help protect Colorado’s public land, water and wildlife.
To learn more about volunteering at CPW, visit cpw.state.co.us/volunteer.
