This Earth Day, Give Back by Planning a Colorado Voluntourism Vacation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Roland Alonzi / 212-219-7560, ext. 6765, ralonzi@mmgmardiks.com
Caitlin Sullivan / 970-372-6571, csullivan@mmgmardiks.com
This Earth Day, Give Back by Planning a Colorado Voluntourism Vacation
DENVER (April, 2009) – Today more than ever, travelers are looking for meaningful, experiential vacations where one can connect with the destination they are visiting and create special memories. As Earth Day approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate the environment than by embarking on a rewarding Colorado voluntourism vacation. Voluntourists of any age and fitness level can soak in the state’s breathtaking beauty while helping to preserve Colorado’s natural resources for generations to come. From week-log rustic camping experiences to weekend stays in some of the state’s finest hotels, Colorado offers visitors the chance to give back. Below are a few organizations that provide Colorado voluntourism opportunities. For more information or additional Colorado travel deals, visit www.COLORADO.com.
- Colorado Fourteeners Initiative: Colorado is home to 54 majestic “14ers” (mountains with an altitude of 14,000-feet or more), providing adventurous hikes, incredible panoramic views, spiritual renewal and a chance for visitors to connect with nature. The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative offers sustainable tourism programs that help to protect and preserve the natural integrity of Colorado’s mountain paradise. Visiting hikers and nature enthusiasts can volunteer time or funds to assist with trail upkeep, so generations of visitors can enjoy these unique Colorado attractions. www.14ers.org
- Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) provides hands-on opportunities for volunteers to enhance, protect, and sustain Colorado’s natural resources. From urban plantings to backcountry trails, the 2009 volunteer schedule is full of opportunities. Visitors can help create part of an eight-mile mountain bike trail system that will open public access to some of Colorado's most breathtaking and undiscovered desert landscapes, while staying at Gateway Canyons Resort in western Colorado, one of Colorado’s most scenic resorts. Or, volunteers can camp under Colorado’s million-star sky, while rerouting a trail on Mounts Democrat or Lincoln, some of the state’s tallest mountains. Either way, VOC’s 2009 volunteer projects are sure to provide a rewarding experience for everyone. www.voc.org
- Rock Resorts’ and Vail Hospitality: Rock Resorts and Vail Hospitality are providing guests with a “Give & Getaway” package at their Colorado properties, including the historic Hotel Jerome in Aspen and the luxurious new Arabelle in Vail. Travelers will have the opportunity to hike and participate in an environmental conservation project. In exchange for visitor’s time, Rock Resorts will provide them with discounted lodging, a durable hydration pack, protective work gloves and a complimentary meal. www.rockresorts.com
- The Colorado Trail Foundation: The Colorado Trail is Colorado’s premier long-distance trail. Stretching almost 500 miles from Denver to Durango, it travels through the spectacular Colorado Rocky Mountains amongst peaks, lakes, creeks and other diverse ecosystems. Trail users experience six wilderness areas and eight mountain ranges topping out at 13,334 feet, all while traveling the trail on foot, horseback or mountain bike. The Colorado Trail Foundation maintains and improves the trail using Trail Crews, weekend to week-long summer trail-work efforts with a team of around twenty volunteers. Spend your time bonding with fellow volunteers, camping under Colorado’s beautiful starry skies and preserving this storied trail to be enjoyed by future generations. www.coloradotrail.org
- Working Dude and Guest Ranches: Connect with animals and rekindle the spirit of the Old West with a Colorado dude ranch vacation. Many of Colorado’s more than 30 dude and guest ranches are working ranches and offer visitors the chance live the cowboy life while making great contributions to the land and animals. Ride out to a pasture in the morning or afternoon to round up the cattle and bring them back to a corral. Or, participate in a cattle drive and gather and herd cattle from one pasture to another. Visitors can even help nurse animals back to health and more. The Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association helps travelers find the perfect ranch to fit their interests. www.coloradoranch.com
- The Continental Divide Trail Alliance: The Colorado section of the Continental Divide Trail traverses 800 miles through some of the state’s most incredible landscapes. Volunteers can explore the spectacular alpine tundra of the south San Juan, Weminuche and La Garita wilderness areas; remnants of the late 1800s ghost town of Hancock; the awe-inspiring Collegiate Peaks; Rocky Mountain National Park; and the broad valleys and numerous glacial lakes and cirques of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. The Colorado Divide Trail Alliance provides a number of volunteer opportunities on the trail throughout the summer months, from moderate to more difficult, giving volunteers to the chance to help build history. www.cdtrail.org
ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and renowned ski resort areas. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 10 national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, call 1-800-COLORADO or visit www.COLORADO.com. Media are invited to visit the Colorado Media Room at www.COLORADO.com/mediaroom.php for story ideas, press releases/press kits as well as high-resolution, downloadable photos and video for editorial use.
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