Word of Thanks with Kyle Clark: Support Southwest Conservation Corps
$23,004.78
Raised
684
Donations
$46,000
Goal
Word of Thanks with Kyle Clark: Support Southwest Conservation Corps
Fund the Future of Colorado Conservation
For over 25 years, Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) has empowered youth, young adults, and veterans to restore and protect central and southern Colorado’s landscapes while developing valuable life and job skills. Through hands-on conservation projects, SCC crews improve trails, remove invasive species, mitigate wildfire risks, and protect public lands—all while growing as leaders, building resilience, and forging deep connections to nature and their communities.
Why This Matters
Conservation service is more than just physical work—it’s a transformative experience. Young people gain leadership skills, teamwork experience, and a strong work ethic while learning about environmental stewardship and career pathways in conservation. Many SCC alumni go on to careers in natural resource management, environmental science, and public service, carrying their passion for conservation forward.
One of SCC’s most impactful programs is its partnership with Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, where local youth and young adult crews spend the summer restoring trails, improving public access, and protecting fragile ecosystems. These projects not only benefit the park but also provide participants with hands-on learning experiences that foster confidence, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to service.
The Challenge: A $46,000 Funding Gap
This year there is a high level of uncertainty with the federal budget, causing a reduction in available federal funds. With this uncertainty, there is a sudden and critical $46,000 funding shortfall, which threatens to cancel these conservation crews and deprive these young participants of the chance to gain life-changing experience while protecting one of Colorado’s most cherished landscapes.
With your support, we can keep these programs running and ensure these young leaders continue their important work.
- Every dollar makes a difference for youth in service to Colorado.
- Your donation directly funds trail and habitat restoration in Colorado.
- Together, we can bridge this funding gap and keep Southwest Conservation Corps crews in the field!
Donate today to invest in the future of conservation in Colorado and the young people who will lead it. Thank you for being part of this movement!
Donor Wall 58
Anonymous | $104.15
Michael Gormley | $50
Sonia | $26.27
Kristin
Wesley Welmaker | $26.27
Barbara | $10.70
Amanda | $26.27
Thanks to Kyle Clark for bringing this to our attention! Thank you SCC for the work you do.
Stephanie Perry | $26.27
Beth | $26.27
Be safe out there! Thanks to Kyle Clark for allowing us internet fans to help!
Melodie | $5.50
Bill | $50
Linda Kovar | $26.27
My dad, Emmett Powers, would take us to Colorado on summer camping trips. He loved camping and sightseeing throughout Colorado. Thank you SCC for the hard work you do to keep trails accessible and beautiful.
Tammy | $52.23
Our daughter served in a similar program through RMYC out of Steamboat Springs. This work is so important and we want to help where needed to keep this program in tact !
nora | $10.70
colorado my beloved <3
Meagan | $104.15
Josh Burkey | $104.15
Robert
In memory of my dad Robert Jansma. He worked for Loveland Parks and Recreation. After work and on many weekends he would take my brother and I all over in mountains and teach us how to protect the area from fires and other important information about the environment. He had a heart for the environment. We miss you Pepa
Sarah Paliga
Alison | $5.50
Margaret Griffin | $100
Thanks Kyle Clark for bringing this to our attention. We loved our visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park. This sounds like a great cause!
Rachel Brown | $52.23
It’s so sad, I keep on telling visitors it’s like we have to have a bake sale to support our public lands. ☹️
Michelle
adrienne newlon | $10.70
Linda Zarei | $104.15
Thank you for keeping our parks beautiful ❤️
Patti Poole | $100
Christine | $104.15
Thank you for all you do to keep us safe and trails open
Megan | $26.27
Thank you so very much for the work you do! It is seen and appreciated by the people of Colorado.
Rebecca Kreidler | $52.23
With love from a former California Conservation Corps*AmeriCorps*Watershed Stewards Project volunteer a quarter century ago.
Mike Houston
Lauren
Thank you for what you do for Colorado’s land and parks 🤍