Word of Thanks with Kyle Clark: Support Southwest Conservation Corps
$23,236.68
Raised
693
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
Adam Johnson | $26.27
Laura | $10.70
Julie K. McCarty | $10.70
Gregory Pfister | $26.27
Janice Veltri | $10.70
Craig Shindledecker | $259.92
We need more conservation and fire mitigation, programs like this need funding locally at not from the federal government.
Chuck | $10.70
Linda
Diane | $52.23
Matthew Francis | $25
I’d like to see anybody in the White House work a trail season and realize the power they seek won’t be the kind that will satisfy them. What an empowering organization building people up with a connection to the land and their country.
Laura
My husband and I have been with SCC volunteers many times as we led our own crews on the Colorado Trail. What a great group of people. We thank you for all the hard work you do!
Katie
Steven Richards | $25
Carlos & Cole Arreola-Karr
Scott
Robert & Sandy | $52.23
We are not helpless! We hope that this action will mitigate the damage the crazy Commander-in-Chief is doing to our great nation.
Alice | $26.27
Kristin Myers | $26.27
Thank you for your hard work in keeping us safe! I am so appreciative of your dedication to our beautiful state.
Amanda
Erin
Jay Miller | $5.50
Joe
Keep up the good work, Kyle!
Constance Lucy | $26.27
Bruce ODonnell | $5.50
Anonymous
PAMELA
Marjorie Briley
Micheal | $26.27