Volunteer Impact

In 2025, more than 3,750 volunteers showed up for Boulder in a powerful way—contributing over 37,000 hours of service to strengthen our community. That time represents an incredible impact, valued at nearly $1.5 million.

Volunteerism in Boulder takes many forms. About 70% of volunteers participated in one-day projects. Meanwhile, 30% committed to ongoing roles- these dedicated individuals contributed the majority of total service hours, providing sustained support that keeps our community thriving.

In addition, nearly 150 community members served on city boards and commissions, contributing over 5,500 hours of leadership, insight, and civic engagement.

Volunteerism is not just about service—it’s about connection, care, and building the kind of community we all want to be part of. We are so grateful for everyone who chose to volunteer to make Boulder a community of service.

A welcoming and inclusive community that fosters positive neighborhood and community relations and ensures that all residents are secure and cared for during emergencies and natural disasters. Public infrastructure is well-maintained and reliable, and natural resources like water, air, and land are protected.

Volunteers help keep Boulder safe—from cleaner waterways to crime victim support.

• Creek Corridor Safety: The Volunteer Cooperative (Parks & Recreation, Transportation & Mobility, and Open Space & Mountain Parks) launched updated creek cleanup safety standards in 2025, including new trainings and protective equipment. Volunteers kept creek corridors cleaner and safer for the whole community.
• Conservation Volunteers: OSMP's Litter Stewards independently clean problem areas at Cottonwood Trail, KOA Lakes, Goose Creek Wetland, and Sawhill Ponds—protecting wildlife and public spaces. Rusty Nailers maintain cattle fences with agriculture staff, extending fence life and reducing wildlife impacts.
• Victim Advocates: Volunteer victim advocates supported more than 250 victims of crime and critical incidents, serving as liaisons between law enforcement and the public. On June 1, 2025, advocates provided direct support to victims and witnesses of the Pearl Street attack.

All Boulder residents are able to meet their critical needs, enjoy high levels of social, physical, and mental well-being, and have access to abundant recreational, cultural and educational opportunities in an environment that respects and celebrates human rights.

Volunteers expanded access to recreation, nature, and inclusive programs for residents of all ages and backgrounds.

• Wild Woods Nature Discovery Area: Parks & Recreation volunteers maintained this nature play space in Central Park—built in collaboration with the CU Environmental Design program using locally recycled wood—keeping it safe and open for families.
• Dushanbe Teahouse Rose Gardens: Volunteers partnered with the Boulder Valley Rose Society to care for nearly 50 rose varieties and surrounding perennials, keeping this beloved downtown space vibrant and welcoming.

• Teen Programs on OSMP Land: OSMP partnered with two agriculture tenants to offer inclusive teen programs. The Natural Highs group cultivated an herbal apothecary at Light Root Community Farm, learning about sustainable agriculture and wellness. A group of 15–20 youth from Rocky Mt. Equality (LGBTQ+) participated in monthly programs at Esoterra Culinary Garden, exploring vegetable farming, pollinator health, and land preservation.

“Through the program, I've grown more than I ever could have without it… It's part of who I am now.”

— Aster D., volunteer

“Coming here helped me detox, grounding.”

— Anonymous teen participant

High-performing, safe, and well-maintained buildings and infrastructure that accommodate a diverse set of community needs for working, learning, playing, and living.

Volunteers contributed to housing, transportation, and neighborhood accessibility across the city

• Affordable Housing: The Affordable Housing Technical Review Group logged over 114 volunteer hours, providing recommendations on grant funding and housing programs to help make Boulder more affordable.
• Shovel-a-Stop: More than a dozen volunteers gave over 70 hours clearing bus stops after snow events, improving transit access and reducing slip hazards citywide.

A safe, accessible, and sustainable multimodal transportation system that connects people with each other and where they want to go. Open access to information is provided both physically and digitally to foster connectivity and promote community engagement.

Volunteers helped community members navigate the city—on foot, by bike, and on trail.

• Older Adult Walks: Boulder Walks’ Older Adult Walk program connects seniors with their neighborhoods, pedestrian infrastructure, and local natural and cultural landmarks—building confidence and civic knowledge.
• Trail Outreach: OSMP volunteers co-hosted 6 outreach tables with the Boulder County Horse Association and Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance, distributing bike bells and educating trail users on responsible sharing. Bike patrol volunteers also logged some of the highest annual hours on the land, supporting visitors during conflicts and emergencies.
• Dog Ambassador Program: Now in its third year, 10 ambassadors and 8 dogs modeled responsible dog-guardian behavior on OSMP trails. Volunteers educated visitors on the Voice & Sight program, canine safety, and resource protection—and helped install new dog water stations in the Chautauqua area.
• Fire Chaplains: Volunteer chaplains supported emergency responders, victims, and families on 23 ride-alongs with Boulder Fire.

"When Dog Ambassador Kevin Ferris met a couple on the trail with a young puppy, they had questions — about etiquette, good dog-friendly routes, and how to be responsible trail users. After chatting with Kevin, they left with answers. Their parting words: "That was very helpful… tell OSMP that the trail ambassador program is working!"

A sustainable, thriving, and equitable community that benefits from and supports clean energy; preserves and responsibly uses the earth’s resources; and cares for ecosystems.

Volunteers protected Boulder's natural spaces, waterways, and wildlife.

• Creek Corridor Cleanups: 188 Parks & Recreation volunteers contributed 376 hours protecting Boulder's riparian corridors—some of the city's most vital ecosystems for plants, animals, and people.
• Tennis Ball Recycling: Four dedicated volunteers kept used tennis balls from city courts out of landfills by repurposing them for dogs at local parks.

A local government that provides an excellent customer experience, responsibly manages the city’s assets, and makes data-driven decisions informed by community engagement inclusive of those who have been historically excluded from government programs and services. The city organization exemplifies an employer of choice with policies and programs to support employee inclusion and well-being.

Community members shaped city decisions through boards, commissions, and civic events.

• Boards & Commissions: More than 140 community members served on boards, commissions, and councils, averaging 37 hours each.
• Youth Civic Leadership: 44 young people influenced city decision-making through the Youth Action Council and Youth Opportunities Advisory Board.

"“I enjoyed volunteering in a community event and meeting city staff and other community members… everyone was happy to see me.”

— What's Up Boulder volunteer

A healthy, accessible, resilient, and sustainable economy based on innovation, diversity, and collaboration that benefits all residents, businesses, and visitors.

Volunteers supported programs that strengthen community resilience and economic well-being.

• Age Well Advisory Committee: Volunteers deepened their knowledge of services and programs for older adults—and shared that expertise with others in the community.
• Restorative Justice & Mediation: CMRC volunteers serve as restorative justice practitioners and mediators, helping community members navigate conflict in ways that build understanding, accountability, and connection.

“My understanding of services and programs available to support older adults has increased—a great asset I can share with others.”

— Leslie Van Grove, Age Well Advisory Committee