"I love working on a trail that I frequently ride or hike because I get the chance to use it afterward and enjoy what we've accomplished!" – Melissa Baumann

Volunteering with the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) is always a summer highlight for us. Many of our staff and brokers are avid users of Summit County's trails, so being part of their maintenance and improvement is especially rewarding. On August 17th, a team of 6 Slifer volunteers joined forces to build a new bridge on the Salt Lick Trail in Silverthorne. 

"It's always a great experience to come together with both new and old friends to volunteer in the great outdoors of the White River National Forest. We were proud to contribute to bridge work in the Salt Creek Trail area, and we owe a big thank you to the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District @fdrd.summit for guiding us, supplying tools, and offering support and encouragement throughout the day. I look forward to future projects with them." – Stacy Shelden

The Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) is a collaborative organization working closely with the US Forest Service to ensure the long-term sustainability of the 487 square miles of National Forest in the region. They focus on trail maintenance and enhancement, tree planting, invasive weed control, and educating visitors.

"An amazing day spent working with SSF teammates and Friends of the Dillon Ranger District. We had the chance to tackle various trail tasks, culminating in the completion of a new bridge on the Salt Lick Trail." – Eddie Bowers

FDRD goes beyond trail work. If you're planning to visit Summit County and are looking for excellent hiking trails, their website offers a wealth of information. They provide difficulty ratings and valuable insights to help you prepare for your adventure. To find the perfect trail for your preferences, click HERE.

"We dedicated the day to assisting FDRD in constructing a biking and pedestrian bridge within the Salt Lick Trail system near Silverthorne. This new bridge replaces an older single-plank structure, representing a significant improvement. I personally can't wait to ride my mountain bike across it!" – Michael Lytle

For Summit County residents interested in volunteering, a range of opportunities awaits. Explore these options HERE. Volunteering doesn't always involve trail work; you can also consider joining the Ranger Patrol. This role involves liaising between the Forest Service, FDRD, and the public using the trails—an excellent choice if you're passionate about the outdoors and our trail systems and want to give back to the community in a unique way.

If you'd like to explore volunteering opportunities further, please visit the website HERE. Additionally, they accept donations for those who can't volunteer but still wish to support their efforts. Click HERE to contribute.

Volunteering extends beyond trail maintenance; it's an opportunity to build robust community bonds while enjoying the great outdoors together. Engaging with nature as a team not only fosters a deeper connection with the environment but also encourages introspection and the growth of meaningful connections within our community.

"Volunteering with FDRD and the Forest Service to construct a footbridge wasn't just about building physical pathways; it was also about forging connections between nature and community, laying the foundation for a more sustainable and harmonious future. The SSF team united with a shared purpose. As we worked side by side to help the Forest Service build a bridge, laughter and camaraderie filled the air. It was a day of hard work, but it also created lasting memories and plenty of good laughs." – Chris Lankhorst