August 23, 2024 3 min read

Commitment to Stewardship: Team Trail Work Day on Congo

This summer, one of our best "work" days was not at the office, but instead on a backyard trail. Partnering with a key local non-profit, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV), we had the opportunity to participate in an organized volunteer trail work day on the Congo Trail.

RFOV's mission is to promote stewardship of public lands through education, restoration, and conservation projects to support the local community to maintain and preserve our beloved outdoor spaces. Tirelessly working on local projects, RFOV keeps invasive species under control, trails in great shape, and educates the public on trail and land stewardship. And they look good doing it in Strafe apparel as well.

Our first trail maintenance project as a team, we picked a trail close to home, literally and figuratively, that was in desperate need of some TLC. We ultimately ended up with the Congo Trail, a short east-facing trail in the Castle Creek valley. A former jeep road, the Congo is a lesser-used trail that stars in the local Power of 4 race series. In winter, it is a harrowing descent, especially on skimo race skis. In summer, it is a hot, brutal climb en route to Snowmass. Currently, it's very overgrown and rutted at the top. With this project, we were able to reduce some of the vegeation, and are working on plans for another day to improve the drainage and sustainability of the more eroded sections.

Gearing up with the team and our RFOV coordinators.

"It's always nice to spend time with the Strafe team outside of the office, especially when we get to volunteer and help improve our local trails...This was the first time our team has done volunteer trail work and hopefully we can turn this into an annual event!"

- Pia Halloran, VP of Product & Design


Learning new wildflowers species and seeing wildlife along the way.

 

Victor Major, Strafe Director Marketing & Ecommerce
Victor Major, Director Marketing & Ecommerce, hiking Congo Trail.

 

Team break and snack time.

 

sweat was worth it for the view
The sweat was worth it for the view.

 

"While this wasn't my first time doing trail work, it did reinvigorate my desire to play my part in bettering the trails our community use on a daily basis! Having access to the spectacular landscape we live within is something I am grateful for and understand it brings along a responsibility to care for these incredible lands."

- Jacob Douthit, Customer Service

 

the saw group leading the charge up congo trail
The saw group, led by Zach Hayes, VP of Sales & Operations, heading down after cutting down 10+ trees. 

 

Clipper extraordinaire and Creative Marketing Manager Kelsey Sandness.

"Although our team is small, it's fun to see the impact we can make when working together. This exercise was a good reminder that a little bit can go a long way. I look forward to more team volunteer days."

- Kelsey Sandness, Creative Marketing Manager

 

strafe team photo
Successful Strafe Team Trail Day on Congo.
(Left to Right: Pete Gaston, Jacob Douthit, Zach Hayes, Pia Halloran, Victor Major, Kelsey Sandness, and Michael Capshaw-Taylor)

 

Thank you to our friends at Roaring Fork Outdoors Volunteers for spreading stewardship. Join us in our mission to protect and preserve our natural spaces – together, we can make a lasting difference. For more info of how to donate or volunteer please visit rfov.org.

roaring fork outdoor volunteers group photo
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers Group photo wearing their team Strafe Sopris Sun Hoodies.


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