By Lorie Gregor/Grand Junction Parks and Recreation

Looking for an interesting volunteer position that gets you outdoors?

If so, you should check out the City of Grand Junction Trail Host Program.

What is a Trail Host? A Trail Host is a person who spends time on the Riverfront Trail System and acts as a friendly liaison between the City and the trail users. It requires you to dedicate at least 2 hours per week anywhere you want on the Riverfront Trail and attend monthly meetings.

When you are on the trail you will be talking to people, helping out with questions (usually directions), helping educate trail users of various rules and regulations, which help to make the trail a safe place for everyone, and watching for reportable situations. These types of situations could be dogs at large, trail damage, trash on the trail, reporting wildlife, river spills, anything that might be hazardous to trail users.

Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month from March – September from noon – 1 p.m. at various locations relevant to the training topics. For instance, we will meet at the Grand Junction Police Department and tour dispatch while meeting with the Homeless Outreach Team to discuss issues relevant to the Riverfront Trail. We will arm you with information to help you be a better Trail Host!

Some of the Trail Hosts have been with the program over 15 years and they are still going strong! It’s a fun group of people with a common interest in helping to keep the Riverfront Trail System a great place for everyone to be. Many people have met hiking or biking buddies through this program and we encourage participants to go out and play together. An application and background check are required prior to starting.

If you are interested in being a Trail Host, call me at 970-254-3876 to get an application.

Lorie Gregor is the recreation coordinator for Grand Junction Parks and Recreation. A Fruita resident, she looks in awe daily at the beauty of the surrounding landscape and is a true mountain mama at heart! Loves include her husband, son and dog, while hiking, camping and boating.