Kelsey Kirkwood serves as GOCO’s North Central Program Officer, working closely with local communities to develop, fund, and support impactful conservation and recreation projects.

Kelsey brings five years of experience in land conservation, including work in land protection, partnership development, and statewide conservation efforts. She began her career as a GOCO Fellow with Colorado Open Lands, where she contributed to projects across Colorado and built a strong foundation in the complexities of conserving working lands and natural resources.

Her background also includes environmental education work in Alaska, Peru, and China, where she developed a deep appreciation for how people connect to land across diverse cultures and landscapes.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Kelsey moved west to attend the College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. Based in Salida, she volunteers with Ark-Valley Humane Society and serves on the board of KHEN Community Radio, where she occasionally DJs in support of local storytelling and community-driven media. She enjoys hiking and biking on local trails with her dog, Gila, spending time on the river, and the slower pace of mountain life.