There’s a lot of fanfare around grant awards, but what happens after the ceremonial checks are presented and the reporters have published their articles? Our partners get down to business.
For over 30 years, GOCO has improved Colorado’s great outdoors with the help of Colorado Lottery proceeds. To date, we’ve invested more than $1.4 billion in 5,700 projects to improve the lives of Coloradans across the state.
After projects are awarded funding, grant recipients usually have about two years to make their projects happen.
In recent months, 25 projects wrapped up, representing $6,492,995 in GOCO investments in local communities across the state. Scroll to see if one’s near you:
All Lands Camping Plan Accelerator and Recreation Adopters Phase II
$143,992 grant to Chaffee County
Chaffee County, through the Envision Chaffee County collaborative, used a Planning and Capacity grant to develop two key plans to address increased visitation in the region. The All-Lands Camping Plan Accelerator established a model for managing dispersed camping impacts across city, county, private, and public lands. The Chaffee Recreation Adopters program equips land managers with tools and strategies to grow capacity and educate outdoor recreationists on responsible stewardship. Partners Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative and Colorado Parks and Wildlife helped share these resources statewide.
Learn more about Envision Chaffee County
Baker's Park Trail System
$50,314 grant to San Juan County
San Juan County used a Conservation Service Corps (CSC) grant to partner with Southwest Conservation Corps-Four Corners and complete 30 miles of shared-use narrow dirt trail, or singletrack, at the Baker’s Park Trail System (BPTS). Located on Bureau of Land Management lands near Silverton, BPTS welcomes pedestrians and bikers of all skill levels. This six-week project supported local health and the economy, expanded recreation opportunities, fostered community involvement, provided educational experiences for youth, and preserved open space.
Learn more about Baker’s Park Trail System
Big Thompson River Corridor Invasive Species Removal
$27,090 grant to City of Loveland
The City of Loveland used a Conservation Service Corps grant to partner with Larimer County Conservation Corps (LCCC) and remove invasive species along the Big Thompson River. Over three weeks, corps crews cleared invasive Russian olive, Siberian elm, and tamarisk trees from the degraded river corridor. These efforts improved ecosystem health by reducing competition for native species, lowering wildfire and flood risk, and restoring wildlife habitat. The project also increased plant diversity and enhanced the visitor experience by removing dense, overgrown vegetation.
Learn more about Larimer County Conservation Corps (LCCC)
Canyon Edge Open Space Acquisition: Future Northern Colorado Open Space
$1,500,000 grant to Larimer County
Larimer County used a Centennial Program Implementation grant to permanently protect the 1,547-acre Canyon Edge Open Space (pictured above), previously known as Heaven’s Door Ranch. Located near Loveland, this property was the final ‘puzzle piece’ in a 30-year effort to connect several conserved lands, public spaces, State Land Board properties, and National Forest lands. The acquisition was fundamental to the county’s conservation strategy as the region faces a growing population, development pressure, and increased demand for more outdoor public access. The ranch is now part of a continuous landscape providing much-needed, nature-based recreation for the Northern Front Range featuring diverse wildlife habitats, open space, and scenic vistas.
Read the project’s local press release
CentrePointe Park and Sports Fields
$400,000 grant to City of Fort Morgan
The City of Fort Morgan used a Community Impact grant to build a sports field complex near its new fieldhouse. The 87,450-square-foot site features turf areas for sports and field activities, high-tech lighting, a multi-sport netting system, a two-mile walking trail, and other amenities welcoming visitors year-round. Designed with extensive community input, this project builds on amenities near the field house, including a 3,000-square-foot inclusive playground and a 1,400-square-foot splash pad. The new additions helped create a central location for outdoor recreation in the city and alleviate maintenance challenges caused by the overuse of other Fort Morgan parks.
Read a local press release about the project
Community Park Renovation Project
$790,000 grant to City of Fort Lupton
The City of Fort Lupton used a Community Impact grant to transform its community park into an inclusive space where residents of all ages and abilities can play and connect. The City added a splash park, accessible playground equipment, and improved trails within and leading to the park. These upgrades increased safety and accessibility while expanding outdoor opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities or economic challenges. The project also fostered stronger community connections with local schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, summer camp programs, senior living areas, and affordable housing neighborhoods.
Learn more about the project
Connecting Communities to Conserved Lands
$289,665 grant to Aspen Valley Land Trust
Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) used a Resilient Communities grant to collaborate with the towns of Silt, Carbondale, Marble, and other organizations on five outdoor projects across Garfield and Gunnison counties. AVLT and partners enhanced wildlife habitat, trails, safety, and accessibility across the conserved properties. They also enhanced outdoor educational spaces by improving outdoor classroom benches, shade structures, and water kiosks.Learn more about Aspen Valley Land Trust
Conserving Fragile Recreation Landscapes - Park County
$37,400 grant to Park County
Park County used a Conservation Service Corps grant to partner with Southwest Conservation Corps-Los Valles at Sheep Creek and Lake Emma to improve recreation access while protecting natural resources. Crews converted a decommissioned road into a narrow dirt trail, or single-track, at Sheep Creek, improving river safety and habitat. At Lake Emma, crews added wayfinding signage and rerouted this previously unofficial, visitor-made trail. The United States Forest Service is adopting the Lake Emma Trail to promote sustainability and protect the alpine ecosystem. This project was a collaboration between Park County, Southwest Conservation Corps, Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative, and South Park Ranger District.
Learn more about Southwest Conservation Corps
Conserving Pinyon Mesa Headwaters & Habitats Year 4
$61,280 grant to Colorado West Land Trust
Colorado West Land Trust used a Conservation Service Corps grant to partner with Western Colorado Conservation Corps crews to help restore floodplains and river areas, improve forest health, and reduce wildfire risk on Pinyon Mesa in Western Colorado. Corps members worked on streams flowing into the Colorado River, installing soft structures to promote water flow and removing invasive plants. Crews also improved wildlife habitat by clearing overgrown pinyon-juniper trees, thinning forests near rivers and drier highlands, and removing old and broken fencing. This project is a multi‐year collaboration between Colorado West Land Trust, Mountain Island Ranch, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and RiversEdge West.
Learn more about the Colorado West Land Trust
Dedicated Transboundary Squad for Addressing the Pandemic Forest Mitigation Back
$751,681 grant to Larimer County
Larimer County used a Resilient Communities grant to partner with Ember Alliance for wildfire mitigation work in the Big Thompson and Poudre River watersheds. The watersheds provide drinking water to over 1.3 million people and contain areas where neighborhoods and wildlands meet, making wildfire prevention even more critical. This funding supported the training and hiring of wildland fire workers and strengthened collaboration between partners and communities on wildfire prevention. Efforts helped protect the valuable watersheds, addressed overdue wildfire mitigation work, and identified additional areas needing treatment.
Learn more about the Ember Alliance
Ecological Restoration
$44,400 grant to Boulder County
Cal-Wood Education Center and Boulder County used a Conservation Service Corps (CSC) grant to partner with Mile High Youth Corps to restore 1,200 acres of Cal-Wood forest property damaged by the 2020 Cal-Wood fire. Corps crews cut down burned trees along a new trail corridor, planted native grass seed to combat invasive plants and prevent soil erosion, and created a slash (debris) pile for future use and safe disposal. This project helped restore the forest’s ecological functions and promoted native plant recovery.
Learn more about Cal-Wood
ECO Program - Community Health and Sustainability
$350,000 grant to Keep It Colorado
The Keep It Colorado (KIC) ECO Program supports Colorado land trusts and open space agencies working toward a more sustainable conservation future. This grant supported KIC in continuing to partner with the Land Trust Alliance to provide training, organizational support, resources, and regrant opportunities within the land trust and open space community with the goal of engaging traditionally underserved communities in land conservation work.
Learn more about Keep It Colorado
Elkhorn Creek Forest Health Initiative
$110,965 grant to Larimer County
Larimer County used a Conservation Service Corps (CSC) grant to partner with Larimer County Conservation Corps to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health at the 3,200-acre Ben Delatour Scout Ranch. The site contained heavy fire fuel loads, posing a high wildfire risk. Corps members reduced fuel density and restored forest structure and composition. The project was the final part of a seven-year effort to improve watershed health, protect nearby communities and water resources, and increase stewardship capacity in the area
Learn more about Larimer County Conservation Corps
Enhancing Habitat and Outdoor Learning Opportunities Near Delta County Schools
$33,300 grant to North Fork Pool, Park, and Rec District
The North Fork Pool Park and Recreation District and Nature Connection, a Generation Wild community, used a Conservation Service Corps grant to partner with Western Colorado Conservation Corps (WCCC) to restore habitat and treat invasive species at Hotchkiss Crossroads Park, Delta County Fairgrounds, and Paonia River Park. Over three weeks, WCCC crews worked with Nature Connection's high school trail crew, the Wilder Bunch, to prepare the sites for future trail construction and restoration. This project improved trail access near Delta County Schools and expanded environmental education by providing outdoor experiences to local youth and inspiring the community to prioritize and protect local ecosystems.
Read a blog about The Wilder Bunch
Evergreen Parks Invasive Species Mitigation Project
$74,439 grant to Evergreen Park and Recreation District
The Town of Evergreen used a Conservation Service Corps grant to partner with Mile High Youth Corps crews to treat and remove invasive species and noxious weeds at five parks: Buchanan, Evergreen Lake, Marshdale, Stagecoach, and Kittredge. Corps members completed this project using a mix of hand-pulling and herbicide applications in collaboration with landowners and stakeholders. Spanning 114 acres across the Evergreen Parks and Recreation District, these parks provide important green spaces near the Metro Denver area. The project improved wildlife habitat, strengthened ecosystem health, and enhanced recreation opportunities for the community.
Learn more about Evergreen Park and Recreation District
Inlet Bay to South Bay Trail Construction Project
$34,400 grant to Larimer County
Larimer County Department of Natural Resources used a Conservation Service Corps grant to partner with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Larimer County Conservation Corps to build a new multi-use trail at Horsetooth Reservoir. Crews constructed 0.7 miles of trail between Inlet Bay and South Bay over four weeks, creating a much-needed connection between the popular recreation areas. Previously, they were only accessible by traveling along the highly trafficked County Road 38E. This project enhanced safety, expanded outdoor access, and improved the recreation experience at the reservoir.
Learn more about Horsetooth Reservoir
North St. Vrain Forest Health Project
$77,110 grant to City of Longmont
The City of Longmont used a Conservation Service Corps (CSC) grant to partner with Larimer County Conservation Corps to protect a critical water supply and restore forest health at the Button Rock Preserve. As part of the North St. Vrain Watershed Protection Project, crew members increased visitor and community safety by reducing fire fuels and improving fire escape routes across 24 acres. The 3,000-acre Preserve is a protected watershed that provides drinking water to over 110,000 people in Lyons and Longmont. It surrounds two reservoirs, utility infrastructure, private property, a popular trail system, and contains diverse wildlife habitat.
Learn more about the project
Otis Park Improvement
$773,592 grant to Town of Otis
The Town of Otis used a Community Impact grant to revitalize its community park and gathering space. The project updated unsafe playground equipment, a baseball field, and other amenities. The site is used for social gatherings, events, and recreation and now features a new baseball field, inclusive playground equipment, surfacing, a walking trail with exercise stations, restrooms, a basketball court, shade structures, and more. These improvements created a vibrant and accessible space supporting various activities for all ages, promoting a healthier and more connected community lifestyle.
Learn more about GOCO’s Community Impact grant program
Pineries Open Space Trail Construction & Weed Monitoring
$63,950 grant to El Paso County
El Paso County used a Conservation Service Corps grant to partner with Mile High Youth Corps-Southern Front Range (MHYC-SFR) to treat noxious weeds and construct a new trail within Pineries Open Space in Colorado Springs. Over seven weeks, crews built two miles of narrow dirt trail, or single-track, completing a 3.5-mile loop. Crews also installed wooden walkways in sensitive areas, and inventoried, mapped, and treated noxious weeds along 10.5 miles of trail. The County partnered with Rocky Mountain Field Institute for building materials and technical support, training, and education opportunities for MHYC-SFR crews.
Learn more about Mile High Youth Corps
Purgatoire-Cucharas Collaborative Forest Health & Stewardship Project Phase 3
$33,300 grant to City of Trinidad
The City of Trinidad used a Conservation Service Corps grant to partner with Mile High Youth Corps-Southern Front Range for wildfire mitigation and trail improvements in the Purgatoire North Fork Trail System and nearby areas. Crews mitigated wildfire risks on three acres of land, enhanced two miles of trail including the popular Beaver Explore Trail, and participated in skill-building tasks, training, education, and outdoor stewardship experiences over three weeks.
Learn more about GOCO’s CSC grant program
Sand Creek Open Space Land Restoration at The Urban Farm
$48,000 grant to City and County of Denver
The City and County of Denver used a Conservation Service Corps grant to partner with Mile High Youth Corps to restore six acres of natural prairie and wildlife habitat within The Urban Farm at Sand Creek Open Space. Crews removed invasive species, applied herbicide, cleared rubble from past construction, and improved trails and roads over five weeks. They also leveled terrain to reduce flooding and planted native seeds. This project helped restore and revitalize the degraded open space, helping The Urban Farm continue expanding nature experience opportunities for Denver-area residents.
Learn more about The Urban Farm
Step It Up! Your Health Matters
$674,500 grant to Cheyenne County
Cheyenne County used a Community Impact grant to transform a local school district’s 19-year-old track into a vibrant, multi-use facility. The renovated space features a new track, playground, bleachers, perimeter fencing, landscaping, restrooms, and a concession building. It hosts track meets for over two dozen schools and outdoor educational events including 5K’s, color runs, cancer walks, and youth programs. When not in school use for practices, competitions, or events, the space remains open to the public year-round, providing opportunities for recreation, health, and community connection. This project is a collaboration between GOCO, The Colorado Health Foundation, Daniels Fund, El Pomar, and the Cheyenne County School District.
Read a local press release on the project
Trail Improvements and River Access
$17,200 grant to South Suburban Park and Rec District
South Suburban Parks and Recreation District used a Conservation Service Corps grant to partner with Mile High Youth Corps to repair trails and improve river access at South Platte Park. Corps crews built stairs and drainage features at three river access points, and filled worn-down, uneven, and muddy soft trails with crushed granite. This created wider and firmer paths that improved water drainage and trail sustainability. These efforts help prevent future erosion and reduce unofficial, user-made ‘social trails,’ which can harm native plant habitats.
Learn more about our Conservation Service Corps grant program
Walton Loop and Tater Tots Trail Development and Maintenance
$18,700 grant to Town of Buena Vista
The Town of Buena Vista and Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition used a Conservation Service Corps grant to partner with Southwest Conservation Corps-Los Valles for work on two entry-level biking trails. Over two weeks, crews prepared the sites, leveled and shaped the trails, installed wayfinding signage, and added trail surfacing material. These efforts launched the one-mile Tater Tots Singletrack Loop, a beginner mountain bike trail, and continued work on the half-mile Walton Loop, an ADA-compliant trail for all ages and abilities. These trails run parallel and offer designated spaces for entry-level riders, scenic river views, and connections to nearby trails and outdoor amenities.
Learn more about the Buena Vista Single Track Coalition
2024 City of Colorado Springs Open Spaces Preservation and Restoration
$87,717 grant to City of Colorado Springs
The City of Colorado Springs used a Conservation Service Corps grant to partner with Mile High Youth Corps-Southern Front Range for trail improvements and restoration work at three City open spaces. At Austin Bluffs Open Space (ABOS), crews built a new narrow dirt trail, or single track, to extend the beginner/ intermediate Spine Trail, conducted maintenance to North Meadows Trail, and closed and restored damaged, unofficial trails created by visitors. This effort improved trail connections throughout ABOS and nearby parks and trails. Additionally, crews applied herbicide to control invasive weeds and restore native plants and wildlife habitat at Smith Creek and Fishers Canyon open spaces.
Read a local press release on the project