As the snow begins to melt out here in the Gunnison Valley to reveal miles of singletrack and meadows full of mountain flowers, it’s a great time to begin planning your summertime and fall event calendar.

From packing fresh vegetables for families in need with our friends at Mountain Roots Food Project to making trail improvements with Crested Butte Conservation Corps, here’s a short list of ways you–and your whole family–can give back this season.

Celebrate Colorado Public Lands Day

📍Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

Join us and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers in celebrating Colorado Public Lands Day May 19-21 at their Beers, Bands, and Barbed Wire Strands Bash!⁠ This event brings together public land champions from across the state to the I Bar Ranch in Gunnison, CO for the biggest public lands party of the year. ⁠Participants will help remove miles of barbed wire fencing before a night of live music, delicious food and drink, camping, bonfire, and a chance to win great gear from the best outdoor brands. We're proud to be a sponsor.⁠ Learn more and RSVP here.

Get Dirty on a Trail Work Day

📍CBMBA / Crested Butte Conservation Corps

While the 2023 calendar is still under construction at Crested Butte Conservation Corps, their regular trail work days are an excellent way to spend some time outside improving our backyard and connecting with other community members. Sign up for their newsletter or give them a follow on Facebook for the latest updates and volunteer opportunities, and don’t miss their 2023 Annual Membership Meeting and Season Kickoff Party!

Prepare Food for Families in Need

📍Mountain Roots Food Project

Join the Backyard Harvest Program this season and become an integral part of delivering food to families in need in the Gunnison Valley. Mountain Roots is looking for volunteers to both pack and deliver boxes of fresh vegetables and other ingredients harvested right here in our backyard. Whether you can help out weekly or just once and awhile, you are welcome to be a part of this ongoing effort. Sign up here, or email volunteer@mountainrootsfoodproject.org for more information.

Become a Farmer for a Day

📍Mountain Roots Food Project

Among many of their ongoing efforts here in the Gunnison Valley, Mountain Roots Food Project manages two impressive local farms: Glacier Farm and Community Farm. All those organic veggies aren’t going to pick themselves! Farm days allow volunteers to help out and learn about many aspects of agriculture, from preparing soil to actual harvesting come fall. See all the volunteer opportunities at Mountain Roots Food Project, here.

Head to the Harvest Hoedown

📍Mountain Roots Food Project

If your idea of volunteering is paying to attend a square dance, we so get that. Block off Friday, September 29 this fall for the Mountain Roots Harvest Hoedown. While specifics are still under construction, you can see last year’s details (including music from Big Silly Stringband) here. Tickets range from $5-20 and go to support Mountain Roots’ efforts.

Help Out From Afar

📍CBMBA / Crested Butte Conservation Corps

If you don't live here in the Gunnison Valley and can't coordinate your annual trip with a volunteer opportunity, that's OK. Consider making a cash donation to our friends at CBMBA, or purchasing some branded swag to show your support while you ride trails in your backyard. Hint: new for this year are bike fenders with pepperoni. 🙌🏼 

Every purchase from Chopwood Mercantile supports these nonprofits and more. Thank you for choosing to shop small and give back now, and always.