Volunteer Login
Paul Bleau. Class of 2005: I like teaching an appreciation for nature and the environment while hiking in the park. I especially enjoy leading school groups and discussing ecosystems, geology, plants, animals and history of the area. I also enjoy driving the Rox Ride because it enables access to the park for people who otherwise might not be able to negotiate the trails. My favorite pastime is hiking or snowshoeing in the mountains. At home I like to read, spend time with my grandson, Eddie, and brew delicious beer.
Dave Broste, Class of 2007: I enjoy the beauty of the park in all seasons and enjoy the people I meet there. I like leading school group hikes and being a roving ranger. My favorite past time is birding. For 14 years I conducted criminal investigations for the U.S. Department of Labor. I also worked for the Environmental Protection Agency in Superfund enforcement.
Julie Brown, Class of 1991: I’m such a nature lover that it’s no wonder I’ve enjoyed being a volunteer for the past 20 years. It’s a great escape from the real world and when I’m here I feel a sense of peacefulness even when the VC is bustling with people.
I enjoy working in the VC because it enables me to interact with visitors and help out with some office duties. I also like roving the trails so I can talk to visitors as well as experience all the wonders of the wildlife and beauty of the park. Helping with occasional special projects is another activity I enjoy.
In my free time I go for walks, dance, go to dinner with friends and catch up on projects at home. Hiking and road trips are also high on my list as well as music.
I’m not as reserved outside the park as I appear to be when I’m there and at one time in my life I wanted to be a fashion designer in New York City. How far removed from that could I be?!!!
Kathy Brown, Class of 2011: Volunteering at Roxbrough is a special privilege. I love hiking the trails, working with the school kids , and participating in the Puppet Show. I love learning about the park and look forward to learning more every year. I want to be able to do the Rox Ride and learn more about the flowers, animals, history and geology of the park. My favortite activity is the puppet show, but that may change as I learn about other new interesting activities. Also, I am a great grandmother. My great granddaughter is 2 and my grandson was born Jan. 2, 2012.
Gary Burton, Class of 2007: Prior to turning in my volunteer application for the spring class of 2007, I had never visited Roxborough. I like the pristine and hidden nature of the Park and its conservation/preservation mission. Talking with visitors and teaching kids about the nature and ecology of the Park is interesting for them, enjoyable for me and helps keep my former biological knowledge nearer the surface. Some of the things I enjoy about volunteering is talking with visitors about the Park and learning their interests and firefly monitoring. When not at the park I fly-fish a lot; I never seem to get any better, but I still catch my share. One of my first professional jobs was an assignment to the Snail Darter recovery and research project working for the Tennessee Valley Authority in Alabama and Tennessee. The closing of Ft. Loudon Dam and the possible risk to the Snail Darter species was the first real test of the Endangered Species Act.
Kevin Corwin, Class of 1998: Roxborough provides a wide variety of natural beauty in a small and tranquil space. I most enjoy taking little tykes on hikes; they are spontaneous and full of wonder and curiosity. I enjoy a wide variety of activities outside of Roxborough, my favorite one is usually the thing I'm doing at the time.
Doris Cruze, Class of 1982: In the early spring of l982 I answered a small ad in the paper requesting volunteers to help get a new state park open. I was teaching school and it sounded like an interesting way to spend the summer. Little did I know it would be a life changing experience continuing on these 30 years later.
Volunteering at Roxborough has introduced me to some wonderful people, to adventures in the out-of-doors, to great opportunities for life-long learning, and it has enriched my life in countless other ways. It would be hard to imagine not volunteering at this magical park.
I most enjoy leading hikes and teaching about birding. It is always a thrill for me when a visitor or a new volunteer "discovers" a bird they have never seen before. And sometimes at Roxborough, I find a new bird for my life list.
Besides spending time at Roxborough, I enjoy travel, writing, rug braiding, reading, playing bridge, and gardening. I volunteer at South Platte Park in Littleton, at Audubon Society of Greater Denver, Denver Field Ornithologists, and at my church.
Something surprising about me? I love spending time in France and Switzerland every year visiting family members.
Rosie Detwiler, Class of 2001: I was raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I met her future husband, Jerry, in1953 at the University of Southern California. We raised our family in Torrance, California, and have been married for 55 years! I taught art in high school, but resigned to start a family. After having two boys and a girl, I went with my husband to live in Germany and France while he taught graduate classes for the military. We came home with a “souvenir” 4th child, (a boy) who was born a short time after returning home.
I began teaching at a church preschool. In 1986, Jerry became an Associate Dean at the University of Denver. We settled into a patio home in what has become Centennial. I resumed preschool teaching until I retired in 2000. Every year I brought my students to Roxborough to hike, for I love nature. After retiring, I joined the 2001 class for volunteer naturalists and have been active ever since, mostly hiking or telling stories to young children. Most of my children and 13 grandchildren, have hiked at Roxborough with me. My husband and I enjoy traveling and have explored all over the world!
Roger Dowell, Class of 2003: I came to a meeting for potential new volunteers in January 2003. When I drove into the park and saw the magnificent beauty of Roxborough State Park, I knew I wanted to be a volunteer at the park.
The staff and volunteers are wonderful to work with and they are always willing to assist anyone to further enjoy the park. It is especially enjoyable to watch people experience the beauty of Roxborough State Park for the first time. My favorite activities at the park include school programs, Rox-Ride and Rox-Revealed programs. I especially enjoy talking about the geology that can be seen at the park.
My favorite past time when I am not at the park is spending time with my wife, our daughters and granddaughters. In 1964 my wife and I moved to Midland, Texas where I started a 35-year career with Texaco Inc. as a petroleum geologist. I retired from Texaco Inc. in 1999 and can’t think of a better volunteer opportunity than volunteering at Roxborough State Park.
Bill Edwards, Class of 2005: Having enjoyed hiking in Roxborough since the late 1980’s, I decided to find a way to serve this special place while learning more about it. I enjoy introducing people to the Park’s wonders, especially first time visitors. I love the informality of roving the trails and meeting visitors along the way. When not hiking, snowshoeing, or backcountry skiing, I’m kept busy by my psychology practice, reading, travel and family--especially my two grandchildren in Highlands Ranch.
Bob Fullerton, Class of 2011: I have enjoyed hiking and cross-country skiing at Roxborough for many years. I enjoy volunteering because of the spectacular scenery and the chance to learn more about wildlife, plants and flowers. There are so many things I enjoy about volunteering at the park, however I enjoy volunteering in the Visitor Center the most. It's an opportunity to meet people and explain the different activities at the park. Besides volunteering at the Park, I enjoy hiking, backpacking, gardening and playing golf. In the winter, I enjoy cross-country skiing and catching up on reading. I also sing as a tenor in my church choir.
Suzanne Hattery, Class of 2007: I have enjoyed hiking in Roxborough State Park for more than 10 years. I enjoy volunteering at Roxborough because of the exceptional beauty and serenity of this park. I have learned so much from the observations and shared knowledge of my fellow volunteers as well as the visitors that I have been privileged to assist. Scout & school group hikes, puppet shows, and kids hours are among my favorite activities. Seeing the natural beauty of the park through the eyes of children is always a thrill. Besides hiking, I often golf, play tennis, ski, and snowshoe. I look forward to adding to my list of fourteeners that I have climbed.
Jo Haugland, Class of 2011: The first time I went through the Volunteer Naturalist training at Roxbroough State Park was ten years ago. Then, work got in the way and I was became inactive. Now that I'm retired, I'm back! It's so beautiful in the Park, it keeps me grounded and in touch with nature. I enjoy leading hikes and working with the little kids. I have a lot of favorite past times now that I'm retired: beekeeping, bike riding, hiking, and visiting friends. Something surprising about me…I'm a Colorado Native and my family has been in Colorado for 3 generations!
Betsy Healey, Class of 2011: Avid hikers, my husband, John, and I discovered Roxborough State Park within weeks of our move from Houston to Denver. We both graduated as volunteer naturalists in July 2011. I am fascinated with the archeology of the Rocky Mountain foothills and have updated the volunteer reference materials related to paleo-history and Native Americans in the park as well as organized a fair in honor of National Archeology Day. Other volunteer activities include: setting up a web site, leading moonlight hikes, learning about the homesteads, and the occasional puppet show.
When not volunteering at the Park, I enjoy writing fiction, poetry, or non-fiction. Just give me a keyboard and I’ll start pounding on it. I joined a writer’s workshop in Denver and have begun the networking required to get a foot the publication door. Who knows – this might become my next career! My other passion is music. John and I both play guitar and enjoy arranging rock and folk songs with two-part harmony. This is a great cold weather hobby and our neighbors don’t seem to mind.
John Healey, Class of 2011: I fell in love with the geology of Roxborough State Park on my first visit in the fall of 2010. I wanted to contribute to the park’s mission to preserve these resources for future generations, so became a volunteer naturalist in the spring of 2011. At the Park I enjoy leading hikes and teaching visitors about geology, ecosystems, flora, fauna, and history; it is my favorite part of being a volunteer naturalist. It is quite a challenge to assess a visitor’s experience level and to tailor what I share to their level of interest and comprehension. Apparently first graders don’t care much about plate tectonics.
Outside of volunteering at the Park, I am an avid golfer. After a twenty year hiatus, I’m getting my game back in shape and have begun competing again. Along with golf, watching the Rockies and sports in general, I spend my spare time on music. I play guitar - rock, folk, classical, and jazz - and Betsy and I do a lot of singing in the cold months.
Jill Holden, Class of 2009: I discovered Roxborough State Park after moving to Colorado in 2000. To me Roxborough is such an unspoiled gem it is just a pleasure to be a part of it. I enjoyed the resource monitoring programs the most. In doing bluebird and firefly monitoring I am able to get out and enjoy the birds along with the wildflowers, mammals, butterflies and the many other things that you notice during monitoring. Monitoring helps in the understanding and protection of nature. My favorite time at Roxborough was the excitement of seeing the white fuzzy back of a baby eagle poking up above the top of a nest a few years back when it was thought that maybe the eagles would not end up successfully nesting there that year. Surprisingly, I love birds and also love cats.
Derald Hoffman, Class of 2009: What I like most about Roxborough is its pristine beauty, the people who come here to enjoy and learn about it and the animal inhabitants. My two favorite activities are the Rox Ride and photo hikes. Lockheed Martin donated an eight passenger golf cart which we use to take visitors to the Persee house. It’s a great delight to tell the stories and interpret Roxborough Park particularly to visitors who have never been here. The past two years I have been teaching a course ‘Shoot Like Ansel Adams’. We do a photo-hike trying to use some of the techniques that we think he would use today using digital cameras.
Biking, hiking, photography and writing are my favorite hobbies. Fourteen miles of the Ridgeline Trail is just across the street from our home. There is wildlife there and I enjoy riding my mountain bike over the trails. Quite often I go out and photograph the seasons and other interesting landscapes. In 2004 I helped write a book on Douglas County and it was published in 2005. I'm also a volunteer at Castlewood Canyon State Park.
Ron Hofffman, Class of 2009: When I retired in 2009 I decided to become a volunteer naturalist at Roxborough State Park, regarding it as the perfect job in the perfect place. I graduated from Colorado State University in 1972 with a degree in Biological Science and a teaching certificate. I continued on to grad school at CSU in Environmental Education and Outdoor Recreation, while volunteering at the Northern Colorado Nature Center. As a wilderness guide and partner in Rocky Mountain Outfitter in Granby, a Backpacking/Cross-Country Ski business, I led Nordic ski tours at Snow Mountain Ranch in the 1970s and marked the original ski trails there. I also presented nature and wildflower programs at local guest ranches to entice tourists into the backcountry. After earning a degree in graphic arts / printing technology, I went to work for Xerox Corporation. In 1994, following many years in the business world, I decided to finally use my teaching certificate. For my third career and for the next 20 years, I taught earth science, physical science, life science, computer applications and music appreciation at the middle school or high school level in Jefferson County Schools.
Karen Hurley, Class of 1997: I really enjoyed the volunteer classes I tool for my training in 1997. Our volunteer coordinator was Mary Bonnell, and she got us very excited about leading hikes for school children. I was fortunate to have Sue Wareck, one of our most experienced volunteers, take me under her wing during my training; I continue to enjoy taking school children on hikes around Roxborough. The young children are the most enjoyable. They seem to get excited about the simplest things in nature and they always make me laugh.
The last couple years I have helped with the moonlight hikes and really like seeing the park at night. Moonlight hikes give visitors a chance to see more wildlife. We have had some very interesting bear encounters on our evening hikes.
One of my favorite past times is hiking in our Colorado mountains. I also lead hikes for the Colorado Mountain Club and enjoy exploring all the beautiful places our state has to offer. I have been fortunate enough to have climbed almost 40 of the 54 fourteeners. I have also been successful in climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa and some high peaks in the Andes in Peru. I hope to continue to travel to other high points around the world.
Many people might be surprised to learn that I am a pretty good golfer. I play in 2 leagues in the summer and enjoy playing different courses around the country and in Colorado. Playing a sport that takes you outdoors to beautiful places ties in nicely with my other interests in nature.
Jim Ives, Class of 2007: I began volunteering following a diverse career spanning more than 37 years in environmental management. There are a couple of reasons why I enjoy volunteering at Roxborough. One is the fulfillment of a childhood dream of being a park ranger. The other is being able to introduce children to the joys and excitement of the natural environment. I enjoy leading school and scout hikes as well as roving the trails and meeting park visitors. I love spending time with my 10 grandchildren, fly fishing, and turning wood bowls on a lathe. My wife, Marta, and I live in Centennial. I spent 10 years in Alaska, where I was able to observe and enjoy the exciting wildlife of the “Last Frontier”.
Bev Lascody, Class of 2007: I value Roxborough State Park so much that I want to do whatever I can to ensure its continued existence. I especially enjoy helping with the moonlight hikes, trail roving and special events. My favorite pastimes include snow skiing and hiking. Also, I have a elderly friend who I am a patient advocate for.
Peter Laux, Class of 2005: As a geologist and aficionado of the great outdoors, I really enjoy the wealth of natural wonders to be seen here where the plains meet the mountains. I especially enjoy helping others to learn about and appreciate the geology, ecology, and history of the Park. I relish leading Moonlight Hikes where I can expound upon all that and the moon, too!
My favorite pastime is hiking, but close behind is learning something new - wildflowers, history of early Roxborough, the solar system, and whatever contributes to my lust for life-long learning about nature and the great state of Colorado. And something surprising about me - I lived and worked in north Germany from 1970 to early 1977. Sprechen Sie Deutsch?
Cindy Livingston, Class of 2003: After an absence of 35 years, my husband and I returned to Colorado in 2002; we're natives. We discovered the sanctuary of Roxborough even before we closed on our home. Roxborough provides tranquility within me that is hard to duplicate anywhere else. As a former teacher, I find it very satisfying to coordinate the school groups and make sure that things run as smoothly as possible. It is also fun to make sure that each and every one of the volunteers gets credit for all of the time that they so willingly donate. When not volunteering I enjoy including reading, volunteering for my community, hiking, Tai Chi and skiing. Lastly, I am a certified Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) instructor. Many years ago my husband’s company transferred us to Japan where I earned my certification. I continue to take classes even now.
Barbara MacRae, Class of 2009. I have been enjoying the beauty and wonders of the park since the mid-1980's. I enjoy volunteering at Roxborough for many reasons. Part of it is selfish, since I just enjoy spending time at the park. But I also enjoy sharing what is special about Roxborough with visitors as well as the feeling that I am giving back to a park that has given so much to me.
Over the past two summers, a large portion of my volunteer hours has been towards maintenance of the Memorial Garden. I also volunteer at the Persse Place open houses as often as I can and occasionally on Moonlight Hikes. I also enjoy participating in the volunteer meetings and enrichment programs. My favorite pastimes are hiking and camping and just being outdoors.
I was the first woman to get a Bachelor's of Science degree in meteorology at the University of Utah. That may not sound so unusual now, but in the early 1970's, there were very few woman who wanted to become a meteorologist!
Sarah McKelvey, Class of 2009: Roxborough is a sacred place, full of vibrant and vital energy, which I love to tap into. Roxborough also draws a truly incredible group of people who have a wealth of offerings; I am grateful to be in their ranks! The park also gives me a concrete outlet where I can give back to the public by sharing my outdoor interests, knowledge, and enthusiasm. I like being able to craft and deliver programs that highlight the parks assets, but I also really enjoy being apart of whatever need the park has. I plan to bring more of my work and knowledge-base in mindfulness and the therapeutic benefits of nature to the park's current offerings. Stay tuned! I have many enjoyments! Currently my heart is most passionate about cycling. I am either on my bike or dreaming of being on my bike most of the time it seems! Although I live in the suburbs, my family is raising chickens in the backyard, which is a delight!
Connally Mears, Class of 2009: I enjoy leading Scout and school groups; I have 20+ years as a Boy Scout volunteer. I like to encourage this new generation to love and respect nature and raise awareness of how to best protect the environment. A Cub Scout group probably had no idea how lucky they were when they observed a mountain lion hiding in the tall grass near the lower parking lot on one of my 2010 tours. In the years to come I would like to see the Park expanded, but with no more development. My love for the environment has come full circle as I combine my career path with the hikes along the paths in Roxborough, sharing my passion for preserving the habitat with the next generation.
Lenore Mitchell, Class of 2011: When I drive into the park now, I remember riding my horse Babe along the old path just west of the road. Roxborough brings wonderful memories of days past, hours in the saddle, and the steady rhythm of hooves. These days, I hike instead of ride, but my enthusiasm about the area remains so high that I recently moved from Lakewood to Roxborough. Entering the park never fails to inspire, to soothe and to rekindle a my love of nature. And yes, I saw a bobcat up close one November day!
In addition to horses, I have a passion for plants and served as a CSU Jeffco Master Gardener for ten years, volunteered for five years as a leader for alpine/subalpine wildflower hikes at Mt Goliath through Denver Botanic Gardens and has been a Native Plant Master instructor through CSU Jeffco for the past six years. I also lead occasional hikes for the Colorado Native Plant Society and look forward to leading more hikes on any subject and for any age here at Roxborough. I am a Registered Nurse and although mostly retired, I still work at Swedish Medical Center as a critical care case manager. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, writing fiction, and trying to keep up with my border collie, Zap and grandson, Alex. My dream is a trip to Africa.
Dee Ward O'Donnell, Class of 1991: I've been a Volunteer Naturalist at Roxborough State Park for 20 years. I love meeting people and being out in nature. My favorite job is working the entrance gate. When I'm not at the park I enjoy storytelling, traveling, reading, dancing, sewing, and playing cards, especially bridge. Did you know; I'm a scuba diver too.
Vickie Pettit, Class of 2007: I enjoying volunteering because of the beauty of the park and I love meeting the people that come to the park. I enjoy doing anything the park needs especially baking and volunteering in the office. You'll be surprised to learn that I was a missionary in Mexico and worked as a missionary in Los Angles working in the homeless shelter.
Ann Sarg, Class of 2007: I like to work with the school tours, Scouts and Jr. Naturalist programs. A favorite highlight to being a Roxborough volunteer is the continuing education offered by Roxborough volunteers and outside groups. I love sharing nature with all ages and I especially like to see the wonder expressed when something new and awesome is discovered. My favorite pastimes are hiking, especially in the high country and cross country skiing. You may be surprised to know that I have reached the summits of nine 14ers and hopes to climb more
Jack Shelton, Class of 1999: I have been a Volunteer Naturalist since February of 1999; 12 rewarding years. I enjoy the interesting people I meet; park visitors, park staff, and fellow volunteers. I take pleasure in working special projects; mainly computer oriented. I was heavily involved in inputting data for the Volunteer's cookbook. Right now I am digitizing the slides of Roxborough's beauty and history for use in our educational programs. I also enjoy roving trails. This involves meeting park visitors and suggesting activities they would be interested in. My favorite pastime is photography. Roxborough Park is a prime site for many photogenic views, both close up and panoramic. I like to write. I am working on an autobiography.
Tom Smithwick, Class of 2009: When I entered Roxborough Park in in the Spring of 2009 for the informational meeting about volunteering, it was my first time in the park. There are multiple reasons I enjoy volunteering; visitors, fellow volunteer's, staff and the park. The park is a hidden gem in the Front Range. I enjoy leading school tours. I taught high school for close to thirty years and enjoyed my entire career. Now I'm leading groups of elementary age children on educationally focused trips into the park during my retirement. When not volunteering I enjoy fly fishing lakes, particularly lakes that are in mountain settings.
Dave Thomas, Class of 2007: When my wife and I moved into a development next to Roxborough State Park, I knew that I was going to spend a great deal of time hiking and exploring the park. When I learned that I could become a Volunteer Naturalist and that the park would teach me the interstices of the park, I was hooked and I've been a volunteer since 2007.
I get a big kick leading grade school kids and scouts through the park. Often the young people have never been to Roxborough and they really light up when they see the natural beauty of the park. I’m always amazed at their fascination with the scat that we find along the trail. With 3rd and 4th graders, anything to do with bodily functions is really “cool”.
I’m retired from a career in high tech sales and marketing. I lead hikes for the Colorado Mountain Club, bike, fly fish and chase after a couple grandchildren. I’m currently on the Board of Directors for the Roxborough Water and Sanitation District.