We're way overdue on Madison's blog - she's about to hit her one year anniversary with us! Madison is our Local Government Program Coordinator. In addition to handling grants for projects that build parks, playgrounds, and trails all over Colorado, she also handles our Youth Corps grants that employ dozens of young Coloradans on projects that help keep our state beautiful. Read on to find out more about Madison:

What did you do before you came to GOCO?

I was doing an AmeriCorps program with Mile High Youth Corps for about a year and a half. I supported the Land, Energy & Water and YouthBuild programs with recruitment, partner outreach, development, and marketing.

What brought you to GOCO? 

Having a youth corps background, I saw first-hand the amazing impact that GOCO has on communities throughout Colorado. After learning about this opportunity, it was something that I was really excited to be a part of.

What has been your favorite part of working here so far?

I love being able to connect with partners and grantees and learn first-hand about the projects that are happening across the state.

What is your typical day like?

It all depends on the day and time of year for me. I support our local government grant program which focuses on grants for new park development and enhancing existing outdoor recreation facilities. My time is mixed between partner and grantee outreach, reading grants, and grant management. I also support the youth corps grant program which partners with Colorado Youth Corps Association.

What are some of your favorite things to do outdoors?

Skiing is my all time favorite, but I also love to climb, backpack, hike, and camp.

Where is your favorite place to get outdoors in Colorado?

The more I travel through Colorado, the harder this question is. I fall in love with new places all of the time! The first place I ever visited in Colorado was Crested Butte and I think it’s one of the main reasons I moved out here, so it’s definitely one of my favorites. Whether it’s skiing at Mt. Crested Butte or hiking through the chest-high wildflowers there is so much to do any time of the year and it’s breathtakingly beautiful!

What is your most memorable outdoors mishap?

I was on a road trip through Utah with a couple of friends last November and along the way we stopped in Bryce Canyon National Park. That day we did a 10-mile hike through the Hoodoos that was pretty rigorous. After the hike, we decided to set up camp about a mile from our cars. Since it was only a mile in, I thought it wasn’t necessary to bring any food or water with me for the night!

In the morning, we packed up camp and started to hike the one mile back to our cars. Apparently the day before I did not drink enough water or eat enough food because the minute I started walking I nearly passed out due to dehydration. I couldn’t see and was really dizzy. I had to walk the next mile with my two friends pretty much carrying me out. Thankfully I had people with me, but to this day I will never hike even a mile without plenty of water and food!

What is the coolest wildlife you have spotted in Colorado?

I’ve seen a lot of amazing wildlife but oddly enough not much in Colorado. I think the only thing I have seen were mountain goats on Mt. Evans.