Resiliency Ranger Program Begins at Colorado National Monument

The Colorado National Monument Resiliency Ranger program is a pioneering initiative. The first of its kind within the National Park Service and our local Grand Valley community.

Mesa County consistently exceeds state and national averages for suicide rates. The importance of mental health and resilience-building interventions cannot be overstated. The Resiliency Ranger program aims to deliver resiliency-focused interpretive programming, leveraging established partnerships with Suicide Prevention Mesa County (SPMC), the local Veterans Administration (VA), and Colorado Mesa University (CMU).

What Does a Resiliency Ranger Do?

Amber Martin, the first Resiliency Ranger for Colorado National Monument, is leading this initiative. The program offers targeted interpretive sessions that promote mindfulness, community connectivity, and stewardship, particularly among underserved groups such as Veterans, Latino, and LGBTQ students. The Resiliency Ranger’s responsibilities include overseeing Veteran volunteer events, leading resiliency guided hikes, and collaborating with CMU and the VA to offer specialized programming directly to at-risk Veterans and young adults.

Amber emphasizes, “Whole health, mindfulness, and resiliency will be at the heart of this program, and I am committed to changing people’s perspectives through the healing element of the great outdoors.”

Through her efforts, the program aims to engage approximately 1,000 underserved local Veterans and young adults using a multifaceted approach to interpretive programming, duly endorsed by the VA and supported by current scientific research. Regular feedback collection and adaptation are integral components to ensure the program remains responsive to evolving community needs.

Goals of Resiliency Programming

This program embodies the Colorado National Monument and Colorado National Monument Association’s unwavering dedication to fostering community well-being. While recognizing the impossibility of preventing every mental health crisis, this initiative represents a steadfast commitment to uplifting and empowering the community through resilience-focused efforts. The goal is to sustain this program in perpetuity by securing ongoing funding and support.

The Resiliency Ranger program began in late April as an internship through the Mesa County Workforce Center and continues thanks to the support of the Western Colorado Community Foundation and the Dave and Mary Wood Fund. We are thrilled to support this vital work and its positive impact on our community.

Community Support

Colorado National Monument Association recognizes the generous the support from the Western Colorado Community Foundation and the Dave and Mary Wood Fund. It has been pivotal in launching the Colorado National Monument Resiliency Ranger program. Their critical backing, totaling $10,000, will drive the implementation of this groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering mental health and resilience among at-risk Veterans and youth within the Grand Valley.

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About WCCF: The Western Colorado Community Foundation serves seven counties in western Colorado, managing charitable funds for community good. Currently, the Community Foundation manages over 330 charitable funds totaling over $170 million in assets and awards over $6 million in grants and scholarships annually.

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For more information and ways you can help support this program, please contact Johanna van Waveren, johannavwaveren@coloradonma.org.