Twelve years ago, I embarked on my first thru-hike with no prior outdoor experience.
In contrast, Dan Cavaliere consistently embraced the trail, on foot and bike. His enduring passion for the outdoors is evident. Read on to learn more about the amazing work Dan does with Jeffco Open Space; a Colorado group dedicated to maintaining and preserving open spaces.
Derick: Dan, who or what sparked this outdoor connection for you?
Dan: I would say it probably started when I was young with my family camping. That's where my first experiences came from. It just kind of stuck with me, and then my wife and I took our kids camping as they grew up. When my wife and I first got married we got mountain bikes and started to take up biking. That’s when I started getting out on the trail, so it's always been there.
Derick: Your long-standing connection to the outdoors is admirable. After retiring, what motivated you to engage in volunteer work with Jeffco Open Space?
Dan: I was getting out there on the trail so often. Where we live it’s so easily accessible to me, we live near about 18-20 open spaces. I noticed some of the trail maintenance going on from time to time. It just kind of got in the back of my head that, when I get more time, I need to get out there and give back. Being on these trails is such a privilege. I asked a few people (volunteers) when I was out there how do you do this? How do you get involved? They said it's easy. So, a week after I retired, I checked in with Jeffco Open Space, which is where I consistently hike and bike. They were just wonderful people and just very welcoming. I thought this was a no-brainer to get out there and give back that way.
Derick: Very cool. During my thru-hike, whenever I spotted litter or packaging, I made it a habit to pick it up and place it in the trash bag I carried. Spending six months on the Appalachian Trail made it particularly meaningful to me. When encountering trash in remote, uninhabited areas, I thought, "If not me, then who will ever pick this up?"
Volunteering a week after you retired, there seemed to be a strong drive, was there something that triggered it?
Dan: I don't think there was a particular thing that struck me that way. I think it was a fascination of how these trails are maintained both cleaning up and staying sustainable because we have so many users out here. It’s gone up to something like 6 million users a year on these trails out here (Colorado) and it was that recognition of how it stays in the shape so it can be used. Like I said, once I saw those guys out there a few times, I was like wow that's how it’s done.
Derick: Share a bit about Jeffco Open Space, the volunteer group you’re now a part of.
Dan: Last year was their 50th year in existence and it was started by the League of Women Voters. We work to get spaces out here in the suburban Colorado area funded through sales tax in the county. The open space will be maintained to stay as an open space and never be developed.
Over the years they got more and more of the spaces. They surround all the way from north Denver down to South Denver where I live and over into the West. The county is pretty big. It's a large county but the organization is growing to where they have paid staff that do trail maintenance and all the volunteer coordinating.
Derick: That’s so great to hear. So, what's your favorite local trail system in your area?
Dan: It would be the Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, which is a little bit of a drive for me. It's out west in the Evergreen, but it has so many options; I can make my ride or hike long, short, medium, difficult, or easy, it just has all those options in it.
Derick: Seems like, wherever we live, the extra special trails are a far drive away.
Dan: Exactly, yeah.
Derick: Ok, let’s talk about shoes. What’s your favorite local Oboz dealer?
Dan: The closest one is in downtown Denver. It’s called Dardano's Shoes. A few people on the trail crew had mentioned Oboz to me so I went to check them out.
Derick: I love me some Oboz. They have proven to be the ideal hiking shoe for me, and the individuals behind the brand are truly exceptional. They embody intelligence, compassion, and a commitment to the planet. The fact that purchasing a pair of Oboz online results in a tree being planted adds an extra special touch.
Derick: Have you acquired any distinctive insights or experiences during your years on the trail that you'd like to share?
Dan: Yeah, the main thing I think I found both through doing any hiking, biking or even trail work is just being prepared with every type of weather condition change. Here in Colorado, I've gotten caught out in the rain.
Derick: Colorado, oh, the storms up in those mountains arrive like clockwork. If you're not over the top by midday, you're in for some serious weather. I must admit, though, that braving the Colorado cold during my CDT thru-hike has significantly toughened me up for colder conditions compared to my past experiences.
Derick: Alright, last question. Who nominated you for the Oboz Local Hero?
Dan: His name is Scott Waters and he is the Senior Trails Coordinator for Jeffco Open Space; he's just a wonderful person. He's one of the first people I met on the trail and talked about what's involved (in volunteer work), and how I get involved. He’s one of those people that truly cares about the group, and that they're getting a good experience and having fun with giving back by working on the trail.
Derick: That’s a beautiful thing. The outdoor community is special. And it's fantastic that you're ensuring the trails remain accessible for us hikers and bikers. Much appreciated.
Any additional thoughts you'd like to share?
Dan: From the start, it's just been a great thing to be a part of (volunteer work) and I felt like I was always a part of (the outdoors) but never felt like I was giving back, so kind of feels like it's coming full circle.
To learn more about Oboz local heroes, check out this page. To stay up to date on Oboz happenings and people who inspire us, head over to our Instagram.
