Colorado Parks & Wildlife Awards GARNA Outdoor Equity Grant
December 17, 2024
The Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) announces it was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Outdoor Equity Grant Board
Chaffee Mobile Gear Library
Chaffee Mobile Gear Library
Outdoor Experiences for All
The Chaffee Mobile Gear Library, a project of GARNA, is committed to improving access to the outdoors for everybody. GARNA is partnering with a coalition of local organizations and the nationally based Outdoors Empowered Network to help outfit youth and adults for outdoor based programming in Chaffee County. The Chaffee Mobile Gear Library is more than just a gear lending program, it is an inclusive and empowering outdoor community. CMGL strives to support disinvested communities, uplift BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, and foster programming that centers around community, skill building, and outdoor empowerment.
By offering a diverse range of outdoor equipment, CMGL aims to break down barriers and ensure that everyone, regardless of background or experience, has the opportunity to engage with nature and discover the transformative power of the outdoors. We believe in the importance of representation, equity, and inclusivity, and actively work to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.
Who is Using the Gear Library?
In order to support this kind of programmatic gear activation, CMGL is not open to the general public at this time, and is open to coalition partner organizations to support getting both youth and adults outside. Coalition and other organizations are encouraged to utilize the gear library by simply checking out gear via the MyTurn Portal, or through guided programming with a GARNA staff person. Visit the Program Calendar for upcoming public programs with the Gear Library!
Become a Coalition Partner for the Mobile Gear Library
The Mobile Gear Library is a coalition of local organizations (schools, non-profits, etc) to outfit youth and adults for outdoor-based programming.
Interested in becoming a coalition member? Contact Jake Vasquez at gearlibrary@garna.org
How to Support the Mobile Gear Library
We’re all about the power of cool volunteers, and we appreciate any help you can give us. Wanna lend a hand organizing, inventorying, cleaning, or repairing gear? Shoot us an email at gearlibrary@garna.org, and let’s get this party started.
Got any gear that’s still in primo condition and could use a new home? We gladly accept gently used gear that’s 5 years old or newer. It’ll either go straight into our Gear Library rotation or get sold, with the proceeds fueling our Gear Library awesomeness. Check out our guide to see what we’re currently accepting →
You can financially support the CMGL here.
The Chaffee Mobile Gear Library was launched thanks to the Colorado Health Foundation and the CPW Outdoor Equity Grant Program.
The Colorado Health Foundation is bringing health in reach for all Coloradans by engaging closely with communities across the state through investing, policy advocacy, learning and capacity building.
The Colorado Parks & Wildlife Outdoor Equity Grant Program invests in organization that are working to increase access to the outdoors for youth and families from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in outdoor recreation and conservation.
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