Trails and Open Space Coalition

Restorative Powers for Outdoors

By Katrina McDowell on Jul 17, 2024 in Giving

Nature improves physical and mental health. This Yardi-supported nonprofit organization is working to make outside time fun, safe and accessible.

Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC), established in 1987 in Colorado Springs, is a community-driven initiative to enhance trails, parks, and open spaces. In a significant win for the community, last April, city votes approved a 20-year extension of its TOPS (trails, open spaces, and parks) program. This victory will enable TOSC to conserve more acres of open space, expand the trail network, and enhance parks for the next two decades. TOSC spearheaded the grassroots movement to secure this extension, using yard signs, social media campaigns, and story maps to share the story of TOPS and the coalition building.

“We are grateful to our community and proud of what we accomplished,” said Susan Davies, executive director for TOSC.

Trails and Open Space Coalition is working on its latest initiative, One Bag Challenge, that empowers individuals and groups to help clean up public spaces independently. It provides reusable bags, stickers and a brochure explaining the program and suggested places to check out, plus the fact sheet describes how long it takes for common pieces of litter to decompose. It also includes a colorful activity card for families to make it more fun for kids.

“We want people to clean up the places they love. We want it to become part of our community’s culture and increase pride in our amazing public spaces,” said Davies.

In addition to the One Bag Challenge, TOSC is working on other projects. The Get Out Get Healthy program connects with underserved neighbors in southeast Colorado Springs and acquaints them with trails and parks where they live. Friends Group project supports friend groups in the community who need help recruiting volunteers for cleanups, invasive weed removal and trail improvement projects. TOSC also holds Scoop the Poop days in parks and open spaces with the greatest need. TOSC has a weekly e-newsletter, “Trail Talk,” that provides essential information about trail closures, volunteer events and planning processes.

Funding from Yardi helps TOSC improve the parks, trails and open spaces the community uses and loves, enhancing the quality of life in its region.

“Our reaction to the Yardi support – completely blown away! We are a small organization. Their support meant the world to us,” expressed Davies.

Volunteer Opportunities

Trails and Open Space Coalition invites Yardi employees to join them for a “Scoop the Poop” day, or TOSC will gladly provide Yardi with One Bag Challenge kits. In addition, those interested can connect with the Friends Group, where they can volunteer from time to time.

“Get Outdoors this summer, commit to at least one volunteer project in a place you love and allow the restorative powers of ‘giving back’ and nature to improve your whole self,” expressed Davies.

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