Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, Colorado Native Partner to Reroute Panorama Point Trail

Brewed by AC Golden Brewing Company, Colorado Native’s portfolio of beers are not just any beers, they are made with only Colorado ingredients. Only Colorado hops, grains, water, and yeast, and they are only available in Colorado. Colorado Native furthers this commitment to the state’s natural resources by supporting the outdoor stewardship efforts of nonprofits including VOC.

Colorado Native has provided financial and in-kind sponsorships to VOC since 2012 as well as hosting post-project happy hours to reward VOC volunteers for their hard work. “Colorado Native’s support is especially important this year,” explained Anna Zawisza, Chief Programs Officer for VOC, “Parks, trails, and open spaces are being overrun this year amid COVID-19, and it’s been difficult for stewardship efforts to keep up. Companies like Colorado Native help keep VOC’s volunteers working to maintain Colorado’s outdoor places now and for the future.”

While VOC is typically able to engage nearly 5,000 volunteers across 100 volunteer projects, COVID-19 delayed volunteer work until July and significantly reduced group sizes. Now, with the continued support of partners and sponsors, the organization is on track to deploy approximately 1,000 volunteers across 47 projects by the end of the year.

“It’s incredibly important to us that we support the trail systems and recreation areas that so many Coloradans rely on,” said Meagan Nelson, Marketing Manager at Colorado Native, “Sponsoring these volunteer projects and providing a cold beer after a hard day’s work is a terrific way to do that and celebrate our 10th anniversary in the process.”

The project is just one of many that VOC is hosting throughout the year to address stewardship needs in the state. To learn more about Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC), visit www.voc.org or call 303-715-1010. To learn more about Colorado Native, visit www.coloradonative.com.

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About Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC)

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is a statewide nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to motivating and enabling people to be active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. Since 1984, VOC’s award-winning volunteer, youth, and leadership training programs have engaged nearly 125,000 people of all ages in caring for Colorado’s outdoors – a total donated labor value of $25 million. Such volunteer efforts have made a lasting impact on Colorado through hands-on work in fire and flood restoration, trail building and maintenance, tree planting and re-forestation, and more. For more information, visit www.voc.org or call 303-715-1010.

About AC Golden Brewing Company

AC Golden was established in 2007 as an incubator brewery charged with the mission of developing and nurturing small above premium malt beverages. Since then, AC Golden has become home to numerous innovative, award-winning beers, bringing home 14 medals at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup. In 2014, AC Golden was honored as the Large Brewer of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival. Today, the brewery is best known for its Colorado Native family of beers, all of which are uniquely brewed with 100 percent Colorado-sourced ingredients and sold only in Colorado. AC Golden is part of Tenth and Blake Beer Company, the craft and import division of Molson Coors.

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Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Addison Elam

July 16, 2026

Agriculture has always been a part of who I am. As an eighth-generation rancher, I was raised with a deep respect for the land, livestock, and the responsibility that comes with both. From an early age, I learned that taking care of the land is just as important as the work we put into it, and that connection has shaped the path I am choosing for my future. After graduating, I will be attending Otero College, where I plan to pursue degrees in Soil and Crop Science along with Agriculture Business (Agribusiness). I chose these areas of study because I want to better understand both the land and the business side of agriculture. Soil and crop science will allow me to focus on improving soil health, increasing productivity, and managing natural resources responsibly. Agribusiness will give me the tools to make sound financial and management decisions that are necessary to run a successful operation. My passion for these fields comes from growing up in agriculture and seeing firsthand how everything is connected. Healthy soil leads to better crops and forage, which directly impact livestock and the success of an operation. I have learned that caring for the land is not just about today—it is about ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities. Whether it is through conservation practices, responsible grazing, or improving soil health, I want to be part of protecting and strengthening agriculture while continuing to produce food. In addition to my background at home, my involvement in 4-H, FFA, and conservation-related work has strengthened my connection to both agriculture and nature. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of leadership, education, and sharing knowledge with others. I have also had the opportunity to work on soil moisture monitoring projects and participate in conservation efforts, which have further encouraged me to pursue a career that blends agriculture with environmental stewardship. Receiving this scholarship is an incredible opportunity that will help me continue working toward my goals. It not only provides financial support but also reinforces that the path I have chosen is meaningful. This support will allow me to focus more on my education and gaining the knowledge and skills I need to succeed without as much financial stress. In the future, my goal is to own and operate my own ranch. I want to build an operation that reflects strong business practices and a deep respect for the land. I also hope to work in a field such as natural resources or conservation, where I can continue to apply what I have learned and give back to the agriculture community. I am grateful for the support this scholarship provides. It is not only an investment in my education, but also in my future and the future of agriculture.