Earth Week this year has been a big event for Durango Trails 2000, which maintains Durango’s renowned trail system.

First, the city of Durango declared Earth Day – Wednesday – as a day of celebration for the nonprofit’s 30th anniversary, then Gov. Jared Polis proclaimed Thursday as Durango Trails Day.

Trails 2000, founded in 1989, works with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, among other public land managers, to plan, build and maintain area trails. The nonprofit maintains more than 30 trails in Durango with hundreds of volunteers working thousands of hours on trail work each year.

“It is a huge team effort where people get behind the things that they care about,” said Mary Monroe Brown, Trails 2000 director, during a City Council meeting Tuesday. “We’ve seen over the COVID-19 (period), that people value getting outdoors here in Durango. Trails are the gateway to that outdoor experience.”

The state of Colorado recognized Trails 2000 for its “incredible community support and unparalleled appreciation of outdoor recreation,” according to Polis’ proclamation.

Both the city and state said the nonprofit helps drive local economies, protects outdoor spaces and supports the community.

“I can remember when they were a fledgling group of trail enthusiasts armed with picks and shovels,” said Mayor Dean Brookie. “Now, they are truly one of the cylinders that is the engine of Durango.”

All the City Council members thanked Trails 2000 for its work in the community.

“Your legacy here is extraordinary,” City Councilor Chris Bettin said.

Monroe Brown said Trails 2000 continues to build on the work of the early volunteers, connecting a new generation of stewards to the local trail system.

“I pass the torch onto them to be able to care for our community and our trail network,” Monroe Brown said.

smullane@durangoherald.com