Regular readers of this column will hopefully remember The Lockwood Foundation. I hiked Mines Peak with them last summer.
With the help of an army of volunteers and four adaptive trail chairs, the Boulder-based nonprofit helps wheelchair users hike the trails throughout Colorado.
I sat down with founder Jeffrey Lockwood ahead of an April 13 event in South Boulder. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Tell me about the April 13 event.
April 13 is an adaptive hiking event between four partnering organizations: CU Boulder’s Volunteer Resource Center, The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), The Lockwood Foundation and HopeKids, an organization that supports children with life-threatening medical conditions.
There will be dozens of volunteers, in groups of 6-10, assisting adaptive community members from Boulder and youth abroad from Hopekids in accessing the Boulder trails. CU students and NCAR staff and alumni will be showing up in force to assist the regular TLF community in supporting HopeKids.
This event is designed to give new adaptive hikers a chance to try out a hike, and for our existing community members to get their miles in via short 30-40 minute hikes of around 1 mile.
On the trails
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13
National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), 1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder
Waiver required before participating
More info and link to waiver: bit.ly/TLFhike
How many times have you hiked NCAR with the Lockwood Foundation?
Over a dozen hiking events in 5 years.
How many volunteers do you average for each hike?
8-15 at average events. More at bigger hikes like Mt. Elbert, Pikes Peak or larger community events like this and Adaptive Recreation days at Staunton.
Are there age limits for adaptive hikers or volunteers?
There are no age limits, but all minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
How do you show appreciation towards your volunteers?
We try to make our volunteers feel like they are receiving more than they are giving. That means t-shirts, yerba mate donated by Guayaki, Skratch Labs’ electrolyte mix giveaways, Deuter backpack giveaways, and an inclusive and adventurous community filled with purpose.
As a Boulderite, what do you love about Boulder?
I love how inclusive our community is, and how beautiful our trails are. You can feel the energy in the air here. Our waterways are magical!
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
Bringing people together. Helping people find their greatest potential. Creating inclusive spaces where belonging is paramount.
How long has TLF existed?
We are entering our eighth year!
Why did you start TLF?
I had a background in caregiving and guided hiking. I met someone who later became family that inspired me to create a place of belonging in the spaces I loved. That person yearned for the mountains, summits and the community experiences that were created in those spaces.
Where do you see TLF in five years?
We have ambitions to open an adaptive mountain campus where we can facilitate hiking, camping, mountaineering and inclusive mountain experiences for decades. We are also working to create our own piece of adaptive trail equipment with a team of mechanical engineers to shift the industry and create change beyond our single events.
What do you want people to know about TLF?
We need your support. We need volunteers who like to hike and be outdoors. Our community grows and our mission expands most powerfully through word of mouth.
What is the ultimate goal for TLF?
To shift the narrative on what people with disabilities can do, and what we all can do together.
What can BW readers do to help?
Reach out and ask about volunteering! Reach out and ask about our next and biggest ambitions. Give me a chance to tell you the story of one of our adventures on the tallest peak in Colorado, a snowy backcountry powder day in a sit ski or a hut trip where memories were shared and created.
Why is TLF needed?
TLF is important because we all need a sense of community. Barriers to opportunity exist everywhere, but in memory making and experience loss is where our hearts and souls feel true grief.
Jenn Ochs lives in Boulder and enjoys listening to music, podcasts and audiobooks while painting or drawing. She is a disability rights advocate, award-winning columnist and a graduate from Baylor University in Texas, which is where she realized that Boulder is the best place to live. Read more from Jenn.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Jeffrey Lockwood's name.