DENVER — You won't find any lager at Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado's Oktoberfest event; quite the opposite.
"It’s an annual event that Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado does where we take care of all the tools we use throughout the season. We sharpen them, we paint them, we make sure they’re in good shape for the next field season," said Alex Williams, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado's special projects coordinator.
The nonprofit relies on more than 4,600 volunteers to help maintain Colorado's city parks and open spaces. At the heart of it is Wayne Zahm.
"He’s the go-to guy here at our operation center," explained fellow volunteer Jim Jacobson.
Zahm is the man who keeps the operations shop in top shape. He manages all the tools and ensures crews have what they need to get their projects done.
"Wayne is one of our superstar volunteers. There’s a few volunteers for VOC that really make it happen and Wayne has kind of become a champion for our operation center," Williams said.
The Illinois native fell in love with the outdoors during his time in the United States Air Force. After a move to Colorado in the '90s, he began volunteering for the organization. Twenty-five years later, he has completed more than 300 projects for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. He does everything from maintaining and building trails to restoring wildlife habitat.
"I just enjoy doing it," Zahm said.
It's a selfless act so we can all continue to enjoy the great outdoors of our Colorado.
"I just enjoy the organization, and supporting the organization, I think is the best way to put it," Zahm said.
Molly Hendrickson anchors Denver7 in the mornings from 4:30-7 a.m. She also features a different 7Everyday Hero each week on Denver7. Follow Molly on Facebook here and Twitter here. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.
