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Colorado

The 13ers

Emerging Leaders in Conservation

Group of people pictured on balcony at an office building.
The Colorado 13ers Group shot of the 13ers Open House event in March 2017. © Gustavo Lozada

Our goal is to ensure that the next generation of Coloradans learn about and participate in conservation at a local, regional and global level.

A grid of profile photos.
2026 13ers Young Professionals Meet the individuals who are part of The Nature Conservancy in Colorado's 13ers Young Professionals. © TNC

Who we are

The Nature Conservancy’s 13ers is a young professionals network that promotes TNC’s mission of conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. The 13ers brings together Coloradans who share a love of nature, a concern for the environment and a belief that hope and action are indispensable for making a difference.

The 13ers Young Professionals Group is open to Coloradans ages 21-40 who enjoy the outdoors and want to protect it. This group is thrilled to bring “the next generation’s” perspective and work alongside staff to help guide the future of the organization.

A man hikes through the mountains and forest.
Colorado Nature TNC's Colorado 13ers enjoy organized hikes as a way of emulating TNC's mission. © Nick Hall

Our name

In mountaineering in the United States, a fourteener (or 14er) is a mountain peak that exceeds 14,000 feet in elevation. Colorado has 53 peaks that meet this feat. The name “The 13ers” is a play on Colorado’s prominent 14ers. The 13ers is a group for young professionals, for emerging leaders who are eager to do more. It’s for those of us who have not yet reached the summit of our careers, but are steadily climbing as the future business and philanthropic leaders in Colorado.

A group of people doing trivia at a brewery.
Tree Trivia TNC's 13ers Young Professionals Group enjoy an OctoberForest trivia event at that Horse and Dragon Brewery in Fort Collins, CO. © Maria Kopecky/TNC

What we do

The 13ers promotes TNC’s mission of conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. By hosting events throughout the year, the 13ers network provides opportunities to learn more about the work of TNC and its partners. We want to bring other like-minded individuals together and find ways to make a difference.

From happy hours and educational lectures to volunteer days and recreational activities, there is a 13ers event for everyone. This group works together to learn about, support and promote TNC’s work in our communities, across Colorado and the world.

Interested in joining The 13ers and learning more? Check out our upcoming events and join the movement!

Get involved today!

Join the 13ers and you’ll also become a member of The Nature Conservancy.

Join Now

Become a 13er and enjoy these awesome perks!

  • Membership in The Nature Conservancy
  • Social and networking opportunities with a great community of like-minded peers
  • Visit private TNC preserves through organized 13ers field trips
  • Receive VIP mailings, special events and communications
  • Receive Nature Conservancy magazine (4 issues/year)
  • Discounted and free tickets to events (museums, art shows, Celebrate Nature)
  • Acknowledgement of 13ers membership at our special events
  • The amazing feeling that comes with supporting a smart and effective organization

13ers Advisory Council

The 13ers Advisory Council is comprised of 15 volunteer leaders in the community. They take on an ambitious volunteer role within Colorado to promote TNC’s mission. These young professionals play an important role in TNC's strategic direction in Colorado and seek to connect the 13ers membership with TNC's global programs through organizing content-rich special events.

A grid of profile photos.
2026 13ers Young Professionals Meet the individuals who are part of The Nature Conservancy in Colorado's 13ers Young Professionals. © TNC

Listed left to right, top to bottom

Meet the Council

  • Conner Borkowski, Colorado Springs
  • Clare McLaughlin, Carbondale
  • Carolyn O'Connor, Boulder
  • Gabriel Otero, Fruita
  • Kylee Taylor, Colorado Springs
  • Courtney Rogers, Boulder
  • Girija Kulkarni, Denver
  • Matt Nuñez, Colorado Springs
  • Izabella Cloud, Ignacio
  • Hannah George, Boulder
  • Dillon O'Hare, Pueblo
  • Matt Brady, Denver
  • Caroline Winslow-Farny, Aspen
  • Jojo La, Denver
  • Tori Manogue, Grand Junction

Contact us

Email 13ers@tnc.org with questions.

An alpine forest with wildflowers.
Get involved Sign up for quarterly email updates to discover upcoming events and local conservation news near you. © Eric Aldrich / TNC

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