After nearly two decades of building and maintaining world-class trails in Durango, Mary Monroe Brown is stepping away as executive director of Durango Trails. Find out how her leadership has transformed outdoor recreation in the region, the impact she’s had on volunteers and the community, and what her legacy means for the future of Durango’s trails. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Payroll Department.
Transcript
After 19 years, Mary Monroe Brown is stepping away from her executive director role with Durango Trails. You’re watching the Local News Network, brought to you by Kroegers Ace Hardware and The Payroll Department. I’m Sadie Smith. Monroe Brown’s legacy with Durango Trails has contributed to hundreds of miles of some of the best mountain bike trails in the country. Durango Trails is a nonprofit that builds and maintains trails, educates users, and promotes connectivity across roads, paths, and trails. It boasts more than 300 miles of trails around Durango. As a nonprofit, Durango Trails relies heavily on the support of its volunteers.
Durango Trails would not be who we are without the incredible support of the community. And that’s everyone from people who support on the trail who volunteer, who support off the trail and donate. And that creates a world-class trail network. Our entire community makes that happen.
Durango attracts people from all over who share a love for the outdoors. Early trail counter estimates show around 100,000 visitors use public lands during the peak season. These trails are built through countless hours of volunteer work.
The community deserves all the credit, because everything about Durango Trails starts and ends with the community. So I always wanted to express all my gratitude for what the community has done for me and for Durango Trails along the way.
Monroe Brown is extremely grateful for all the volunteer support she received during her tenure with Durango Trails. She looks forward to seeing continued success with Durango Trails, and is excited about continuing to enjoy the many trails her organization has created.
Durango is my home, so I’m hoping that, selfishly, Durango Trails will continue to do great things, which I know they will, so I can continue to enjoy all of the trails.
Monroe Brown is not resigning or retiring from Durango Trails, but rather, stepping away from the executive director role. She’ll remain in Durango, but focus on her new business, Bluebird Consulting, which focuses on the nationwide outdoor recreation industry.
I will continue to support and volunteer and engage with Durango Trails as needed. And my work will continue to involve into the broader outdoor recreation industry, while I’ll be able to help other communities with transformational change and strategic planning, so that these organizations across the country can continue to enjoy all the benefits that we have in Durango.
During her nearly 20-year run with Durango Trails, Monroe Brown leaves behind a legacy that has transformed not only the local trail system, but the Durango community in general. Largely due to her efforts, Durango has become a world-class recreation destination. For more information about this and other stories, visit durangolocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of the Local News Network. I’m Sadie Smith.
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