Spring does not officially arrive until Thursday, March 20. But, somehow, when we spring our clocks forward and the evenings are longer, we know that winter is over and we are ready to shed our winter gear. The Visitor Center (VC) feels the change, too. More travelers are stopping by and some are even buying books and maps at our gift shop. When we feel the shift in activity, we know it is time to put out the call for volunteers to help with meeting and greeting travelers when they stop in the VC.

The Mancos Valley Ambassador program is a group of volunteers who work in the VC to help guide travelers as they make plans to visit our community and some of the wonders of our region, usually Mesa Verde National Park. The Ambassadors point out the shopping opportunities in town, the restaurants that are available as well as other services they might be interested in seeking.

Working at the VC is fun and always interesting. Travelers come in from around the world. They are fascinated with the Old West history of Mancos. Please, consider the Mancos Valley Ambassador program if you are seeking a volunteer opportunity in the Valley. The Ambassadors and I will be attending a training session Thursday, May 1 with the San Juan Mountains Association. There, we will be getting updated information on Mesa Verde, the Anasazi Heritage Center, Mancos State Park and numerous other resources of interest to visitors. You are welcome to join us. We will be doing a carpool to Durango for the training. Please, call the VC at 907-533-7434 if you are interested or stop by the VC with any questions you might have.

During the summer, the VC is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are volunteer slots available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.