Robyn Paulekas

Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Laramie, Wyoming, a vibrant small town on the windy plains of southern Wyoming.

What drew you to Colorado (if you’re not from here)? Colorado has always been a part of my life, even before moving here 15 years ago. As long as I can remember I’ve been enjoying the mountains, canyons, rivers, and lively communities throughout the state. I feel so fortunate to now call Colorado home and be raising my children here.  

What’s your favorite thing about living in Colorado? The variety of landscapes and communities. It is great to have all the amenities of a big city and the charm of small towns. Colorado has a great music scene, endless outdoor recreation opportunities, and delicious agriculture products.

What’s your favorite outdoor activity in Colorado? Don’t make me choose just one! 

What’s your earliest memory of nature? Climbing around on the rocks at Vedauwoo in Southern Wyoming. 

What’s one of your favorite places you’ve hiked or explored in Colorado? It is hard to choose, but I love the Flat Tops and the Devils Causeway. It has a sense of adventure and scenic views.

What’s your wish for every Coloradan? The chance to see the stars on a clear, dark night away from city lights. 

Why Keep It Colorado? Two reasons: 1) private land conservation is vital to thriving ecosystems and communities and 2) collaboration is critical to achieving meaningful, long term impacts. 

What’s your favorite aspect of your job (or what are you most excited about in your new role)? Keep It Colorado brings together talented, passionate people who are committed to practical solutions. What more could someone ask for in a job? 

Where did you grow up? Under gray skies and in the gorges of Ithaca, New York.

What drew you to Colorado? Big blue skies and warm-hearted, welcoming people.

Favorite thing about living in Colorado: Living against a backdrop of endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Favorite outdoors activity in Colorado: Gathering for dinner outside on summer nights.

Earliest memory of nature: Picking wildflowers with my sister in our yard and making up entire worlds underneath the spruce trees.

Your wish for every Coloradan? To breathe fresh air, drink clean water, enjoy healthy local food, and feel at home and at peace in the nature all around us every day.

Why Keep It Colorado? Sharing ideas and supporting work that advances conservation for a new age feels really compelling and valuable. I’m drawn toward opportunities for collaboration around common and complex challenges.

Favorite aspect of your job? Connecting with conservationists across the state and creating opportunities for sharing ideas.

Where did you grow up? Grafton, Illinois on an Illinois State Land and Water Reserve my parents protected with a conservation easement. I also lived in Carbondale, IL and Santa Barbara, CA before moving to Colorado.

What drew you to Colorado? I had visited Colorado many times and fell in love with its natural beauty and outdoor opportunities. I have watched a lightning storm from atop Mesa Verde, rafted the Poudre River, and hiked the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. I always knew I wanted to live near the mountains.

Favorite thing about living in Colorado: Natural places abound and are diverse. I could visit sand dunes, plains, or subalpine forests on any given weekend. 

Favorite outdoors activity in Colorado: Either hiking to mountain lakes or downhill skiing.

Earliest memory of nature: I grew up in the oak hickory forests of Illinois and remember taking walks in the woods with my parents. I would spend hours in the creek beds looking for fossils.

Your wish for every Coloradan? That every Coloradan, especially children, have access to nature.

Why Keep It Colorado? The idea that an organization exists to connect, enhance, and elevate the work of so many other amazing conservation organizations excites and encourages me.

Favorite aspect of your job? I love the ability to meet diverse partners and make connections with land trusts across the state, all while helping to ensure wild places will persist well into the future.