Governor Proclaims Colorado Lottery Conservation Month as Lottery Proceeds Top $4.6 Billion
October celebration highlights the impact of Lottery proceeds across Colorado
PUEBLO, Colo. (October 1, 2026) – Every time someone plays the Colorado Lottery, a portion of every dollar spent goes back to the state, helping protect and enhance the parks, trails, wildlife, and open spaces that make Colorado such a special place to live, work, and play.
Gov. Jared Polis has proclaimed October 2026 as Colorado Lottery Conservation Month in Colorado, recognizing the importance of protecting the state’s natural resources and the work happening across Colorado to preserve them for future generations.
This October, the Colorado Lottery is celebrating Colorado Lottery Conservation Month by highlighting the impact of Lottery proceeds and bringing Coloradans together to help care for the outdoor spaces we all enjoy.
Since 1983, the Colorado Lottery has generated more than $4.6 billion for Colorado, supporting conservation and recreation projects in communities across the state. In fiscal year 2026 alone, the Lottery distributed more than $181.4 million to its proceeds partners, including Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Conservation Trust Fund, and the Outdoor Equity Fund. These investments help protect wildlife habitat, preserve open spaces, improve parks and trails, and expand outdoor recreation opportunities for Coloradans.
As part of Colorado Lottery Conservation Month, the Lottery is supporting two volunteer events Saturday, Oct. 3, bringing together community members and conservation partners to care for Colorado's outdoor spaces.
Runyon to the Res Arkansas River Trail Cleanup
The Lottery will host its eighth annual Runyon to the Res Arkansas River Trail cleanup in Pueblo, home to the Lottery's headquarters.
In partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center, and the City of Pueblo Parks and Recreation, community volunteers will remove trash and debris along an 8-mile stretch of the Arkansas River Trail. The annual cleanup brings people together to help protect and care for one of Pueblo's popular outdoor recreation areas.
Fountain Valley Trail Maintenance at Roxborough State Park
The Lottery is partnering with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) on Oct. 3 to restore drainage features along Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park. Volunteers will help prevent erosion, improve trail conditions, and protect this popular outdoor destination for future visitors. You can register at www.volunteervoc.org. Registration closes Oct 1.
“More than $4.6 billion is a powerful reminder of what Colorado Lottery players make possible,” Colorado Lottery Senior Director Tom Seaver said. “Colorado Lottery Conservation Month brings that impact to life, from the proceeds invested in Colorado’s outdoors to the volunteers out there doing the work to protect them. ”
Colorado Lottery Conservation Month also provides an opportunity to highlight the many ways Lottery proceeds support Colorado's outdoors, from protecting large landscapes and wildlife corridors to improving neighborhood parks, and creating more accessible recreation opportunities.
While some of these investments are easy to see, such as new trails and playgrounds, others protect natural spaces and wildlife habitat for future generations. Together, they demonstrate how Lottery proceeds reach communities across Colorado.
Throughout October, the Lottery will share stories about proceeds-funded projects, conservation partnerships and opportunities for Coloradans to get involved in caring for our state's outdoor spaces.
About the Colorado Lottery
The Colorado Lottery operates under three equal pillars: Revenue, Conservation, and Responsibility. Since 1983, the Colorado Lottery has returned more than $4.6 billion to outdoor projects through Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the Conservation Trust Fund (CTF), and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Once the GOCO proceeds cap is met, additional proceeds recipients include the Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEGP), Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST), Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC), and other outdoor-related CPW funds. Proceeds from sales of Lottery games – Scratch, Powerball, Mega Millions, Colorado Lotto+, Millionaire for Life, Cash 5, and Pick 3 – support parks, trails, recreation, wildlife, and open space in Colorado, utilizing industry best practices for player health. For more information, visit coloradolottery.com.
