No experience
is required. Meals are served in most cases.
Spread the word! Tell your friends about these exciting projects!
Tommy Thompson Shrub Planting
COMPLETED
Intermediate
●
Full Day
● Minimum Age: 16 (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Wednesday Apr 22, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 45
Celebrate Earth Day with WRV!!! We'll be planting shrubs, trees and grasses adjacent to the Tommy Thompson property - the first Boulder County Open Space agriculture property to be restored to native prairie, in 1996.
The latest phase of the prairie restoration project is to increase the diversity by planting shrubs. Volunteers will plant approximately 800 shrubs, trees and other plants along a moist drainage area. You'll learn about prairie ecology, history and future plans for restoration projects in the area.
Shrub communities are havens for birds, coyotes, and small mammals, adding tremendous ecological value to this area.
RESCHEDULED TO NEW DATES: APRIL 25-26
Celebrate the renewal of spring by restoring a critical riparian area in the heart of the grasslands. There will be a Sunday sunrise ceremony, followed by an Easter egg hunt.
In the arid western US, 80 percent of wildlife relies on healthy riparian areas at some point in their life cycle. However, riparian areas (lush vegetated areas next to streams and rivers) occur on less than 5% of the overall landscape. On the Pawnee National Grasslands, many riparian areas have been severely denuded by over a century of grazing. This project is designed to restore
Intermediate
●
Morning
● Minimum Age: 16 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Wednesday Apr 29, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 30
Myrtle Spurge (EEEEK!!!) is taking over a beautiful native prairie just west of Boulder. Volunteers are needed to pull the Colorado A-listed myrtle spurge (both toxic and noxious). Hand pulling is one of the most successful means of eradicating this weed. Over the past 4 years, WRV volunteers reduced the myrtle spurge population in the Eldorado Canyon/Mesa Trailhead area by over 95% and we'll apply our successful techniques in this gorgeous foothills site overlooking the plains.
Intermediate
●
Full Day
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 14 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Saturday May 02, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 40
THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. THERE WILL BE NO RESCHEDULE DATE FOR THIS PROJECT THIS YEAR. Thanks to all who hung in there to try to complete this project!
Boulder County has recently thinned the overly-dense forest to reduce the excessive fuel load and dramatically improve wildlife habitat around Bald Mountain. At the same time, the county created 50 unique habitat trees in the area to benefit specific bird and bat species. Volunteers will obliterate and revegetate 2,600 feet of temporary roads and other impacted areas that were created to remove the thinned trees. Nuthatches, Woodpeckers, Bats, Bluebirds and Flycatchers will all benefit from the openings and specific habitat trees that have been created. Abert's squirrel, uncommon in Colorado but present in this area, will benefit from the improved habitat.
Easy
●
Full Day
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 10 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Saturday May 09, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 115
LIVE MUSIC, GOOD FOOD, GOOD WORK!
Building on five years of progress, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers continued the urgent quest to remove Mediterranean Sage from Boulder County. Left unchecked, this Colorado A-listed weed aggressively invades grasslands, reduces native plant populations, and degrades wildlife habitat and the overall health of prairie ecosystems. 80 + volunteers were part of a multi-agency partnership, targeting our removal efforts at the highest priority sites in Boulder County, especially on Table Mountain. With sustained action, state wide eradication is possible, which would protect prairie ecosystems and wildlife habitat. Indirectly, this work will help protect thousands of acres of Colorado grassland habitats.
This was an all day project with a great chili fiesta afterwards, starring the Sugarloaf String Band! Thanks to all who participated!
Intermediate
●
Full Day
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 14 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Saturday May 16, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 55
Enjoy a day at scenic Heil Valley Ranch to restore ecologically important forest and stream ecosystems. This is a great opportunity to learn about fire ecology and forest management. Work will be conducted in areas closed to the public for high wildlife value. North and west of the trailhead, volunteers will seed areas disturbed by a forest thinning technique called mastication.
In the Geer Canyon meadows, a beautiful area which saw prescribed burns in 2008, we will restore a stream channel, plant native trees and shrubs, install erosion control structures, and possibly restore an open hilltop by pulling weeds and seeding with native grasses. WRV is happy to be collaborating with Boulder County Parks and Open Space on this project.
Intermediate
●
Full Day
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 14 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Date(s):
Saturday Jun 06, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 50
Along the popular Spring Creek recreation corridor lies an oasis of cultivated plants at the Gardens on Spring Creek. The Gardens isn't just for high society plants. This project is designed to showcase some of Colorado's natives by establishing 100s of wetland sedges, grasses, and wildflowers, and installing some educational signage. Volunteers will also install some select native riparian shrubs and trees, and remove small exotic Russian olive trees and crack willow along Spring Creek. This project will be the botanical icing on a wet cake that is designed to inform visitors of the wonders, benefits, and beautify of Colorado's wetlands.
Boulder Prairie Restoration VI - Med Sage Follow-up
COMPLETED
Easy
●
Evening
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 10 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Wednesday Jun 10, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 50
Come enjoy a relaxing evening (5:30pm-dusk) on the prairie to protect our native grasslands.
Building on five years of successful progress, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers will continue the urgent quest to remove Mediterranean sage from Boulder County. Left unchecked, this A-listed weed aggressively invades grasslands, reduces native plant populations, and degrades wildlife habitat. We'll be part of a multi-agency partnership, targeting our removal efforts at the highest priority sites in Boulder County, especially on Table Mountain. With sustained action, state wide eradication is possible, which would protect prairie ecosystems and wildlife habitat.
This is a follow-up project from our main project on May 9th.
WRV strives to include a diverse spectrum of volunteers in its project activities. Youth are the next generation of land stewards. Involving them in our work is essential to the long term cultivation of a caring community of land stewards. WRV continued its tradition of partnering with the I Have A Dream Foundation (IHAD)summer program to involve disadvantaged youth in restoration work.
The goal of this project is to provide team building, leadership development and conservation education opportunities to these youth while accomplishing tangible restoration goals. This year, IHAD students worked with the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department at Coot Lake to plant trees, create seed balls used in reseeding, seed damaged areas and maintain trails.
The kids had a great time and did great work!
Growing Gardens CULTIVA program participated in a youth-only seed collection project for Boulder County.
____________________
Seed collection is a very relaxing activity; some go as far as saying it's therapeutic. It's also a great family activity!
Using native seeds in revegetation efforts is essential to restoring native plant diversity. Often times, however, native seeds are not available commercially, they are too expensive, or the available seeds are not ecologically appropriate.
This group of focused, enthusiastic young volunteers helped increase the availability of native seed by hand collecting a variety of species, including mostly grasses, sedges, and some wildflowers and other forbs. Local botanists worked on site and provided identification of wildflowers and other native plants during the project.
The seeds collected will be grown out to increase them 100 or 1000 fold, vastly increasing the amount of locally-adapted seed that is available for local restoration projects.
Intermediate
●
Weekend
● Minimum Age: 16 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Saturday Jun 27, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 60
Sunday Jun 28, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 60
Berthoud Pass, one of the highest forested passes in Colorado, is a critical wildlife movement corridor for multiple species crossing the Continental Divide, including Canada lynx (endangered), bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, and black bears. However, the pass has been altered by historic ski runs, which have resulted in large barren areas where subalpine forest once grew.
The old Berthoud Pass Ski Area has been removed (lifts taken out, lodge demolished, roads obliterated), and alpine restoration of this high elevation site was completed by WRV in 2008. To re-establish the subalpine forest that is so important for wildlife, WRV will work with Winter Park Ski Resort to salvage Englemann spruce and subalpine fir trees that would otherwise be mowed down on their ski runs. Trees of varying sizes will be transported to the pass and transplanted to dramatically jumpstart the reforestation process, which has been progressing very slowly over the past decade. Tree planting will also benefit an important watershed resource, affecting both the east and west sides of the Continental Divide. We will camp near the town of Winter Park.
Seed collection is a very relaxing activity--some go as far as saying it's therapeutic. It's also a great family activity!
Using native seeds in revegetation efforts is essential to restoring native plant diversity. Often times, however, native seeds are not available commercially, they are too expensive, or the available seeds are not ecologically appropriate.
Volunteers will help increase the availability of native seed by hand collecting a variety of species, including grasses, sedges, and some wildflowers. Local botanists will be working on site and will provide identification of wildflowers and other native plants during the project. The seeds you collect will be grown out to increase them 100 or 1000 fold, vastly increasing the amount of locally-adapted seed that is available for local restoration projects.
Difficult
●
Weekend
● Minimum Age: 16 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Saturday Jul 11, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 70
Sunday Jul 12, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 70
Join WRV for a fun weekend in the spectacular Brainard Lake Recreation Area. A section of the South St. Vrain Trail runs through an edge of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This section is eroding badly in sections and is typically only used by skiers in the winter. The USFS wants to reroute this trail for three reasons: 1) To create a more sustainable trail and stop erosion into the creek. 2) To reduce recreational use in the nearby heavily-used Indian Peaks Wilderness. 3) To upgrade the trail so it can be used by mountainbikers and other summer users. Mountain bikes are not allowed in wilderness. Altogether, approximately 3075 feet of trail needs to be re-routed, which includes trail construction and revegetation of the old trail. This will be a TWO phase project. In 2009, about half of the total work will be completed. WRV will partner with the Boulder Mountainbike Association. Volunteers will camp on the edge of a beautiful meadow near the project site.
Seed collection is a very relaxing activity--some go as far as saying it's therapeutic. It's also a great family activity!
THIS IS AN EVENING PROJECT - 5PM-DUSK --- Using native seeds in revegetation efforts is essential to restoring native plant diversity. Often times, however, native seeds are not available commercially, they are too expensive, or the available seeds are not ecologically appropriate.
Volunteers will help increase the availability of native seed by hand collecting a variety of species, including grasses, sedges, and some wildflowers. Local botanists will be working on site and will provide identification of wildflowers and other native plants during the project. The seeds you collect will be grown out to increase them 100 or 1000 fold, vastly increasing the amount of locally-adapted seed that is available for local restoration projects.
Peaks over 14,000 feet high, majestic islands in the sky, are tremendously popular with hikers in Colorado. They also contain some of the most spectacular scenery and wildflower displays. Mt. Democrat, Mt. Lincoln, and Mt. Bross, towering above the Kite Lake area, are no exception. This popular trio of Fourteeners receives over 10,000 hikers per year. Volunteers will help to close and restore 600 feet of alpine tundra and re-route about 1,000 feet of the Mt. Bross ascent trail in partnership with the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, the US Forest Service, and the Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative.
Work will take place above 12,000 feet in elevation, 10 miles west of Alma. The base camp is located in a beautiful mountain meadow with glorious mountain views and historic relics nearby. Targeted restoration and trail work will help to prevent further resource damage in the sensitive alpine tundra and help protect habitat for the beautiful-yet-rare dwarf columbine, rare mustards, and a rare member of the sunflower family.
Easy
●
Full Day
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 8 (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Friday Jul 24, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 25
Seed collection is a very relaxing activity--some go as far as saying it's therapeutic. It's also a great family activity!
THIS IS A DAYTIME PROJECT - 9:00AM to 3:00PM --- Using native seeds in revegetation efforts is essential to restoring native plant diversity. Often times, however, native seeds are not available commercially, they are too expensive, or the available seeds are not ecologically appropriate.
Volunteers will help increase the availability of native seed by hand collecting a variety of species, including grasses, sedges, and some wildflowers. Local botanists will be working on site and will provide identification of wildflowers and other native plants during the project. The seeds you collect will be grown out to increase them 100 or 1000 fold, vastly increasing the amount of locally-adapted seed that is available for local restoration projects.
Seed collection is a very relaxing activity--some go as far as saying it's therapeutic. It's also a great family activity!
THIS IS AN EVENING PROJECT - 5PM TO DUSK --- Using native seeds in revegetation efforts is essential to restoring native plant diversity. Often times, however, native seeds are not available commercially, they are too expensive, or the available seeds are not ecologically appropriate.
Volunteers will help increase the availability of native seed by hand collecting a variety of species, including grasses, sedges, and some wildflowers. Local botanists will be working on site and will provide identification of wildflowers and other native plants during the project. The seeds you collect will be grown out to increase them 100 or 1000 fold, vastly increasing the amount of locally-adapted seed that is available for local restoration projects.
Easy
●
Multi Day
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 12 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Thursday Jul 30, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 40
Friday Jul 31, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 40
This is WRV's very first project outside of Colorado! Come make history.
Vedauwoo (pronounced "vedavoo") is one of the most attractive natural features in southern Wyoming. A rock climbers paradise, this location boasts a tremendous variety of fauna and flora as well. We will camp at Vedauwoo and spend two relaxing days, Thursday & Friday collecting native seeds among the splendor or lush foliage and dramatic sandstone cliffs.
Many land restoration projects depend on precious hand collected native seed because purchased seeds are unavailable, too expensive or not an acceptable match to the local native species ecotypes. These seeds will be multiplied agriculturally by an inter-government agency partnership. This process increases seeds up to 1000 fold for revegetation projects on local public lands.
This collection is scheduled on a Thursday and Friday so you have the option of spending the weekend in this amazing corner of Wyoming. Wednesday night arrival encouraged..
Easy
●
Evening
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 8 with adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Thursday Aug 06, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 25
Seed collection is a very relaxing activity--some go as far as saying it's therapeutic. It's also a great family activity!
THIS IS AN EVENING PROJECT - 5PM TO DUSK - Using native seeds in revegetation efforts is essential to restoring native plant diversity. Often times, however, native seeds are not available commercially, they are too expensive, or the available seeds are not ecologically appropriate.
Volunteers will help increase the availability of native seed by hand collecting a variety of species, including grasses, sedges, and some wildflowers. Local botanists will be working on site and will provide identification of wildflowers and other native plants during the project. The seeds you collect will be grown out to increase them 100 or 1000 fold, vastly increasing the amount of locally-adapted seed that is available for local restoration projects.
Easy
●
Multi Day
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 12 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Friday Aug 07, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 25
Saturday Aug 08, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 25
North Park, whose economic and cultural center is the town of Walden, is surrounded by majestic and beautiful mountains. Unlike any other seed collection WRV has done, this will be a two-day seed collection in the mountains surrounding North Park. Many land restoration projects depend on precious hand collected native seed because purchased seeds are unavailable, too expensive or not adapted well enough to local conditions. These seeds will be multiplied agriculturally by an inter-government agency partnership. This process multiplies your seeds 100-1000 fold to increase the amount of locally adapted seed that is available for revegetation projects. This project is being done in collaboration with the USFS and the Owl Mountain Partnership, which is working with local farmers to increase this native seed for future restoration projects.
This project is taking place in conjunction with the ANWR Boardwalk Construction project.
Intermediate
●
Multi Day
● Minimum Age: 16 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Wednesday Aug 05, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 35
Thursday Aug 06, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 35
Friday Aug 07, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 35
Saturday Aug 08, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 35
Sunday Aug 09, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 35
Come join WRV to celebrate our 200th Project (!!!) and grand finale (fifth and final) project to complete a beautiful handicapped accessible boardwalk at the 25,000 acre Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, near Walden, Colorado. The refuge protects critical wildlife habitat along 27.4 miles of the Illinois River. This place is gorgeous, with abundant elk, moose, birds, and a spectacular panorama of surrounding mountains.
In four previous years (2005-2008), WRV volunteers completed almost 1400 feet of boardwalk, plus a 50 foot span bridge. In this fifth and final year, we will construct the remaining boardwalk and have a HUGE celebration. Don't miss this exciting culmination of effort. Our work will re-establish public access, especially for persons with disabilities, to a prime wildlife viewing area. If you enjoy carpentry, or would like to learn more in a spectacular outdoor setting, and you're available for a five day stretch, then this is the project for you. We'll camp near a house on the refuge, using it as our base.
PARTIAL ATTENDANCE
It's best for WRV if you can attend the entire five days. However, if you can only attend a portion, please sign up for whatever you can manage.
Easy
●
Evening
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 8 with adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Wednesday Aug 12, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 25
Seed collection is a very relaxing activity--some go as far as saying it's therapeutic. It's also a great family activity!
THIS IS AN EVENING EVENT - Using native seeds in revegetation efforts is essential to restoring native plant diversity. Often times, however, native seeds are not available commercially, they are too expensive, or the available seeds are not ecologically appropriate.
Volunteers will help increase the availability of native seed by hand collecting a variety of species, including grasses, sedges, and some wildflowers. Local botanists will be working on site and will provide identification of wildflowers and other native plants during the project. The seeds you collect will be grown out to increase them 100 or 1000 fold, vastly increasing the amount of locally-adapted seed that is available for local restoration projects.
Difficult
●
Multi Day
● Minimum Age: 16 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Friday Aug 14, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 35
Saturday Aug 15, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 35
Sunday Aug 16, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 35
Lake Isabelle is among the highest and most scenic lakes along the Front Range. WRV will continue our past work to improve the trail system, close social trails, and perform trail maintenance. The area is truly spectacular. Normally, overnight camping is not allowed in the area, but the USFS has granted special permission for our trail projects. We will camp in a secluded area near Lake Isabelle. Food and gear will be hauled in by llamas 2.5 miles to the base camp. Thursday arrival highly recommended.
Intermediate
●
Full Day
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 10 (more info)
Date(s):
Saturday Aug 22, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 20
Join WRV for a relaxing but intriguing goal for seed collection at beautiful Berthoud Pass and Geneva Basin Iron Fens.
THE CHALLENGE
Collect 2 million native alpine seeds which are urgently needed for a restoration project at Geneva Basin the next weekend. The timing is critical and the need is very high. I hope you can join us!
Given the density of desirable native plants up there, we know this is possible. BUT, not without your help. Actually, with your help, we think we can collect OVER 2 Million seeds!
Difficult
●
Weekend
● Minimum Age: 16 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Saturday Aug 29, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 75
Sunday Aug 30, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 75
The goal of this project was to protect an EXTREMELY RARE and sensitive wetland from its primary threat: off-road vehicle intrusion. The Geneva Basin Iron Fen site contains a rare wetland community that occurs worldwide ONLY in Colorado at about 10 locations around the state. Iron fens are very acidic, with a pH approaching 2, and they are associated with unique plant communities. The vegetation in the area closely resembles the Alaskan tundra, including sphagnum moss, reindeer lichen, sedges, bog birch and dwarfed Engelmann spruce, along with several uncommon forb species. A unique rock formation that is made from lithified organic matter, called limonite, is also extensive at Geneva Basin.
Volunteers under the guidance of US Forest Service personnel, obliterated and restored an estimated 4,500 feet (66,000 sq. feet total!!) of undesignated roads that serve as primary access points for off-road vehicles into the fen. This work will protect exceptionally unique plant life and a very rare type of ecosystem.
Intermediate
●
Full Day
● Minimum Age: 16 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Wednesday Sep 09, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 30
South Boulder Creek flows out of the beautiful James Peak Wilderness. A section of the creek between Rollinsville and East Portal has severe bank erosion which threatens stream habitat, downstream water quality, and the Jumbo Mountain picnic and interpretive area.
WRV volunteers will harvest willow poles on Wednesday, Sept. 9 to be used on Sep 12 for the South Boulder Creek (Jumbo Mtn) restoration.
Easy
●
Full Day
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 8 (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Saturday Sep 12, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 25
Seed collection is a very relaxing activity--some go as far as saying it's therapeutic. It's also a great family activity!
Using native seeds in revegetation efforts is essential to restoring native plant diversity. Often times, however, native seeds are not available commercially, they are too expensive, or the available seeds are not ecologically appropriate.
Volunteers will help increase the availability of native seed by hand collecting a variety of species, including grasses, sedges, and some wildflowers. Local botanists will be working on site and will provide identification of wildflowers and other native plants during the project. The seeds you collect will be grown out to increase them 100 or 1000 fold, vastly increasing the amount of locally-adapted seed that is available for local restoration projects.
THE LOCATION WILL BE SOMEWHERE IN BOULDER COUNTY. VOLUNTEERS WILL BRING THEIR OWN LUNCH.
Intermediate
●
Full Day
● Minimum Age: 16 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Saturday Sep 12, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 55
South Boulder Creek flows out of the beautiful James Peak Wilderness. A section of the creek between Rollinsville and East Portal has severe bank erosion which threatens stream habitat, downstream water quality, and the Jumbo Mountain picnic and interpretive area. WRV volunteers will stabilize and revegetate the stream bank, using intensive willow "bioengineering" techniques, planting other natives shrubs and trees, seeding and installing erosion matting. We'll also construct two short access trails down to the creek (fun for volunteers who love rock work).
This is a great opportunity to enjoy the fall colors and learn about streambank restoration techniques.
WRV is pleased to be working with the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest and Denver Water on this collaborative project.
Intermediate
●
Full Day
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 14 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
James Creek Watershed Initiative
Date(s):
Saturday Sep 26, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 100
Come celebrate National Public Lands Day with WRV!
Here's your chance to help completely recreate and restore almost a mile of stream, and restore health to an entire watershed. Over the past five years, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers collaborated with the US Forest Service, James Creek Watershed Initiative, Walsh Environmental Scientists, and Trail Ridge Runners, to complete the first five phases of an award-winning restoration project benefiting hundreds of acres of forest habitat and downstream water quality. Most previous work has focused on reducing erosion from miles of spur roads that dissected hundreds of acres of upland forest habitat.
In 2009, our work will concentrate on restoring an entire stream corridor that was devastated by past motorized activity. Heavy equipment will prepare the site, actually reconstructing almost a mile of the stream channel. Volunteers will seed and mulch over 160,000 square feet and transplant native trees. The end product will be a restored watershed that benefits wildlife and prevents thousands of tons of sediment from flowing downstream into Left Hand Creek. This projected is funded in part by a Colorado State 319 grant, the US Forest Service, and the National Forest Foundation.
Easy
●
Afternoon
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 8 with adult (more info)
Date(s):
Sunday Sep 27, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 30
THIS IS A SUNDAY PROJECT - Seed collection is a very relaxing activity--some go as far as saying it's therapeutic. It's also a great family activity!
Using native seeds in revegetation efforts is essential to restoring native plant diversity. Often times, however, native seeds are not available commercially, they are too expensive, or the available seeds are not ecologically appropriate.
Volunteers will help increase the availability of native seed by hand collecting a variety of species, including grasses, sedges, and some wildflowers. Local botanists will be working on site and will provide identification of wildflowers and other native plants during the project. The seeds you collect will be grown out to increase them 100 or 1000 fold, vastly increasing the amount of locally-adapted seed that is available for local restoration projects.
Easy
●
Full Day
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 8 (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Saturday Oct 03, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 30
Seed collection is a very relaxing activity--some go as far as saying it's therapeutic. It's also a great family activity!
THIS IS AN ALL-DAY SATURDAY EVENT --- 9:00AM TO 3:00PM --- Using native seeds in revegetation efforts is essential to restoring native plant diversity. Often times, however, native seeds are not available commercially, they are too expensive, or the available seeds are not ecologically appropriate.
Volunteers will help increase the availability of native seed by hand collecting a variety of species, including grasses, sedges, and some wildflowers. Local botanists will be working on site and will provide identification of wildflowers and other native plants during the project. The seeds you collect will be grown out to increase them 100 or 1000 fold, vastly increasing the amount of locally-adapted seed that is available for local restoration projects.
The Pawnee Buttes recreation area consists of dramatic buttes, badlands, and shortgrass prairie. The buttes stand 300 feet above the surrounding prairie and are part of the White River Badlands, which extend across parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota. According to The Nature Conservancy, grasslands are considered to be one of the most imperiled habitat types in North America and worldwide. The trail system at the Pawnee Buttes is suffering from substantial erosion problems, resulting in impacts to sensitive butte habitats and shortgrass prairie.
WRV will collaborate with the Pawnee National Grasslands to re-route about
Difficult
●
Full Day
● Minimum Age: 16 accompanied by an adult (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Saturday Oct 17, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 95
Boulder County Parks and Open Space recently purchased the 391 acre Benjamin property, near the popular Betasso Preserve Open Space, protecting 1,175 acres of wildlife habitat. The property has over 4.5 miles of social trails, some of which are highly eroded, steep/hazardous and completely unsustainable. In 2009, WRV, working in partnership with the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance and others, will revegetate the most eroded and unsustainable social trails, which BCPOS has already officially closed. In conjunction, BCPOS will be constructing a sustainable trail for multiple uses.
The Colorado Youth Program will enjoy an afternoon of collecting native seeds with WRV and BCPOS. Youth volunteers will learn about local native plants and ecology while collecting seed that will be used on future restoration projects in Boulder County.
Easy
●
Full Day
● Family Friendly ● Minimum Age: 14 (more info)
Sponsors
Date(s):
Saturday Oct 31, 2009 - Number of Volunteers: 40
Celebrate Halloween by sharpening an axe blade or two!
Volunteers will gather to celebrate another great season of accomplishment and put our tools to bed for the winter-cleaning, sharpening, painting, oiling tools, and re-organizing our tool shed to get ready for the next project season. Amazingly, this is a very fun project that has taken on its own identity over the past years, with a dedicated core of tool enthusiasts. Come join the core and have a great time! We'll wrap up by 2:30 so you can prepare for an evening of Ghoolish fun!