Opportunities From: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado

 Why it's Important: Being prepared for the unexpected can save lives. The Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course teaches students the skills to anticipate risks and hazards, identify medical, traumatic, environmental problems, recognize life-threatening issues, initiate basic care and deliver a cohesive report. VOC projects and trainings often take place in remote areas, and participating in this training is a great way to increase the safety of your crew.

What you'll learn: This learning experience forces students to think creatively, adapt to ever changing situations, and learn valuable leadership, decision making, and communication skills. Some topics covered in this course include:

Essential Details:

If you have questions or concerns please contact Kelly Clouse at kclouse@voc.org@voc.org.

VOC offers a scholarship to cover training costs for volunteers with a commitment to the outdoors. Learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.

Are you interested in being a VOC Crew Chef? Learn tips and tricks from seasoned VOC Crew Chefs about how to cook for VOC volunteers in the great outdoors.

Volunteer Crew Chefs play a fun, yet vital role on VOC projects. They ensure that volunteers stay well-fed and well-fueled! If you are an organized individual with a passion for food, sign up for this online webinar to learn more about supplying and/or cooking meals for volunteers in some of Colorado's most spectacular places.

We will cover the basics of the Crew Chef role including proper meal planning, safe food prep, camp set-up and clean-up, zero waste methods, and many other topics related to managing an outdoor kitchen.

Participants who attend the webinar are encouraged to join us for the in person Crew Chef Training at our Operations Center (on Saturday, March 21st) to gain hands on experience and practice skills covered in this session.

This webinar will be held on Wednesday, March 18 from 6:00-7:30PM

A link to the webinar with access instructions will be sent via email prior to the training.

If you have questions or concerns please reach out to Kelly Clouse at kclouse@voc.org.

Whether you're just getting started or have been Crew Leading for many years, it never hurts to brush up on your skills. We encourage you to get ready for the upcoming VOC Project Season with this quick, fun refresher webinar. At this session, we will review leadership skills and OSI training materials. We will also cover ideas for creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for volunteers not found in the basic OSI training. This will be a great opportunity to see friends and practice your crew leadership skills.

Join OSI Instructors for an opportunity to brush up on the skills it takes to be an effective Crew Leader with VOC.

VOC projects require a variety of tools and equipment to be successful. Behind every major VOC project is a tool manager who plans and manages the tool requirements. Tool managers work with the project team to determine which equipment and tools are needed, and ensure tools, project supplies, and crew chef equipment are transported to the project site, and that volunteer crews have proper and operable equipment.

For this FREE morning training, we'll gather at VOC's Operations Center in Lakewood to talk about how tool managers work with the rest of the project planning team, assemble a tool list, transport tools to and from the site, stage tools for crews, help with camp setup, and more.

This training will take place on Saturday, March 21 from 10:00AM-12:00PM.

For questions or concerns please reach out to Kelly Clouse at kclouse@voc.org.

Are you interested in being a VOC Crew Chef? This is your opportunity to get hands on training and learn about our equipment and tour our Operations Center in Lakewood.

During this session, you will tour VOC’s Operations Center in Lakewood and gain hands on experience with meal and equipment planning, packing for projects, and some kitchen set up. We will even go through how to make coffee in the outdoors for a large group!

You will learn tips and tricks directly from seasoned Crew Chefs and have time to ask questions and practice skills in a supportive environment.

Volunteer Crew Chefs play a fun, yet vital role on VOC projects. They ensure that volunteers stay well-fed and well-fueled! If you are an organized individual with a passion for food, sign up for this in-person training to learn more about planning and cooking meals for volunteers in some of Colorado's most spectacular places.

This training can be taken as an entry point into the Crew Chef role or as a follow up to the online webinar training. Participants who attend the in person training will receive a recording of the webinar after the session.

Breakfast will be provided.

This training will be held on Saturday, March 21 from 9:00am-12:00pm.

In this Saturday afternoon workshop, you will receive a universally applicable certification training in Adult CPR, AED, and First Aid to deliver life-saving care in the outdoors. Signs and symptoms of common injuries and illnesses will be demonstrated in sample scenarios and accompanied by the recommended steps to aid the patient while emergency medical services are en route. With a small class size, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and practice your training in a hands-on setting.

Essential Details:

For questions please reach out to Kelly Clouse at kclouse@voc.org.

VOC offers a scholarship to cover training costs for volunteers with a commitment to the outdoors. Learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.

In this Saturday morning workshop, you will receive a universally applicable certification training in Adult CPR, AED, and First Aid to deliver life-saving care in the outdoors. Signs and symptoms of common injuries and illnesses will be demonstrated in sample scenarios and accompanied by the recommended steps to aid the patient while emergency medical services are en route. With a small class size, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and practice your training in a hands-on setting.

Essential Details:

For questions please reach out to Kelly Clouse at kclouse@voc.org.

VOC offers a scholarship to cover training costs for volunteers with a commitment to the outdoors. Learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.

Black Canyon Open Space is the newest open space in the City of Manitou Springs, located on the north side of town just west of Garden of the Gods Park. This roughly 35-acre property includes historic trail features such as a wagon turnaround and sensitive archaeological areas. It also offers phenomenal views that include Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Park.

The open space master plan was finalized in February 2025, and work is needed before the area can safely open to the public. This project will use volunteer power to finish the development of about 2 miles of existing trails within the open space.

Work will include:

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

This work moves Black Canyon Open Space closer to opening to the public and expands safe, sustainable recreation opportunities for the Manitou Springs community and visitors.

Ages 16+

Physical Difficulty:

This project is considered easy to moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical activities may include moderate lifting and tool use, digging and shoveling, moving soil and rocks, repetitive bending and walking, and hiking short distances while carrying tools.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: Volunteers will hike approximately 0.25 miles from the parking area to the worksite. Porta-potties will be on site.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

If you enjoy trail construction, you can view similar projects here.

You’ll be working at Jackson Lake State Park, home to Colorado’s first Dark Sky Park. The park supports a wide range of wildlife and recreation, including camping, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The project site is near the marina area, where the new Dark Sky Reflection Courtyard will create a designated, safer space for nighttime use and education while supporting ongoing dark sky stewardship. 

Nearest town: Orchard

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will help build a Dark Sky Reflection Courtyard, creating a welcoming space for stargazing and nighttime education. Tasks may include removing fencing from an old storage yard, laying a new foundation, and upgrading the existing trail to the courtyard to improve visitor access. This is a single day project, but volunteers are welcome to stay and enjoy camping and educational activities that make use of the new courtyard.

Please Note: Camping will be pre-reserved by VOC, however, we will not be providing meals like we typically do on overnight projects. 

Jackson Lake’s designation as Colorado’s first International Dark Sky Park has drawn a growing number of stargazers, especially during events like auroras, meteor showers, and planetary alignments. Without a designated viewing space, visitors currently lack a safe place to gather or learn about dark sky conservation. By creating a dedicated stargazing courtyard, this project will support safe nighttime recreation and help educate the public on the importance of reducing light pollution. Volunteers will play a key role in making the night sky more accessible for everyone. 

Ages14+  

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. 

This project is considered easy; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical considerations include bending over, picking objects up, moving rocks, carrying tools, swinging heavy tools, digging, and stretching.

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible  

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

Section 13 is a 5-mile single-track trail system located on BLM-managed lands approximately 2.5 miles southwest of Cañon City at the base of the Wet Mountains. Trails in this system are open to both hikers and mountain bikers. Of the 100 miles of trails now established in the Cañon City region, this was the first single-track network constructed 15 years ago entirely by hand with volunteers and agency staff.

Nearest Town: Cañon City

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will help maintain about 5 miles of trail on the Hotshots and Lamba Chops trails. Tasks may include:

Recent assessments show that many drainage features are clogged and no longer working, and some sections of trail have been badly damaged by heavy summer rains. A few areas are deeply eroded and need focused repair. Improving these sections will help keep water off the trail and prevent further damage. This trail system is heavily used by nearby residents and the broader community, but trail conditions have started to limit how often people can safely enjoy it.

VOC provides breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

This project will improve recreational experiences by providing a higher-quality trail while also reducing erosion and soil loss. Brushing back cactus will also improve safety for trail users.

This project also aligns with the recent efforts of local organizations and government agencies to develop a cross-jurisdictional trail maintenance program. Born out of the Bighorn Roundtable, a Fremont County-focused regional partnership, the need for maintaining recreation facilities was identified as a high priority. This project will be an early win for this emerging program and boost support for trail maintenance. 

Ages 16+ 

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.    

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: 2WD access to both trailhead and campsite. Volunteers may need to carpool from campsite to worksite due to limited parking at worksite. 

Other Notes: There is cell service on site.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

If you enjoy trail maintenance projects, you can view similar projects here.

Bringing a child, youth group, or signing up as a family?

Please follow this step-by-step guide to register as a team. It’s quick and helps us get all the info we need.

This project takes place at the Plains Conservation Center managed by City of Aurora’s Open Space and Natural Resources Department. The Plains Conservation Center provides the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Denver Metro’s eastern plains. It features stretches of native prairie and offers a sense of vast grasslands far removed from the city. The Plains Conservation Center also serves as nature preserve and education center that model what Native American camps and pioneer homesteads looked like in the late 1800s.

Volunteers will help plant about 200 cottonwood trees along the creek and in nearby wet areas at the Plains Conservation Center.

These trees will be either bare root plants or 5-gallon container plants. After planting, volunteers will install wire cages around each tree to protect them from being eaten by pronghorn and other wildlife.

This work supports a recently installed beaver dam analog (BDA), which aim to slow the flow of water replicating the effect of natural beaver dams. While beavers once lived in this area, they are no longer present. Without beaver dams to slow the creek, water levels dropped over time, making it difficult for cottonwood trees to survive. The BDA helps slow the flow of water, raising the water table and keeping moisture in the soil longer. This creates better conditions for cottonwoods to grow and establishes a healthier riparian area along the creek.

This project builds on the planting that VOC volunteers started in the spring of 2025.

Adding more trees will expand habitat for breeding birds and support existing nesting eagles in the area. Cottonwoods also help stabilize the East Toll Gate Creek's banks, reduce erosion, and provide shade that keeps water cooler and supports long-term water availability. Together, these improvements strengthen the overall health of the creek and the surrounding prairie ecosystem.

Ages 12+

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Bringing a child, youth group, or signing up as a family?

Please follow this step-by-step guide to register as a team. It’s quick and helps us get all the info we need!

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered easy to moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): Volunteers will work in sun-exposed areas and on uneven terrain, performing tasks such as bending down, de-potting saplings, and digging. Other tasks may include: moderate lifting, moving soil, walking and tool use.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: Bathrooms are available at the Plains Conservation Center Visitor Center, about a half-mile from the work site.

If you enjoy planting projects, you can view similar projects here.

The McIntire Ranch is a historic archaeological site located in the Conejos Valley, featuring the remains of the ranch headquarters established around 1880 by Albert and Florence McIntire. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, the McIntire Ranch holds significance in the social history of the region. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) acquired the site in 1993 to preserve its abundant wildlife habitat. 

Due to very low visitation, the area has become a sanctuary for wildlife and a great spot for birdwatching. Volunteers will camp in a dry meadow near the worksite, surrounded by views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range and just a short walk from the Conejos River, which offers excellent fishing for both trout and pike.

Nearest town: Sanford, CO 81151

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will contribute to a portion of this multi-stage rehabilitation project, focused on restoring the area’s natural ecosystem and preserving the historic ranch. Working alongside BLM and CPW biologists, you’ll harvest and plant native willows and reseed stream banks to restore habitat for native fish species like the Rio Grande Chub and Rio Grande Sucker.  

Temporary fencing may also be constructed to protect the restoration areas from beaver and big game while plants establish. 

After the workday, BLM biologist Taylor, will share the history and importance of the McIntire Ranch during a campfire talk.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

This project addresses long-standing impacts at the historic McIntire Ranch while restoring critical habitat for native wildlife. Planting willows and reseeding stream banks will reduce erosion, improve stream health, and support fish species such as the Rio Grande Chub and Rio Grande Sucker. The work also benefits the endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher by improving riparian habitat.

What’s to Love About This Project?

Ages 14+

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

This project is considered easy; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: This project will include work in sun-exposed areas and on uneven terrain, performing tasks such as using loppers to harvest willows, bending down, digging, moving soil and moderate lifting. Other tasks may include light tool use for temporary fence building. 

Be prepared for variable weather and chilly evening camping during this early season project.

Vehicle Access: 2WD dirt road, may require AWD in wet conditions. 

Other Notes: Tent camping: OK. Car and Van camping: OK. NO large vehicles or tow-behinds. This project will be at 7500 ft. elevation. Portable toilets and potable water will be available at camp.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

Learning CPR and first aid is crucial because it equips everyday people to save lives in unexpected emergencies. These are critical skills while working, recreating or volunteering outdoors. This certification is also a prerequisite to attend a chainsaw or crosscut certification course offered by VOC.

In this 1-day workshop, you will receive a universally applicable certification training in Adult CPR, AED, and First Aid to deliver life-saving care in the outdoors. Signs and symptoms of common injuries and illnesses will be demonstrated in sample scenarios and accompanied by the recommended steps to aid the patient until professional help arrives. With a small class size, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and practice your training in a hands-on setting.

This training will take place in the San Luis Valley, which is four hours south of Denver. It will be hosted at a Forest Service administrative site outside of Monte Vista, CO. More information will be provided via email to registered participants. 

Ages 16+  

This course takes place on Friday, April 24th, 2026.

This is a free training and is intended for participants of the San Luis Valley volunteer program.

A detailed email with the exact location, schedule and logistical information will be sent one month prior to the training date. If you have any questions in the meantime, please email Katie at katie@voc.org

Why it's important: Training for Crew Leadership for trails is an essential part of building the capacity for stewardship in Colorado. This is a great way to take your environmental stewardship to the next level. As a Crew Leader, you will gain an understanding of trail terminology, methodology, and fundamentals of the functionality of a trail. Crew Leaders are an key component of projects; they follow the instructions of Technical Advisors and motivate a strong team of volunteers to complete that work.

What you'll learn: Through pre-workshop preparation online, classroom sessions, field exercises and role-playing, Crew Leader Trainees will learn the fundamentals of trail maintenance, construction, restoration, and erosion control. Trainees will also learn about tools and tool safety including tool identification, carrying, use, and storage. Trainees will learn about how to assess risks to avoid injury, individual learning styles, listening skills, and conflict and dispute management. A successful Crew Leader will be able to assess the individuals that make up the crew, understand motivational types and be able to effectively communicate the components of sustainable trail maintenance to their team. By the time the course concludes, Crew Leader Trainees will know how to motivate individuals to produce the desired end results in a safe manner, while utilizing the varied skills offered. All trainees will receive a crew leader manual, access to online modules, and a set of quick reference cards for a successful and fun experience.

Where you'll be: This training will be at Castlewood Canyon State Park. The exact location of the training and a detailed schedule will be provided once you have paid for the training.

Essential Details: 

For questions or concerns please reach out to Kelly Clouse at kclouse@voc.org.

VOC offers a scholarship to cover training costs for volunteers with a commitment to the outdoors. Learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.

Becoming a chainsaw sawyer is a valuable skill and a critical way to contribute to conservation efforts across Colorado. By attending this course you will gain the skills and certification to be able to safely assist with fire mitigation, trail maintenance and other felling and bucking operations to aid in forest management.

Upgrade your outdoor stewardship skills at this exciting 3 day workshop! Whether they're used for thinning fuel loads in forests, removing invasive species, clearing blow downs or much more, chainsaws are an indispensable tool in many different natural resource and trail management applications. The focus of this 3-day workshop will be on saw safety; bucking, limbing, and felling principles and techniques; an overview of the tools of the trade as well as tool care and maintenance; hazard analysis and situational awareness; and did we mention safety (lots on saw safety!). Using the USDA Forest Service National Sawyer Training: Developing Thinking Sawyers, trainees will be recommended for certification up to a "B" skill level for felling and bucking. Please note that certification level is at the discretion of the workshop evaluator based on demonstrated field proficiency and is not guaranteed.  

This chainsaw training will take place in the San Luis Valley, which is four hours south of Denver. The classroom portion on Friday will take place in Del Norte, CO. The field portion will take place near South Fork on Forest Service land. VOC will not be hosting a basecamp for this training but dispersed camping options are available near the field site. More information will be provided via email to registered participants. 

Ages 18+  

A valid first aid/CPR certification or higher is required to validate all saw certifications. You must have this certification prior to taking this class. VOC will be hosting first aid/CPR courses in both Denver and the San Luis Valley this spring. Those certification courses can be found on the VOC training calendar. 

This course takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 1-3, 2026. It is required to attend all three days of this training. Depending on participants skill level and previous experience, there may be a chance to finish up this training early.

This training costs $150/person. To pay for the course please click here. In an effort to support the local community, this training is free to residents of the San Luis Valley who are engaged in the volunteer program. Contact Katie@voc.org if you would like to request a payment waiver.

Your spot will not be reserved until you have registered and paid for the course.

A detailed email with the exact location, schedule and logistical information will be sent one month prior to the training date. If you have any questions in the meantime, please email Katie at katie@voc.org

If you cancel your registration within 2 weeks of the training date you will not be eligible for a refund. This is because we cannot fill a spot with such short notice.

Want to put these skills to work on project? Check out these opportunities to show off your new skills!

VOC offers a scholarship to cover training costs for volunteers with a commitment to the outdoors. Learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado is teaming up with Mending Mountains Collective to offer a training on  Indigenous Environmental Stewardship. The goal of this training is for volunteers to deepen their understanding of Indigenous land stewardship practices and values, and to help foster a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative culture. Please join us on this half-day workshop, followed by a session of field practice. This day is designed to open doors for outdoor enthusiasts, conservation practitioners, and dedicated volunteers, wherever they may be in their careers and journeys, in understanding the truth and reconciliation of the lands known as Colorado. Participants will strengthen their competency around land stewardship from an Indigenous perspective.

This training is free for VOC leaders and volunteers to participate in. It is our goal to remove barriers and welcome as many folks as we can for this training. We hope that participating in this training will provide an important perspective on environmental stewardship that will have a lasting impact on VOC’s work and community. We thank you for joining us on this training and for being an active steward of Colorado’s outdoors!

This training will take place in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The training will take place from 9:00am-2:00pm MST.  Sign up for this training to receive the exact location.

Note: VOC is not providing food on this training so please bring your own lunch. 

Why it's Important: Designing sustainable trails is a complex skill that is highly useful in the world of outdoor recreation. By participating in this course you will enhance your knowledge of trails and walk away with the tools to design your own multiuse trails. Participating in this course is the first step to becoming a Technical Advisor.

What you'll learn: Learn what it takes to design a sustainable trail! Working with a team of experienced OSI Instructors, you will cover the fundamentals of trail sustainability, planning, site analysis, and design and layout. Instruction will consist of classroom-based lecture as well as field-based design practice. Trainees will also receive instruction and practice for using a clinometer and a copy of the OSI Intro to Trail Design Guide. The guide presents the trail design process in a step-by-step fashion and includes appendices and information on additional resources.

Essential Details:

 If you have questions please reach out to Kelly Clouse at kclouse@voc.org

VOC offers a scholarship to cover training costs for volunteers with a commitment to the outdoors. Learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.

Cherry Creek State Park is one of the most popular and scenic parks in the Denver metro area, known for its expansive reservoir, diverse wildlife, and beautiful open spaces. With a mix of prairie, wetlands, and cottonwood-lined trails, the park offers a peaceful natural escape just minutes from the city. It’s also a hub for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and habitat restoration. 

Volunteers will work in an area where informal foot traffic from hikers and birders has begun to impact sensitive wetlands and create conflicts with active beaver habitat.

The primary goal of this project is to construct a new crushed gravel trail that reroutes use onto a designated, sustainable path. Volunteers will also help close the existing informal trail to allow the area to recover.

The second priority is to construct fencing to delineate a wetland viewing area. Over time, this space will be enhanced with benches, viewing areas, and interpretive signage, creating a new park amenity while protecting surrounding habitat.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

Cherry Creek State Park receives around two million visits each year. Creating a designated trail and formal viewing area in this part of the park helps spread visitor use more evenly and reduces pressure on heavily used trails elsewhere. This project also provides a sustainable way for visitors to experience wetlands and wildlife, including birds and beavers, while protecting the habitat that supports them.

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.   

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate to difficult please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project. Some or all may apply: extensive digging and excavating to make way for new crusher fines trail; tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch; hauling heavy wheelbarrows.

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: The park is 2WD accessible. Depending on where we park, volunteers may be parking in one area and carpooling to the project site 

Other Notes:  The project area is fairly exposed. There are bathrooms throughout the park. The nearest bathroom to the project site may be a short drive away.

If you enjoy trail construction, you can view similar projects here.

The Dolores River stretches 241 miles from its headwaters in the San Juan National Forest through Colorado and into Utah, where it joins the Colorado River. The project will take place in either Mesa or Montrose County along the Dolores River. All sites will be easily accessible from Highway 141 and will be located between the towns of Gateway and Naturita, Colorado. The specific project site(s) will be determined at a later date based on permissions and the priorities of local land managers and landowners. 

Nearest town: Naturita, CO

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will support riverbank restoration efforts along the Dolores River through the Dolores River Restoration Partnership (DRRP). Activities will include removing invasive woody plants and herbaceous weeds, as well as assisting with a range of seeding and planting techniques to optimize site-specific re-vegetation best practices. 

During the project, sawyers will cut larger tamarisk stands, while other volunteers will use loppers to remove resprouts or drag and pile woody debris for burn or habitat piles. Once the area is cleared, trained and certified staff will apply herbicide to stumps to prevent regrowth. Volunteers will also help prepare sites for re-vegetation by removing weeds, raking debris, and prepping soil. If time allows, they may also participate in the seeding and planting of native plants.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering — and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up. 

The Dolores River is a 241-mile-long tributary of the Colorado River that passes through several special designation areas, including Wilderness Study Areas and Special Recreation Management Areas. The river supports agriculture, wildlife, and recreation, including whitewater rafting, fishing, and hiking, and is home to native fish species such as the roundtail chub, bluehead sucker, and flannelmouth sucker. 

Despite its ecological and recreational value, the Dolores River faces significant challenges. Drought, overuse, and flow regulation from McPhee Dam have led to chronically low and highly variable flows. Invasive plants, particularly tamarisk, have further degraded the river corridor by displacing native vegetation, reducing biodiversity, increasing wildfire risk, and altering natural river dynamics. Dense tamarisk stands have impaired fish and wildlife habitat, impacted wetlands, obstructed recreational access, and disrupted natural processes by armoring riverbanks, narrowing the channel, and disconnecting the floodplain. 

Efforts to remove tamarisk and restore native vegetation are critical to improving the health of this ecosystem. This work enhances both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, supporting biodiversity and benefiting the many communities and ecosystems that rely on the Dolores River.  This project will be completed in partnership with RiversEdge West.

Ages 18+ 

On this project, we need a mix of A and B certified Chainsaw Sawyers as well as volunteers that are not chainsaw certified. If you are certified, please include this in the Comments of your registration and send your certificate to the project manager. ALL SAWYERS MUST HOLD A CURRENT FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION IN ORDER TO OPERATE A SAW. Want to get certified? Visit our Training Calendar for upcoming training opportunities.  

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project (some or all may apply): pulling or cutting vegetation; working on uneven, sloped, or rough terrain; bending and stooping for long periods; carrying and hauling vegetation; possible increased exposure to allergens; working near pesticides (managed by licensed people); potential for long hike; repetitive hand motions; and working around noise and vibration (chainsaws).

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: Parking may be limited, so carpooling will be encouraged. The worksite is located within a short walk from the parking area. 

Other Notes: Cell service is nonexistent or very limited.

If you enjoy chainsaw projects, either as a certified sawyer or a support volunteer, you can view similar projects here.

You’ll be volunteering at the Village Farm at Stanley, an urban farm located next to Stanley Marketplace in northwest Aurora. This 1.5-acre farm is run by Village Exchange Center, a community-based nonprofit that supports and trains people from many cultural backgrounds.

The farm is both a working food production space and a learning environment. It is designed to grow culturally significant foods that reflect the traditions and needs of the families the Village Exchange Center serves.

Support the farm get off to a successful growing season! Volunteers will help with some of the following projects:

This work helps lay the foundation for everything the farm will produce and teach in the months ahead.

About half of the food grown at the Village Farm is shared through the Village Exchange Center’s weekly food pantry, located just a few minutes away. This fresh produce supports community members experiencing food insecurity who may not otherwise have access to culturally familiar foods.

The farm also plays a key role in the Village Exchange Center’s vocational training program. Each growing season, participants learn hands-on horticulture skills that can support future job opportunities and long-term food access.

The seedlings planted during this project have been intentionally selected to reflect the cultural backgrounds of the families who will receive the harvest.

Ages 15+   

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.   

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered easy. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): kneeling, bending, working close to the ground for extended periods, lifting or carrying soil, mulch, or plants, and exposure to insects (bees, wasps).

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: Street and lot parking is available. Volunteers will need to walk approximately 1/4 mile from their parking to the farm entrance. Volunteers can also bike along the regional trail to get there!

Other Notes: The worksite is exposed and most days gets very sunny.

This project takes place at Aurora Reservoir, a popular destination in southeast Aurora that sees about 700,000 visits each year. Volunteers will be working along the Aurora Reservoir 5K Trail, a well-used crushed gravel trail that loops through prairie, wetlands, and along the lake shoreline.

The trail is used by runners, walking groups, anglers accessing the shoreline, and participants in trail running events. It is also a certified 5K course through USA Track and Field and is regularly used for races and community events. Portions follow the paved trail surface at the park, and other areas meander through the prairie, wetlands and along the lake shore.

The 5K Trail is due for some maintenance to bring it back to good condition.

Volunteers will help resurface worn sections of trail by spreading crushed gravel to improve drainage and repair areas that have broken down over time.

As part of the work, volunteers may also:

This hands-on work will help restore the trail’s surface and protect the surrounding landscape.

Over time, worn spots, potholes, and undercut sections can create safety risks for trail users, especially bikers and runners who may not see these hazards in advance. The work completed by volunteers will help make the trail safer and more reliable for everyone who uses it.

Improving drainage and resurfacing the trail also helps prevent future erosion and reduces long-term maintenance needs. The rock turnpikes protect sensitive wetland habitat by keeping trail use contained and preventing damage to surrounding areas.

Together, these improvements support a safer, more sustainable trail that more people can enjoy year-round.

Ages 14+

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: Work will start within 300 feet of the parking lot. Volunteers may walk up to 1.5 miles to the furthest point.

If you enjoy trail maintenance projects, you can view similar projects here.

Why it's Important: Learning how to best care for Colorado's ecosystems is a valuable way to take your stewardship to the next level. This training will address a critical part of ecological restoration: beaver dam analogs. This training will help give you the tools to assess when implementing these structures is necessary and how to construct them in a safe and sustainable manner.

What You'll Learn: In this single-day workshop, you'll join a small class to receive hands-on training in constructing and maintaining beaver dam analogs. This low-tech restoration approach is highly effective at preventing environmental harm in riparian ecosystems. To assist your learning you will receive reference materials that you can keep for future projects. 

Essential Details:

Want to put these skills to work on project? Check out this opportunity to show off your new skills!

McCloskey Natural Area is shaped by Sheep Creek, a small but vital waterway that provides habitat for wildlife such as coyotes, songbirds, and the Western Tiger Salamander, Colorado’s state amphibian. Volunteers will work near the trailhead, which provides connection to both the paved, accessible Sheep Draw Trail and the soft-surface Firefly Trail—named for the native fireflies visible here on summer evenings. This area blends creekside habitat, grassland, and community trail corridors that support both wildlife and recreation.

Volunteers will help rehabilitate eroded sections of trail by building timber box steps, installing grade dips to improve drainage, and reinforcing trail edges to stabilize problem areas. Work will focus on improving trail safety, durability, and accessibility, including supporting an ADA-accessible section.

Unmanaged erosion can damage trails, degrade nearby habitat, and make routes unsafe or inaccessible for visitors. By improving drainage and stabilizing the trail, this project helps protect Sheep Creek’s sensitive riparian corridor while maintaining safe, inclusive access for the community. Thoughtful trail design reduces long-term maintenance needs and ensures this natural area can be enjoyed sustainably by both people and wildlife.

Ages 14+

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

The following are general physical considerations for this type of work. Some or all may apply: You can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move timbers, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch. Repetitive bending, lifting, and walking. You’ll be working around a 6.5-7-hour day which requires some physical stamina, but you’ll always be encouraged to take breaks as needed.

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

Why it's important:  Rock work is an essential part of outdoor stewardship and building sustainable trails. When done properly, projects with rock work can last much longer and be more effective at preventing erosion and keeping trail users safe. In this Saturday workshop, you'll have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, including OSI Instructors who have been building and maintaining trails for decades. 

What you'll learn: This skills training will explore several basic concepts of rock structures and appropriate applications for multi-use trails. We will practice building commonly used structures, and trainees will come away with an enhanced ability to assess trails for practical rock work solutions. Some topics include armoring, constructing a mono-wall, and more! This training is in-person but also has an online component to be completed prior to the training.

Where you'll be: This training will take place at Garden of the Gods, near Colorado Springs. The exact location of the training and a detailed schedule will be provided once you have paid for the training.

Essential Details: 

Want to put these skills to work on project? Check out these opportunities to show off your new skills!

VOC offers a scholarship to cover training costs for volunteers with a commitment to the outdoors. Learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.

Why it's important: Training for Crew Leadership for trails is an essential part of building the capacity for stewardship in Colorado. This is a great way to take your environmental stewardship to the next level. As a Crew Leader, you will gain an understanding of trail terminology, methodology, and fundamentals of the functionality of a trail. Crew Leaders are an key component of projects; they follow the instructions of Technical Advisors and motivate a strong team of volunteers to complete that work.

What you'll learn: Through pre-workshop preparation online, classroom sessions, field exercises and role-playing, Crew Leader Trainees will learn the fundamentals of trail maintenance, construction, restoration, and erosion control. Trainees will also learn about tools and tool safety including tool identification, carrying, use, and storage. Trainees will learn about how to assess risks to avoid injury, individual learning styles, listening skills, and conflict and dispute management. A successful Crew Leader will be able to assess the individuals that make up the crew, understand motivational types and be able to effectively communicate the components of sustainable trail maintenance to their team. By the time the course concludes, Crew Leader Trainees will know how to motivate individuals to produce the desired end results in a safe manner, while utilizing the varied skills offered. All trainees will receive a crew leader manual, access to online modules, and a set of quick reference cards for a successful and fun experience.

Where you'll be: This training will be in the City of Ouray. The exact location of the training and a detailed schedule will be provided once you have paid for the training.

Essential Details: 

For questions or concerns please reach out to Kelly Clouse at kclouse@voc.org

VOC offers a scholarship to cover training costs for volunteers with a commitment to the outdoors. Learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.

Becoming a crosscut sawyer is a valuable skill and a critical way to contribute to conservation efforts across Colorado. Trail maintenance in wilderness areas is largely becoming a matter of clearing dead or downed trees from the trail corridor but crosscutting is also a useful skill to harvest raw materials for backcountry trail projects, such as bridge construction. By attending this course, you will gain the skills and certification to safely and effectively utilize wilderness-approved, crosscut saws.

Upgrade your outdoor stewardship skills at this exciting 2-day workshop! In this training, you will learn crosscut saw techniques, procedures, and best practices for safely and effectively clearing trails in challenging situations. The course will also cover basic tool care and maintenance and include a mix of classroom learning, and hands-on field experience. Using the USDA Forest Service National Sawyer Training: Developing Thinking Sawyers, trainees will be recommended for certification up to a "B" skill level for bucking. This course does not include felling. Please note that certification level is at the discretion of the workshop evaluator based on demonstrated field proficiency and is not guaranteed.  

This crosscut training will take place in the San Luis Valley, which is four hours south of Denver. The classroom portion on Saturday will take place in Del Norte, CO. The field portion will take place near South Fork on Forest Service land. VOC will not be hosting a basecamp for this training but dispersed camping options are available near the field site. More information will be provided via email to registered participants. 

Ages 18+  

A valid first aid/CPR certification or higher is required to validate all saw certifications. You must have this certification prior to taking this class. VOC will be hosting first aid/CPR courses in both Denver and the San Luis Valley this spring. Those certification courses can be found on the VOC training calendar. 

This course takes place on Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, 2026. It is required to attend both days of this training.

This training costs $60/person. To pay for the course please click here. In an effort to support the local community, this training is free to residents of the San Luis Valley who are engaged in the volunteer program. Contact Katie@voc.org if you would like to request a payment waiver.

Your spot will not be reserved until you have registered and paid for the course.

A detailed email with the exact location, schedule and logistical information will be sent one month prior to the training date. If you have any questions in the meantime, please email Katie at katie@voc.org

If you cancel your registration within 2 weeks of the training date you will not be eligible for a refund. This is because we cannot fill a spot with such short notice.

Want to put these skills to work on a project? Check out this opportunity to show off your new skills!

VOC offers a scholarship to cover training costs for volunteers with a commitment to the outdoors. Learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.

Join Loveland Youth Gardeners in helping to prep their garden beds for the season! Helping this small non-profit team wake up the farm for the Spring will allow them to focus more efforts on their main mission: teaching kids outdoors. A variety of tasks are available to make this project family-friendly and ADA accessible.

Volunteers will help prepare garden beds for the season ahead. Tasks may include planting, turning compost, transplanting seedlings, tilling soil, and other general garden prep work. There will be a range of activities available, so volunteers can choose what feels comfortable for them.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

This farm is the primary site for Loveland Youth Gardeners’ programming, where they provide nature-based education and horticultural therapy for about 150 youth each year.

The space also supports community events and projects, welcoming nearly 1,000 additional visitors annually.

Much of the produce grown here is shared with local community organizations, helping address food insecurity in the Loveland area. By volunteering on this project, you are supporting youth education, community well-being, and local food access all in one place.

Ages 10+

All youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered easy. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: Volunteers will walk across a short, flat field (approx. 2 minutes) from the parking area to the farm

If you enjoy urban gardening/farm projects, you can view similar projects here.

Located southwest of Golden in the foothills, Lookout Mountain rises to 7,377 feet, making it the tallest peak in the area. Its name comes from the Ute Indian Tribe, who once used it as a lookout point. Whether you're into biking, hiking, or a scenic drive near Denver, Lookout Mountain offers something for everyone. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days prior to the project.

Nearest town: Golden, CO 

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will help perform critical trail maintenance tasks on this weekday project. Open to volunteers ages 16+, there will be something for everyone. Tasks may include clearing the trail corridor by trimming overgrown vegetation to keep paths open and safe, maintaining drainage by removing debris and improving water flow to prevent erosion, and repairing the tread to smooth and reinforce the trail surface for a safer and more durable path.

This is a great opportunity for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse plant habitat in this popular natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Ages 16+

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: This project will include hiking, bending over to pick up heavy objects, stretching to reach objects, and strenuous activities such as swinging tools.

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions - 2WD accessible

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

DEN Open Space is a 585 acre park in Northeast Denver, situated in between the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge and DEN Airport. The park offers nature access and recreation opportunities for folks in the Montbello and Green Valley Ranch neighborhoods. The property is home to a lively prairie dog population, incredible cottonwood gallery, First Creek waterway and trail, and a beautiful but disturbed prairie ecosystem.

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

This project will take place on roughly the first 50 acres of the park north of the parking lot and 56th Avenue, along Buckley Road. This area has a high number of invasive plants, also called noxious weeds (Common Mullein, Scotch and Musk Thistle and has been a primary focus of the Denver Parks and Recreation Open Space team the past 2 seasons).

These plants are not native to Colorado and spread quickly, crowding out native plants. Volunteers will help remove young weed plants by hand pulling or digging them out. These young plants grow close to the ground in a circular shape, called a rosette, and are easiest to remove in the spring. Staff will show you how to identify the plants and demonstrate safe removal techniques. No experience is needed.

Removing these young plants prevents them from growing larger and producing seeds, which helps stop them from spreading. This gives native plants more space, water, and sunlight to grow. Healthier native plant communities support wildlife and improve the look and long-term health of the park for everyone who visits.

Ages 10+

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered easy; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical activity may include some or all of the following: pulling or cutting vegetation, working on uneven or sloped terrain, bending and stooping for extended periods, carrying and hauling vegetation, possible exposure to allergens, potential for a long off-trail walk, and repetitive hand motions.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions - 2WD accessible

Other Notes: The walk to the furthest point of the work area will be a 10-15 minute walk on a trail.

If you enjoy noxious weed removal projects, you can view similar projects here.

Nestled near the University of Denver campus, Observatory Park is a charming green space that blends history with recreation. Home to DU's historic Chamberlin Observatory, the park features century-old trees, an expansive playground, and open fields perfect for picnics or a friendly game of frisbee. 

Join us for a fun and meaningful way to give back to your community! Volunteers ages 8 and up will help plant a vibrant vegetable garden in Observatory Park.    

Guided by Grow Local Colorado staff, you’ll learn what vegetables are being planted and why, as well as how to strategically place each plant to ensure optimal growth and productivity. Whether you're a gardening pro or a complete beginner, this is a great opportunity to gain new skills, ask questions about your own garden, or get inspired to start one for the first time. 

As a bonus, participants may be able to take home extra seeds and seedlings, while supplies last! 

The vegetables planted will be harvested in the fall and donated to local food banks, homeless shelters, and families in need, addressing food insecurity in our community. Through this partnership with Grow Local Colorado, you'll help foster a more connected community, showcase the beauty and benefits of edible gardens, inspire others to grow their own food, and support a more sustainable food system by reducing the carbon footprint of food production and distribution. 

Ages 8+   

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.   

A Denver Parks & Rec waiver is also required. 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered easy, please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating on this project. Some or all may apply: kneeling, bending, and working close to the ground for extended periods.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: Street parking is within a 5–10-minute walk to the project site. This project may be accessible via public transit for you or accessible via bike!

If you enjoy urban gardening/farm projects, you can view similar projects here.

The Colorado Governor's Mansion, located in the heart of Denver's Capitol Hill neighborhood, is a member of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Originally built as a private residence in 1908, it was given to the State of Colorado as an executive residence in 1959. In 2011, Governor Hickenlooper donated the plants that would become the First Family's Giving Garden, planted by Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado with Grow Local Colorado.  

This is an easy and rewarding way to get outside and give back to your community. Volunteers ages 8+ will have the opportunity to help plant the veggie gardens at the Governor's Mansion.

Grow Local Colorado staff will lead the day's activities and share with volunteers what vegetables will be planted and why, as well as help volunteers understand where each plant will go in the garden to ensure optimal growth and productivity. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their questions about their own home gardens, or you can use this opportunity to learn how to start one for the first time!

Participants may have the opportunity to take home extra seeds and seedlings, while supplies last!

The produce that will be planted will mature in the fall and be donated to local organizations including food banks, homeless shelters, and families in need. This partnership with Grow Local Colorado creates a more connected community; demonstrates the beauty and efficacy of edible gardens; inspires residents to plant their own vegetable gardens; and contributes to a more sustainable food chain by reducing our carbon footprint.

Ages 8+

All youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.

Background checks will be required for all volunteers and staff in attendance. The checks will need to be completed about two weeks in advance of the event date, and they must be hand-signed with black pen and then emailed to the VOC Project Manager. No electronic signatures will be accepted.

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered easy, please check our difficulty rating criteria, here, for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project. Some or all may apply: kneeling, bending, and working close to the ground for extended periods.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: Street parking is within a 5–10-minute walk to the project site. This project may be accessible via public transit for you or accessible via bike!

Christ the King Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has a proud history in the Harvey Park neighborhood of Southwest Denver dating back to its founding in 1956. The congregation was originally rooted in the rapid growth of the neighborhood in the late 1950s. They have partnered with Grow Local Colorado since 2018 and their plot is a wonderful example of how productive sheet mulch gardening can be. 

This is an easy and rewarding way to get outside and give back to your community. Volunteers ages 8+ will have the opportunity to help plant the vegetable gardens at Christ the King Church. 

Grow Local Colorado staff will lead the day's activities and share with volunteers what vegetables will be planted and why, as well as help volunteers understand where each plant will go in the garden to ensure optimal growth and productivity. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their questions about their own home gardens, or you can use this opportunity to learn how to start one for the first time! 

Participants may have the opportunity to take home extra seeds and seedlings, while supplies last! 

The produce that will be planted will mature in the fall and be donated to local organizations including food banks, homeless shelters, and families in need. This partnership with Grow Local Colorado creates a more connected community; demonstrates the beauty and efficacy of edible gardens; inspires residents to plant their own vegetable gardens; and contributes to a more sustainable food chain by reducing our carbon footprint. 

Ages 8+   

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.   

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered easy, please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating on this project. Some or all may apply: kneeling, bending, and working close to the ground for extended periods.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: Parking is right next to the garden. This project may be accessible via public transit for you or accessible via bike!

If you enjoy urban gardening/farm projects, you can view similar projects here.

Community Ministry is a social service organization, food/clothing pantry, and community resource that has been meeting the basic needs of individuals experiencing economic hardships and related problems in the Ruby Hill neighborhood since the 1960s. Grow Local Colorado and Community Ministry have been partnering since 2012 to ensure low-income residents in southwest Denver have access to healthy food choices.

This is a rewarding way to get outside and give back to your community. Volunteers ages 8+ will have the opportunity to help plant the vegetable gardens at Community Ministry. 

Grow Local Colorado staff will lead the day's activities, share with volunteers which vegetables will be planted and why, and help them understand where each plant will go in the garden to ensure optimal growth and productivity. Volunteers are encouraged to bring questions about their own home gardens, or use this opportunity to learn how to start one for the first time!  Participants may have the opportunity to take home extra seeds and seedlings, while supplies last!

The produce that will be planted will mature in the fall and be donated to local organizations, including food banks, homeless shelters, and families in need. This partnership with Grow Local Colorado creates a more connected community, demonstrates the beauty and efficacy of edible gardens, inspires residents to plant their own vegetable gardens, and contributes to a more sustainable food chain by reducing our carbon footprint.

Ages 8+

All youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered easy. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): kneeling, bending, and working close to the ground for extended periods.

Accessibility Factors:

Vehicle Access: Public street parking available within a 5-10 minute walk to the project site. This project is accessible via RTD public transit or bike.

Located in Denver’s charming Platt Park neighborhood, Harvard Gulch Park is a community favorite, offering something for everyone. Spanning several blocks, the park features running paths, volleyball courts, an outdoor pool, a 9-hole golf course, and the Harvard Gulch Recreation Center. 

Enjoy a fun and fulfilling way to connect with your community and the outdoors! Volunteers ages 8 and up will help plant the vegetable gardens at Harvard Gulch Park, contributing to a beautiful and productive space that benefits both the park and the local community. 

Led by Grow Local Colorado staff, you’ll learn which vegetables are being planted and why, along with how to place each plant for optimal growth and productivity. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a first-timer, this is a great chance to gain new skills, ask questions about your own garden, or find inspiration to start one. 

As a bonus, participants may have the opportunity to take home extra seeds and seedlings—while supplies last! 

The vegetables planted will be harvested in the fall and donated to local food banks, homeless shelters, and families in need, addressing food insecurity in our community. Through this partnership with Grow Local Colorado, you'll help foster a more connected community, showcase the beauty and benefits of edible gardens, inspire others to grow their own food, and support a more sustainable food system by reducing the carbon footprint of food production and distribution. 

Ages 8+   

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.   

Denver Parks & Rec waiver is also required. 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered easy, please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project. Some or all may apply: kneeling, bending, and working close to the ground for extended periods.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: Street parking is within a 5–10-minute walk to the project site. This project may be accessible via public transit for you or accessible via bike!

If you enjoy urban gardening/farm projects, you can view similar projects here.

Why it's important: This training is only for woman identifying volunteers and intended to be a safe space for building skills and community. On this training we will go over essential skills for trail construction including some rock work and proper tool mechanics. In this Saturday workshop, you'll have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, including female OSI Instructors who have been building and maintaining trails for decades. 

What you'll learn: This skills training will explore several concepts such as trail construction and rock structures that are appropriate for multi-use trails. Trainees will come away with an enhanced ability to assess trails for practical rock work solutions and preventing erosion.

Where you'll be: This training will be in near Jamestown, Colorado. The exact location of the training and a detailed schedule will be provided about two weeks prior to the training.

Essential Details: 

Join us on our Celebrating Women in Trails: Hidden Valley Trail Construction @ Boulder project on September 12!

Known as the "Switzerland of America" and the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado," Ouray is a breathtaking destination nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. This unique volunteer opportunity offers a chance to explore one of Colorado’s most stunning landscapes.

The Uncompahgre River Walk is a 2-mile loop trail that follows the Uncompahgre River at the north end of town. Users enjoy the peacefulness of the nearby flowing river and views of the waterfalls. This trail is open to hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers in the winter.

The Uncompahgre River Walk trail is a crushed-gravel trail in need of maintenance. Volunteers will spread crushed gravel with rakes along about 300 feet of trail and tamp it down to ensure proper compaction. This work will revitalize the trail and make it more enjoyable to walk on. In addition, volunteers will restore 2,600 feet of old fencing that delineates public from private property.

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering — and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

Resurfacing the trail with fresh crushed gravel improves the trail's quality by smoothing areas that have worn down and are now prone to drainage issues. It will ultimately provide a cleaner, smoother surface that will offer all foot traffic a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. The restored fencing will improve the demarcation between public and private land, keeping users in the proper area.

Ages 16+

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Physical Considerations: 

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; shoveling and raking material; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, carry tools, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: The project site will be a 1/4-to 1/2-mile walk or a quick drive from the campsite. Restrooms will be nearby.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! 

Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

If you enjoy trail maintenance projects, you can view similar projects here.

You’ll be exploring a variety of natural areas and open spaces throughout Greeley, CO, where a mix of prairie, riparian corridors, and garden habitats support a diverse community of native pollinators. Pollinators provide essential ecological benefits at both local and global scales, and understanding which species are present (or missing!)—and the plants they rely on—helps us assess ecosystem health from the ground up. As you move through these spaces, you’ll get to observe pollinators in their natural context and learn how local plant–pollinator relationships can guide community science and land management decisions. 

On the training day, you will learn how to identify common pollinators and the plants they depend on, with practical in-field techniques guided by a Butterfly Pavilion protocol. After the training, volunteers will participate independently by completing brief surveys at assigned sites. Surveys occur once per month for the remainder of the monitoring season, ensuring consistent data collection.  Training Date: Sunday, May 31st  Monitoring Duration: May – November 

Pollinators are foundational to the health of Colorado’s ecosystems. Information collected through this program helps land managers and decision-makers understand which species are present, what pressures they face, and how best to support and interact with them. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages xx+: 16+ 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered easy; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.  Physical Considerations: Exposure to sun and outdoor elements, Exposure to insects (bees, wasps), Potential for long hike. While this is not a strenuous project, volunteers should be prepared for walking on uneven terrain, through high grass, past thorny plants, and in possibly muddy conditions.   

Access Factors:   

Vehicle Access:  No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible

Fillius Park is situated just north of Evergreen near Highway I-70 and offers great hiking and picnicking opportunities near Denver. The park is also home to one of the most important structures in the entire Denver Mountain Parks system. The stone shelter was constructed in 1918 by Denver architect J.J. Benedict. The park also boasts two roads that loop the park, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days prior to the project.

Help perform critical trail maintenance tasks on this weekday project!

Open to volunteers ages 16+, tasks may include:

This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse plant habitats in this natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details

Physical Considerations: You can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch. 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

Why it's important: Training for Crew Leadership for trails is an essential part of building the capacity for stewardship in Colorado. This is a great way to take your environmental stewardship to the next level. As a Crew Leader, you will gain an understanding of trail terminology, methodology, and fundamentals of the functionality of a trail. Crew Leaders are an key component of projects; they follow the instructions of Technical Advisors and motivate a strong team of volunteers to complete that work.

What you'll learn: Through pre-workshop preparation online, classroom sessions, field exercises and role-playing, Crew Leader Trainees will learn the fundamentals of trail maintenance, construction, restoration, and erosion control. Trainees will also learn about tools and tool safety including tool identification, carrying, use, and storage. Trainees will learn about how to assess risks to avoid injury, individual learning styles, listening skills, and conflict and dispute management. A successful Crew Leader will be able to assess the individuals that make up the crew, understand motivational types and be able to effectively communicate the components of sustainable trail maintenance to their team. By the time the course concludes, Crew Leader Trainees will know how to motivate individuals to produce the desired end results in a safe manner, while utilizing the varied skills offered. All trainees will receive a crew leader manual, access to online modules, and a set of quick reference cards for a successful and fun experience.

Where you'll be: This training will be at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The exact location of the training and a detailed schedule will be provided once you have paid for the training.

Essential Details: 

For questions or concerns please reach out to Kelly Clouse at kclouse@voc.org.

VOC offers a scholarship to cover training costs for volunteers with a commitment to the outdoors. Learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.

Why it's important: Noxious weeds represent a huge threat to all ecosystems across Colorado and are a huge challenge in the field of conservation. Learning how to control, mitigate, and safely treat noxious weeds is a valuable skill to make key contributions to environmental stewardship.

What you'll Learn: This training focuses on how to manage weeds on public lands. We will cover how to identify, inventory, map, and treat noxious weeds. There is also emphasis on the appropriate treatment protocol for individual species. There is also time dedicated to identifying common "look a likes" that can be mistaken as noxious weeds.

Want to put these skills to work on project? Check out these opportunities to show off your new skills!

Bringing a child, youth group, or signing up as a family?

Please follow this step-by-step guide to register as a team. It’s quick and helps us get all the info we need.

Sprout City Farms is an urban agriculture nonprofit organization based in Denver, CO, founded in 2010 by farmers, educators, researchers, business leaders, and community members. The organization works to increase food access and community resilience by farming underutilized urban land. Its farms serve as spaces for education, health, food justice advocacy, ecological stewardship, and neighborhood connection.

Volunteers will support work at the Denver Green School Community Farm (DGS), a one-acre organic vegetable farm established in 2011 in partnership with Denver Public Schools. This spring volunteer day will focus on garden bed preparation and planting.

Tasks may include: 

Tasks will vary and are suitable for a range of ages and experience levels.

The Denver Green School Community Farm supports a Title I public pre-K through 8 school that focuses on sustainability and serves surrounding neighborhoods. The farm produces an average of 10,000 to 12,000 pounds of food each year, with about half going toward food access efforts. Produce supports the school cafeteria, families, and community members, a donation-based Youth Farm Stand run by 6th-grade interns, cooking classes, the school food pantry, and special school events.

Ages 8+ 

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.   

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered Easy. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations: Tasks may include kneeling, bending, working close to the ground for extended periods, lifting or carrying soil, mulch, or plants, and being outdoors in the sun and weather.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: Public street parking available within a 5-10 minute walk to the project site. This project is accessible via RTD public transit or by bike!

Other Notes: Restrooms, handwashing station, picnic tables, and shade structure available at or near the worksite.

If you enjoy urban gardening/farm projects, you can view similar projects here.

The BLM’s Pronghorn trail system, totaling 9.5 miles of purpose-built single track trails, was constructed in the summer of 2016. The natural surface trails are rated intermediate to advanced for mountain bikers but are also frequented by hikers and equestrians.

For visitors, this trail has long, mostly gradual climbs and descents. The area has a mix of rock features, canyons, and big vistas of San Francisco Creek, the San Luis Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range. Designed as one large loop, the climbs and descents are longer than many in the area and also has some excellent lower watershed features. Mule deer, elk, falcons, hawks, and other bird species, desert flowers, grasses and reptiles inhabit the area.

Nearest town: Del Norte

The exact location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project. 

Join fellow volunteers for a weekend in the San Luis Valley, giving some love to one of the valley's favorite, local trail systems.

The work will include general maintenance tasks such as tread, corridor and drainage work. This trail is especially popular with mountain bikers, and some sections will also include handcrafting new mountain bike features! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trail builder, there’s a role for everyone. Expect about a one mile hike to reach the work site.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

Trails need maintenance once they are constructed to minimize soil erosion, to keep obstacles off them, and to keep them well defined so users can easily follow them. Even sustainably built trails need maintenance over time.

With limited resources from land management agencies, volunteers and local organizations are tasked with maintaining the local trail systems we love so dearly. This work will ensure the Pronghorn trail system continues to provide the intended user experience while keeping people, wildlife, and habitats safe.

What's to love about this project? 

Ages: 16+  

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Project Difficulty:  

This project is considered moderate to difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Accessibility Factors:  

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible  

Other Notes: Tent camping OK. Car and Van camping OK. Large vehicles or tow-behinds may be accommodated, please contact Katie (katie@voc.org) to confirm availability. This project is at 8200 ft. elevation. Portable toilets and potable water will be available at camp.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! 

Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

If you enjoy trail construction projects, you can view similar projects here.

This training is designed to give you deeper knowledge into sustainable forestry management. As Colorado's climate changes, our forests face new challenges. This training gives you an introduction on how to manage our forests to be resilient and sustainable. Whether you are a sawyer, experienced volunteer, land owner, or land manager, this training will add lots to your toolbelt! 

This training will cover topics such as: climate change resilience, forest density, wildfire prevention, and pine beetle management. 

This training will take place in Evergreen, Colorado on Saturday, June 13. You must be present in-person to attend this training. This training will be a mix of classroom and field-based learning.

Want to put what you learn in this training to work? Join us for a forestry project this season! Both chainsaw certified and non-chainsaw certified volunteers are welcome.

You’ll be volunteering at First Creek on the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado first worked at this site in 2017 while helping build the First Creek Trail, marking VOC’s 1,000th stewardship project. VOC returned in 2024 for a native planting project. This project brings volunteers back to restore an underused area of the refuge and support improved access for nearby Montbello and Green Valley Ranch neighborhoods. The work area is also within view of the historic bald eagle nest that helped inspire the creation of the Refuge.

Volunteers will remove invasive plant species along First Creek, a tributary of the South Platte River. The goal is to support healthy riparian, wetland, and shrub habitat across about 1.5 acres. Target species for removal include curly dock, mullein, musk thistle, Canada thistle, and tumble mustard.

This work improves wildlife habitat and enhances the overall visitor experience at the Refuge. It also supports nearby communities by improving access to outdoor space and contributing to local health and well-being.

Previous restoration efforts in this area have already helped reduce flooding during storms and allowed native cottonwood saplings to naturally establish, which would not have happened otherwise.

Ages 10+ 

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.   

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered easy; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical activity may include some or all of the following: pulling or cutting vegetation, working on uneven or sloped terrain, bending and stooping for extended periods, carrying and hauling vegetation, possible exposure to allergens, potential for a long off-trail walk, and repetitive hand motions.

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: 2WD vehicles can access the work site  

Other Notes: Cell service is spotty but usually available. Volunteers will park at the Visitor Center, and park staff will shuttle people to the project site (about a 15-minute drive) since it is off the usual Wildlife Scenic Drive; multiple van trips may be necessary for all volunteers.  There will be a port-a-potty on site.

If you enjoy noxious weed removal projects, you can view similar projects here.

Castlewood Canyon State Park, located southeast of the Denver Metro area, is known for its dramatic canyon landscape, layered rock formations, and connections to Colorado history. Trails crisscross the canyon’s rim and floor, offering hiking opportunities with views of the canyon, nearby mountains, and the rolling hills of Parker and Franktown. Volunteers will work along the Creek Bottom Trail, a two-mile trail that follows Cherry Creek from the north end of the canyon to the historic ruins of Castlewood Dam.

This trail provides access to Cherry Creek Falls, one of the park’s most visited destinations. In 2023, a major flood event caused significant erosion through the canyon. Portions of the trail were washed away, including a cliffside section that is no longer safe for public use.

To address this, the park is building a new reroute of approximately one-quarter mile to restore safe access through the area. Volunteers will help construct 700 to 800 feet of the new trail reroute. Work will include new trail construction and substantial rock work, with a focus on building rock steps.

This project offers a chance to practice trail construction skills while contributing to a high-priority repair in a heavily used state park.

This reroute will vastly improve visitor safety and experience by ensuring a long-term safe and sustainable route along the Creek Bottom Trail. This reroute will also move the trail away from an area prone to erosion. This project is a good opportunity to have a variety of trail construction skill levels and help build a high-priority reroute in a highly visited park.

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate to difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible.

Other Notes: Volunteers will hike about a quarter of a mile from the parking lot to the project's site. Restrooms are available in the parking lot.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

If you enjoy trail construction projects, you can view similar projects here.

Located just west of Denver and Morrison, Corwina Park spans 298 acres of protected open space within Bear Creek Canyon. The popular Panorama Point Trail is a 1.2-mile hike leading to a stunning overlook with panoramic views stretching west toward Mount Blue Sky, overlooking Kittredge and Evergreen. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days before the project.

Help perform critical trail maintenance tasks on this weekday project! Open to volunteers ages 16+, there will be something for everyone, from maintaining drainage structures to constructing new steps, providing a great opportunity to explore a natural area close to Denver and give back to your public lands.

Please note this project requires hiking about 45 minutes to the project site.

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse plant habitat in this beloved natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details

Physical Considerations:   You can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch. 

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

Why it's important:  Rock work is an essential part of outdoor stewardship and building sustainable trails. When done properly, projects with rock work can last much longer and be more effective at preventing erosion and keeping trail users safe. In this Saturday workshop, you'll have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, including OSI Instructors who have been building and maintaining trails for decades. 

What you'll learn: This skills training will explore several basic concepts of rock structures and appropriate applications for multi-use trails. We will practice building commonly used structures, and trainees will come away with an enhanced ability to assess trails for practical rock work solutions. Some topics include armoring, constructing a mono-wall, and more! This training is in-person but also has an online component to be completed prior to the training.

Where you'll be: This training will take place at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, near Golden Colorado. The exact location of the training and a detailed schedule will be provided once you have paid for the training.

Essential Details: 

Want to put these skills to work on project? Check out these opportunities to show off your new skills!

VOC offers a scholarship to cover training costs for volunteers with a commitment to the outdoors. Learn more and apply here. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.

Red Rocks Park, known for its remarkable landscape of red sandstone outcroppings, is a true Colorado landmark. It's a world-famous concert venue and home to awe-inspiring hiking and biking trails perfect for exploring the geology, forests, wildflowers, and wildlife, with views of Denver and beyond. The park's trail system provides access to some of the most spectacular views of Denver and the Front Range.

Help construct a new trail reroute on the Geologic Overlook Trail at the famous Red Rocks Park! Due to its proximity to Denver, trails at Red Rocks see unprecedented foot traffic. The section of new trail that volunteers will help construct will help keep users on the correct trail and off of surrounding delicate plant species, as well as make it more sustainable and mitigating future erosion issues.

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse flora and fauna in this natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: You can expect to bend down, pick up objects, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and/or stretch.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

Button Rock Preserve is a 3,000-acre nature preserve outside of Lyons that protects the primary drinking water source for more than 110,000 Boulder County residents. The area supports passive recreation like hiking, rock climbing, and fishing along North St. Vrain Creek, Longmont Reservoir, and Ralph Price Reservoir. Volunteers will work in a scenic, high-use recreation area while helping care for an important community resource.

Nearest town: Lyons

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will support trail restoration work along the South Cove Trail at Button Rock Preserve.

The focus is on approximately 720 feet of trail that is severely undercut and collapsing into the reservoir, creating safety, access, and water quality concerns. Tasks may include defining trail tread, improving drainage for water to flow off the trail, building small reroutes, and assisting with retaining wall construction to stabilize eroding sections. This is a technical trail project in steep terrain and requires focused, hands-on work.

South Cove Trail’s condition directly affects visitor safety, water quality, and access within a high-use recreation area. Restoring this trail segment will reduce erosion into the reservoir, improve safety for hikers, and support long-term stewardship and infrastructure resilience at Button Rock Preserve. 

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday.

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper!

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen!

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

- Ages: 16+  

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered Difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations:  

This work may include kneeling, bending, and working close to the ground for extended periods; exposure to sun and outdoor elements; exposure to insects such as bees and wasps; carrying and placing heavy materials like rocks and logs; digging and shoveling; and working near water with potentially muddy or slippery footing. Volunteers should be prepared for a 6.5 to 7-hour workday that requires physical stamina, with breaks encouraged as needed.

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible  

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Why it's important: This training will go over essential skills for advanced trail work including turnpikes, rock structures, and timber steps. Building sustainable climbing turns is an essential part of outdoor stewardship and building sustainable trails. When done properly, projects with rock and timber can last much longer and be more effective at preventing erosion and keeping trail users safe. In this Friday workshop, you'll have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, including OSI Instructors who have been building and maintaining trails for decades. 

 This training is designed to prepare volunteers for the Hogback Trail Reroute @ Granby project on June 27-28.

What you'll learn: This skills training will explore several advanced concepts such as climbing turns, retaining walls, and steep trail construction. Trainees will come away with an enhanced ability to construct sustainable trails.

Where you'll be: This training will be in near Granby Colorado. The exact location of the training and a detailed schedule will be provided once you have paid for the training.

Essential Details: 

For questions or concerns please reach out to Benjamin Kromash at ben@voc.org

Spanning nearly 500,000 acres in southwest Colorado, the Weminuche Wilderness is three-quarters the size of Rhode Island and the state's largest Wilderness area. On this project, you'll be camped out in the front country of the Rio Grande National Forest near the Rio Grande Reservoir, and will hike into the neighboring Wilderness each day to complete project work.

The Weminuche (pronounced wim-in-ooch) spans the Continental Divide, North America's geological backbone, with its headwaters diverted to both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Eolus, Sunlight, and Windom peaks rise above 14,000 feet, while many others reach above 13,000 feet. With an average elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level, the Weminuche is rugged country, but its ecosystems are fragile. Volunteers will spend the weekend enjoying the breathtaking beauty of some of Colorado’s most picturesque alpine views during this project.

Nearest town: Creed, CO 81130

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will be in a group of 3-4 sawyers and will spend each day hiking the trails into the Weminuche Wilderness and logging out the trail on the way back down to basecamp.

Why crosscut saws?

Crosscut saws are a traditional tool that carry a long history of work on the land in our country, and have made a modern resurgence as the tool of choice for clearing fallen trees on trails in federally designated Wilderness areas, where workers cannot use mechanized equipment.

But it's not just about policy: using traditional tools allows us the opportunity to experience the quiet, solitude and characteristics of more remote areas, as well as become attuned to the characteristics of trees themselves.

Crosscut sawyers often talk about how they enjoy the experience of hearing the fibers of trees pop and crack as cuts are made. We welcome you to give crosscut sawing a try, not only to experience for yourself the use of a fun and powerful traditional tool, but to also allow yourself to spend time in nature in a way that perhaps you have not before. No experience is necessary to attend this project as a volunteer, a certified sawyer will be leading each cutting group.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Friday and Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Thursday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available Thursday - Sunday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Thursday if participating in the work on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

Wilderness trails on the Rio Grande National Forest are becoming increasingly inaccessible (and dangerous) to hikers and equestrians due to the falling dead Engelmann spruce trees in the area. The U.S. Forest Service cannot keep up with the demand for keeping the trails clear, making volunteers an increasingly critical asset to assist the Forest Service in keeping these Wilderness trails open and accessible to the public.

On this project, we need six B-certified crosscut sawyers. A-certified and non-certified volunteers will be able to cut under the supervision of B Sawyers. If you are certified, please include this in the comments of your registration.

Interested in getting certified? Visit our Training Calendar to view upcoming training opportunities.

This project is considered difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: This project will include hiking 4-5 miles each day up steep grade trails, at high elevation. Volunteers will need to carry all their supplies for the day and potentially a small tool for their group.  Working in the wilderness isn’t easy! Using a crosscut saw requires repeated cross body arm movement, often in a kneeling position. work will also include rolling or lifting heavy tree sections to clear them off the trail.

Vehicle Access: 2WD dirt road.

Other Notes: Tent camping OK. Car and Van camping OK. Large vehicles or tow-behinds may be accommodated, please contact Katie (katie@voc.org) to confirm availability. This project will be at 9500 ft. elevation. Vault toilets and potable water will be available at camp.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling!  Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

On this project, you'll join us just outside of Granby to work on a rare trail system reserved for hikers and equestrians. Unlike many nearby trails, this landscape does not allow off-highway vehicles or mountain bikes, because the BLM has designated it as part of the Headwaters Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA), which aims to prioritize resource protection and low-impact recreation. 

Although impacted by the East Troublesome Wildfire in 2020, the area remains a meaningful destination for outdoor recreation. The hike to the worksite is moderately challenging and offers scenic views without wearing you out before the workday begins. This project is close to the town of Granby, Grand Lake, and the town of Hot Sulfur Springs.

In 2025, VOC and BLM partnered on a successful weekend project to install tread-stability structures along the first mile of the trail up to the hogback summit. On the west side of the Hogback, trail users have created a steep shortcut that abandons the original alignment and is unsafe and unsuitable for equestrian use. One of the primary goals of the Headwaters ERMA is to provide safe hiking and equestrian access for the general public.

VOC volunteers will help expand, define, and finish the reroute. This project offers a hands-on opportunity to learn introductory trail construction skills while contributing to a long-term solution.

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up. 

The Headwaters ERMA area has very few official access points and the Hogback Trail in its current condition is not sustainable or safe for users. Improvement of this trail will allow greater access by the public and other user groups to access this spectacular recreational opportunity in a more safe manner.  

The Hogback Trail and surrounding ERMA are located within the East Troublesome wildfire burn scar, where soil degradation and erosion remain ongoing concerns. The BLM's Kremmling Field Office is working to stabilize damaged trail segments and restore this area to a higher standard than before the fire. Your work directly supports those efforts.

Ages 16+ 

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. 

This project is considered moderate to difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project. Some or all may apply: moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.    

Vehicle Access: Parking is available and accessible to all vehicle types. The worksite will be a 5 minute drive from the campsite. 

Other Notes: The worksite will be a 1 mile hike from the trailhead. There is cell service at the site. While the project takes place below tree line, it is located within the East Troublesome burn scar so the area is very exposed.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

Want to learn more about the trail maintenance techniques you will use on this project? Join us for a Trail Skills training in Granby on the Friday before the project. Learn more and register here.

Not far from Denver off I-70, Genesee Park feels a world away with over 2,000 acres to explore. It is one of the oldest parks in the Denver Mountain Parks system and is home to the historic Beaver Brook Trail, coveted hiker-only trails, and a herd of bison! Its proximity to Denver and diverse recreation opportunities make this park a popular pick for families and groups. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days prior to the project.

Volunteers will help with much-needed trail maintenance at the park, just a short trip from the Denver metro area. T

Tasks may include: 

This is a great opportunity for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse plant habitat in this natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details

Physical Considerations:   You can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch. 

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

This project takes place in the Mount Evans Wilderness, located within Arapaho and Pike National Forests about 30 miles west of Denver. The wilderness spans more than 74,000 acres and is known for its high-elevation meadows, wide-open views, and wildlife such as bighorn sheep.

This weekday project is a great opportunity for volunteers ages 12 and up to spend time outdoors while supporting meadow restoration. Volunteers will hike approximately three quarters of a mile on the Captain Mountain Trail to reach the work site. Working in a group of about 20 people, volunteers will remove mature thistle blossoms, while staff follow up with a targeted chemical treatment that will be applied to the plants. If time allows, the group will also help identify musk thistle rosettes and Canada thistle to support ongoing management efforts.

Maintaining healthy native flora is essential for the local ecosystem, and, left unchecked, the invasive thistles will take over the area and out-compete native plants to create a monoculture. 

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older.  

This project is considered moderate to easy in nature. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: Pulling or cutting vegetation; walking and working on uneven, sloped, or rough terrain; bending and stooping for long periods; carrying and hauling vegetation.

Vehicle Accessibility: The last ~4 miles of the road (on Upper Bear Creek Rd) are not paved but accessible to all vehicles. All volunteers will meet at the lower parking lot and carpool (~2 mi) to the project site.

Other Notes: Restrooms available only at the main parking lot.

If you enjoy noxious weed removal projects, you can view similar projects here.

A quick drive from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park spans 12,000 acres, and features trails that pass through varied landscapes, including forests, rocky peaks, and aspen-lined meadows. The park attracts nearly 1 million visitors annually, offering opportunities for activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Expect beautiful scenery, rock formations, and the possibility of wildlife sightings, such as deer, elk, and various birds.

Nearest town: Golden, CO 80403

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

This trail project is all about building a more sustainable route in a popular part of the park. The focus is on enhancing sustainability, with tasks ranging from moderate to challenging, including: 

No trail building experience is required, just the desire to learn and give back to a well-loved State Park. 

Please bring your own lunch for the day! 

High visitation at Golden Gate Canyon State Park means heavy wear on trails, especially along the Raccoon Trail near Reverend’s Ridge Campground and Panorama Point. This section is steep and has ongoing sustainability and safety challenges for visitors.

In 2020, volunteers began a long-term effort to close the unsustainable trail segment and build a safer, more sustainable reroute. By joining this project, you will be contributing to a six-year effort that improves trail safety and protects the park experience for years to come.

Ages 16+  

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project may include moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, and moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; hiking to the work site while carrying tools; bending, picking up objects, carrying tools, swinging heavier tools, digging, and stretching.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Accessibility: 2WD Accessible  

Other Notes: There is limited cell service.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling!  Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project)

If you enjoy trail construction projects, you can view similar projects here.

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Poncha Pass splits the Rio Grande River and Arkansas River Watersheds in the northern part of the San Luis Valley. From atop the summit of Poncha Pass, you can take in breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo and Sawatch mountains. The northern part of the San Luis Valley is well known for its access to crowd-less wild places, natural hot springs and of course, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. 

This project is hosted in partnership with the BLM San Luis Valley Field Office, and volunteers will camp on BLM land at the base of the stunning Sangre de Cristo mountains. This year, we will work in a new location outside of Villa Grove, building on the success of similar efforts in previous years.

Nearest town: Villa Grove, CO 81155 

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will construct Zeedyk structures (rock dams, zuni bowls, media lunas etc.) to improve habitat conditions and breeding grounds for the Gunnison sage-grouse population in the area. Zeedyk structures are low profile, hand-built treatments made of rock intended to restore hydrologic and ecological function of wet meadows and small streams impacted by head-cutting, gully erosion, and channel incision. The structures help to slow and disperse water, dissipate energy, capture sediment, and increase soil moisture, thereby promoting mesic and wetland plant species expansion that prevents further degradation and fosters channel recovery.

For those seeking less physically demanding tasks, there will be opportunities to tag fences with visibility markers to prevent wildlife collision and entanglement. 

After the workday, BLM biologist Taylor, will share the history, biology and importance of Gunnison sage-grouse in Colorado during a campfire talk.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

The Gunnison sage-grouse is listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, meaning it is likely to become endanger in the foreseeable future. The Poncha Pass population of Gunnison sage-grouse is an isolated, satellite population, established in the 1970s through transplantation from the Gunnison Basin. These incredible, fascinating birds face growing threats from habitat fragmentation, climate change and increased off-highway vehicle activity on BLM lands. Population numbers have fluctuated and require intensive conservation efforts to support the protection of this population. This project contributes to that mission, aiming to restore and improve riparian and mesic habitat critical to the Gunnison sage-grouse.

Ages 16+ 

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate to difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: The project work will include lifting, carrying, and placing heavy rocks, bending down and kneeling on the ground, digging in the dirt, carrying tools, and walking across steep terrain while carrying rocks. There will also be tasks like walking along wildlife fences and placing tags periodically on the fence.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: 2WD vehicles can access the campsite, but 4WD vehicles will be required for carpooling to the worksite. 

Other Notes: Tent camping OK. Car and Van camping OK. Large vehicles or tow-behinds OK. This project will be at 8800 ft. elevation. Portable toilets and potable water will be available at camp.

This project takes place along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, a well-known mountain route connecting Highway 285 and I-70. The area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, and access to nearby four-wheel drive roads.

Shelf Lake is reached by a 3.2-mile trail that begins around 10,000 feet in a spruce-fir forest and climbs to roughly 12,000 feet into alpine tundra. Along the way, you can expect wide views of the surrounding landscape, with summer wildflowers appearing for those willing to explore.

Nearest town: Grant, CO

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will continue trail work started in previous years on the Shelf Lake Trail. Tasks may include stabilizing stream crossings, installing drainage features, and placing rock check steps to reduce erosion on the trail surface.

The exact work plan will be finalized after a spring assessment of winter damage. No prior trail experience is required.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

This project will be led by Steve West, one of VOC’s most experienced volunteers, who has participated in more than 300 VOC projects since 1991.

Increased use of the Shelf Lake Trail has led to significant wear and erosion in recent years. This project helps address trail degradation, improves sustainability, and ensures visitors can safely enjoy this popular destination.

The South Platte Ranger District lacks the staff capacity to complete this work, making volunteer support essential to maintaining the trail.

Ages 18+ 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is rated moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical considerations: Volunteers can expect hiking, and tasks that may include bending to lift heavy objects, stretching to reach materials, and strenuous tasks such as swinging tools.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: The drive to the worksite is on a rough mountain road. While a cautious 2WD driver can make it, a 4WD vehicle is preferable. 

Other Notes: Nearby camping is available for volunteers who want to spend more time in the mountains. The trail is accessible via the Guanella Pass Byway, a well-known route connecting Highway 285 and I-70.

If you enjoy trail maintenance, you can view similar projects here. 

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

With forested foothills, picnic areas, and the popular Evergreen Lake House, Dedisse Park provides a variety of recreational opportunities right in the heart of Evergreen. The nearly 100-year-old park is managed by Denver Mountain Parks and connects visitors with Jefferson County's Alderfer - Three Sisters Park through a series of trails to the North. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days prior to the project.

Help perform critical trail maintenance tasks on this weekday project! Tasks may include clearing the trail corridor by trimming overgrown vegetation to keep paths open and safe, maintaining drainage by removing debris and improving water flow to prevent erosion, and repairing the tread to smooth and reinforce the trail surface, making the path safer and more durable. This is a great opportunity for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Volunteers will create a safer, more sustainable experience for hikers, which, in turn, will protect the surrounding flora and fauna habitat in this deservedly popular natural space.

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details

Physical Considerations: You can expect to bend down, pick up objects, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Accessibility Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

State Forest State Park spans 71,000 acres of rugged Colorado wilderness, featuring dense forests, jagged peaks, and pristine alpine lakes. The American Lakes Trail, where you’ll be working, has grown in popularity due to its high-alpine scenery and access to three stunning lakes. It’s a sought-after destination for backpackers and serves as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park via Thunder Pass. In winter, part of the trail is groomed for snowmobiling.

Volunteers will help complete a long-term trail reroute on the American Lakes Trail by constructing new trail to replace an eroded section located on an old logging road. This hands-on work will improve trail sustainability and protect the surrounding landscape. VOC originally built much of this reroute trail in the early 2000s, and volunteers have recently returned over the past four seasons to address ongoing erosion issues. Since 2023, crews have completed maintenance and nearly 600 feet of new reroute, with 260 feet left before this section can open to the public. Join us to help finish this important reroute.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with dinner on Friday and Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Thursday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.

As part of this three-day project, you will backpack 3.5 miles to base camp, where volunteers are encouraged to arrive before 8 pm on Thursday. Free campsites are available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering — and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up. 

Because the State Forest State Park is a popular destination in the summer and winter months, attracting hundreds of visitors each week during peak periods, many of these visitors use the trail system and camp or stay in nearby campgrounds or privately owned cabins. Many of these visitors will use the American Lakes Trail and will appreciate a much safer, more sustainable trail.

The trail reroute will improve the recreational experience for equestrians and mountain bikers by providing a safer, more comfortable route, free of a steep section with deep erosion channels and loose rock.

Ages 18+   

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project. Some or all may apply: moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Volunteers will hike 3.5 miles to base camp on the first day and must commit to all three days of the project.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Accessibility:  2WD Accessible

Other notes:   Volunteers will be required to attend all three days of the project. There is no cell service at the site.

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

The Gilsonite Trail is located in Grand County within the burn scar of the 2020 East Troublesome Fire. The project site is remote, about 50 minutes from downtown Granby. After the fire, many trail structures were damaged or destroyed, and flooding left sections of the trail swampy, muddy, and difficult to access.

Nearest Town: Granby, CO 80446

Exact location information will be shared with registered volunteers two weeks out from the project. 

Volunteers will be able to experience and help revitalize a trail post-fire. The Gilsonite Trail is a heavily used multi-use trail that provides an enjoyable experience for hikers, mountain bikers, and motorized users, keeping them off Stillwater Pass Road.  

In partnership with Headwaters Trails Alliance, volunteers will assist with a range of trail restoration tasks, including bridge and boardwalk replacement, turnpike construction, drainage work, and short reroutes. This work will help reopen sections of the trail that have been frequently closed since the 2020 fire. Some volunteers may also help move materials such as timber and rebar into the work area.

Adjacent to a fragile wetland and meadow, the work completed on this project will also keep users on the trail to prevent further trail widening, braiding, and wetland damage.  

Volunteers may need to assist with getting materials into the site (timber, rebar). 

VOC provides breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday.

Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering — and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up. 

This section of the trail runs alongside a fragile wetland and meadow. In its current condition, users often travel around muddy sections, which has led to trail widening and damage to the surrounding wetland. Replacing bridges, boardwalks, and turnpikes will help keep users on the designated trail and protect the nearby environment.

The Gilsonite Trail is also an important connector within the Stillwater Pass trail system. At nearly five miles long, it links the northern and southern portions of the system and provides a safer, more enjoyable single-track option than the nearby road. Volunteer work on this project will help restore a key connection in the trail system. 

Ages 18+ 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate to difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Volunteers should expect some or all of the following physical activities: moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, and moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; hiking to access the worksite while carrying tools or materials; and swinging hand tools.

The hike from the campsite to the worksite is 1.3 miles. A shuttle option will also be available. From the shuttle drop-off, the hike to the worksite is approximately 0.25 miles.

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: 2WD vehicles can easily access the campsite. Volunteers will carpool/shuttle to the project site from the campsite. High clearance vehicles can access the road from the campsite to the project site. 

Other Notes: Restroom facilities are available at the campsite. The project site is a 20-minute drive from the campsite.

Want to learn more about the trail maintenance techniques you will use on this project? Join us for a Trail Skills training in Granby on the Friday before the project. Learn more and register here.

This project takes place along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, a well-known mountain route connecting Highway 285 and I-70. The area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, and access to nearby four-wheel drive roads.

Shelf Lake is reached by a 3.2-mile trail that begins around 10,000 feet in a spruce-fir forest and climbs to roughly 12,000 feet into alpine tundra. Along the way, you can expect wide views of the surrounding landscape, with summer wildflowers appearing for those willing to explore.

Nearest town: Grant, CO

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will continue trail work started in previous years on the Shelf Lake Trail. Tasks may include stabilizing stream crossings, installing drainage features, and placing rock check steps to reduce erosion on the trail surface.

The exact work plan will be finalized after a spring assessment of winter damage. No prior trail experience is required.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

This project will be led by Steve West, one of VOC’s most experienced volunteers, who has participated in more than 300 VOC projects since 1991.

Increased traffic on the Shelf Lake Trail in recent years has caused significant wear and tear. This project helps address trail degradation, supports its sustainability, and ensures visitors can safely enjoy this popular area.

The South Platte Ranger District does not have the staff capacity to complete this work, making volunteer efforts critical to maintaining this trail.  

Ages 18+ 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is rated moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical considerations: Volunteers can expect hiking and tasks that may include bending to lift heavy objects, stretching to reach materials, and strenuous tasks such as swinging tools.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: The drive to the worksite is on a rough mountain road. While a cautious 2WD driver can make it, a 4WD vehicle is preferable. 

Other Notes: Nearby camping is available for volunteers who want to spend more time in the mountains. The trail is accessible via the Guanella Pass Byway, a well-known route connecting Highway 285 and I-70.

If you enjoy trail maintenance, you can view similar projects here. 

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Valued for its remote feel and beauty, the James Peak Wilderness encompasses 14,000 acres to the southwest of Nederland, not far from the community of Rollinsville. It is home to high alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and its namesake, James Peak, which sits at 13,294 feet. 

Join us for a half-day project dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the James Peak Wilderness. Volunteers ages 8 and up will spend the morning digging up invasive Oxeye daisies from the trailhead and surrounding areas. Led by experienced leaders Anna Zawisza (former VOC Staff) and Jim Jacobson (long-time volunteer), this project welcomes families and volunteers of all abilities to contribute to a multi-year effort spanning two decades. Your participation will make an immediate impact by enhancing the health of one of Colorado's popular Wilderness Areas. 

Despite how cute they look, Oxeye daisies pose a significant threat as invasive weeds. For over two decades, VOC volunteers have removed thousands of flowers and seeds from the East Portal access point to the James Peak Wilderness. By joining this crucial effort, volunteers will help protect native plants and prevent the invasive weed from encroaching deeper into the Wilderness Area. 

Ages 8+  

Please note the name and age of the youth you're bringing in the registration comments.

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered easy; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): pulling or cutting vegetation; working on uneven, sloped, or rough terrain; bending and stooping for long periods of time; carrying and hauling vegetation; possible increased exposure to allergens; potential for long, off-trail hike; and repetitive hand motions.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD vehicles can access the work site 

Other notes: There are bathrooms at the parking lot, which is also close to the project site. Lunch and snacks will be provided, but we recommend bringing your own food if you have specific needs or dietary restrictions. 

If you enjoy noxious weed removal projects, you can view similar projects here.

This multi-year volunteer effort takes place in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains on public lands near South Fork and Del Norte in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. The valley includes high-elevation wetlands, shrublands, and forests that support a wide range of wildlife, including sandhill cranes, bald eagles, elk, mule deer, coyotes, and beaver. Moose and wolves have also been documented in the area.

Nearest Town: South Fork, CO 81154

The exact project location will be shared with registered volunteers two weeks before the project.

Across the western United States, barbed wire fences are widely used to manage livestock, but they can create dangerous barriers for migrating wildlife such as elk and deer. This multi-phase project aims to reduce those impacts and improve wildlife movement through key winter range areas.

This year’s volunteer project focuses on Phase 2: Fence Surveys and Prioritization.

Volunteers will work in teams to survey existing fence lines and identify sections that pose the greatest barriers to wildlife movement. Using the Survey123 mobile app, teams will map fence segments and record details such as fence type, condition, wire height, sharp corners, flagging, smooth or barbed top wires, and the height of the bottom wire.

Volunteers will also document signs of wildlife, including tracks, trails, or direct sightings of animals.

At the end of the workday, Wildlands Network’s Western Program Director will share more about the organization’s work and its conservation efforts in the San Luis Valley.

Project Phases Overview:

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering — and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

This project is a collaboration with Wildlands Network, an international nonprofit working to reconnect and restore wildlife movement across North America.

Each year, large herds migrate between summer and winter ranges in the San Luis Valley. Fences can disrupt these essential movements, increasing injury and mortality for wildlife. Fence improvements such as raising bottom wires, lowering top wires, and replacing barbed wire with smooth wire allow animals to cross more safely while still meeting land management needs.

The data collected during this project will help prioritize future fence modifications and removals, directly supporting wildlife migration in the region.

Ages 16+ 

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: This project will include hiking 3-5 miles on uneven surfaces while using a mobile phone to complete surveys.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: 2WD vehicles can access the campsite, but 4WD vehicles may be necessary to carpool to the worksites.

Other Notes: Tent camping OK. Car and Van camping OK. Large vehicles or tow-behinds OK. This project will be at 8400 ft. elevation. Portable toilets and potable water will be available at camp.

This project is along the scenic Guanella Pass Byway, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, and access to 4-wheel drive roads. The Abyss Trail trailhead is about 5 miles north of Grant from Hwy 285. This trail is one of the most heavily used trails in the Mt Evans Wilderness. With 10,000+ annual visitors, it leads hikers through famous fall colors and scenic landscapes. 

The trail's endpoint is Abyss Lake, which is nestled in a glacial cirque surrounded by Mount Bierstadt and Mount Blue Sky. The surrounding rocky slopes are home to lots of wildlife familiar to those who enjoy exploring the mountains, such as bighorn sheep and mountain goats.

Nearest Town: Grant, CO 80421

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

This project focuses on the lower three miles of the Abyss Trail, which follows an old logging road. The trail here is mostly flat, but the tread is very wide, often 10 to 25 feet across, and continues to spread into the surrounding forest. Because the soil is mostly loose, sandy material left by glaciers, rain and snowmelt easily wash it downhill toward nearby streams.

Volunteers will help slow this erosion by building a series of rock check dams across the trail. These low stone structures are designed to hold sand in place, reduce water flow, and stabilize the trail surface.

Tasks may include:

No prior trail work experience is required, and tools and instruction will be provided on-site. On this project, you will be led by Steve West, one of our most experienced volunteers.

Steve has participated in more than 300 VOC projects since 1991 and brings decades of hands-on trail knowledge to the crew.

Please remember to bring your own lunch for the day. 

The structures that volunteers construct will help control erosion, which will prevent widening of the already very exposed trail surface. Additionally, the structures will prevent large quantities of sand from migrating towards the Lake Fork Geneva Creek, which can cause issues for the flora and fauna of the creek. The South Platte Ranger District does not have the staff capacity to complete this work, making volunteer efforts critical to maintaining this trail.  

Ages 18+ 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is rated moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations: This project will involve hiking, bending to pick up heavy objects, stretching to reach items, and strenuous activities such as swinging tools.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: The drive to the worksite is on a rough mountain road. While a cautious 2WD driver can make it, a 4WD vehicle is preferable. 

Other Notes: Nearby camping is available for volunteers who want to spend more time in the mountains. The trail is accessible via the Guanella Pass Byway, a well-known route connecting Highway 285 and I-70.

If you enjoy trail maintenance, you can view similar projects here. 

Echo Lake is one of the crowned jewels of Denver Mountain Parks. Located just 33 miles outside of Denver, at the base of Goliath Peak, this beautiful site is a very popular destination for hiking and other forms of outdoor recreation.

Volunteers will help with much-needed trail maintenance at the park, just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Tasks may include:

This is a great opportunity for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Trail maintenance matters from an ecological and environmental standpoint because it ensures a safe and sustainable route for people to use, which keeps the surrounding habitat safe and minimizes the human impacts on flora and fauna, especially in high-use areas like Echo Lake.

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate, please check our difficulty rating criteria, here, for more details.

Physical Considerations:   You can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

Cal-Wood Education Center is nestled in the foothills above Boulder, near Jamestown. Cal-Wood's vision is to inspire a greater appreciation for the natural world; to offer environmental education to those who would not otherwise experience it; and to provide unique educational opportunities in a special mountain setting.

Volunteers will be working to help improve Cal-Wood Education Center's trail system, which has been degraded by dramatic increases in use, a flood in 2013, and the 2021 Calwood fire.

Tasks may include: 

This is a great opportunity for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Please bring your own lunch for the day! 

Cal-Wood relies on its trail system as an extension of the classroom. These trails give students and visitors safe access to forests, watersheds, and fire-affected landscapes where hands-on learning happens. Improving the trails makes it possible for Cal-Wood to expand outdoor education programs, reach more participants, and create positive first experiences for people who may be new to mountain environments.

Ages 12+ 

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.   

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project. Some or all may apply: hiking to access work site while carrying tools, digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks, removing downed trees. You’ll be working around a 6.5-7-hour day which requires some physical stamina, but you’ll always be encouraged to take breaks as needed

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: Please note that the final stretch (approx. 2.8 mi) to Cal-Wood is a steep dirt road. No high clearance is needed but it is suggested to drive slowly and safely. 

Other Notes: Cell phone service is extremely limited in the area.

Mount Democrat, at 14,148 feet and Colorado's 29th-highest peak, is part of the Mosquito Range, along with Mount Bross, Mount Cameron, and Mount Lincoln. The U.S. Forest Service recently acquired nearly 300 acres on Mt. Democrat, making the DeCaLiBron loop completely open to the public, for all to enjoy! Many underestimate this trail as an “easy” hike because of its high-elevation start, but it is rated a Class 2 climb. 

Nearest Town: Alma, CO 80424

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will assist with reconstructing portions of the trail above Kite Lake that have been widening and braiding at an excessive rate. Installing timber check steps will reduce soil loss and keep hikers on the trail. You'll work with our partners at Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) to install timber checks, delineate trails, and perform other maintenance tasks. The trailhead is at 12,000 ft of elevation (above tree line). Volunteers can expect to hike ~1.5 mi from the trailhead to the project site. 

VOC provides breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday.

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper!
We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen.

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up!

Your hard work will help protect and preserve Colorado's high peaks and the sensitive alpine ecosystems found there. Alpine soil takes approximately 1,000 years to develop just one inch, making sustainable trails essential to minimizing erosion and preserving these fragile environments for future generations. 

Ages 18+   

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.   

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): long hike to worksite with significant elevation gain; carrying project tools and materials to worksite; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting heavy objects, and walking; working at elevation; working and hiking on steep or uneven terrain.

This project is not for the faint of heart.

The hike from the campsite to the worksite is up to 1.5 miles. Volunteers may be hauling project materials up the trail to the worksite (logs for structures) at high altitude.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Accessibility:   Moderate to high clearance vehicles are required to access the campsite. Volunteers will shuttle 4 miles from the campsite to the trailhead.

Other Notes: This is a remote project. Cell service is limited to nonexistent.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

Tucked in the mountains west of Colorado Springs near Divide, Mueller State Park features beautiful views of forested ridges, historical cabins, and abundant wildlife including moose, bear, elk, and mule deer. While many of the park's trails trace back to the days of farming and cattle drives, they need restoration to enhance the overall hiking experience. As a volunteer, you'll be treated to free campsites, delicious meals prepared by our volunteer Crew Chefs, and the chance to explore this beautiful state park!   

Nearest Town: Divide, CO 80814

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Before the VOC project weekend, park staff will use machinery to establish the initial alignment of the new Preachers Hollow Trail. Volunteers will then step in to do the hands-on finishing work.

Tasks may include:

This work will help bring the trail up to standards for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The existing trail has steep grades, poor drainage, and more than 60 steps, which makes it difficult to maintain and inaccessible for some users. Volunteers will help improve drainage and trail layout so the new alignment sheds water properly and requires less maintenance over time. The result will be a safer, more sustainable loop near the Visitor Center that better supports a wide range of users.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.   

Realigning the trail will create a safer, more accessible route for all users. Horses will be able to travel the trail without risk from stairs, mountain bikers will be able to ride the full loop instead of dismounting, and hikers will benefit from a smoother, more intuitive trail experience. Improved drainage and a more sustainable layout will also reduce erosion, protect native vegetation, and lower long-term maintenance needs, helping the park provide a safer and more durable trail system for years to come.

Ages 14+ 

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project. Some or all may apply: moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch. 

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: The park and campsite are 2WD accessible. 

Other Notes: the worksite will be about a 1 mile to 1.5 mile hike from the Visitor’s Center or the campsite. There are bathrooms located at both the campsite and the Visitor’s Center.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

If you enjoy trail construction, you can view similar projects here. 

This project is along the scenic Guanella Pass Byway, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, and access to 4-wheel drive roads. The Abyss Trail trailhead is about 5 miles north of Grant from Hwy 285. This trail is one of the most heavily used trails in the Mt Evans Wilderness. With 10,000+ annual visitors, it leads hikers through famous fall colors and scenic landscapes. 

The trail's endpoint is Abyss Lake, which is nestled in a glacial cirque surrounded by Mount Bierstadt and Mount Blue Sky. The surrounding rocky slopes are home to lots of wildlife familiar to those who enjoy exploring the mountains, such as bighorn sheep and mountain goats.

Nearest Town: Grant, CO 80421

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

This project focuses on the lower three miles of the Abyss Trail, which follows an old logging road. The trail here is mostly flat, but the tread is very wide, often 10 to 25 feet across, and continues to spread into the surrounding forest. Because the soil is mostly loose, sandy material left by glaciers, rain, and snowmelt easily wash downhill to nearby streams.

Volunteers will help slow this erosion by building a series of rock check dams across the trail. These low stone structures are designed to hold sand in place, reduce water flow, and stabilize the trail surface.

Tasks may include:

No prior trail work experience is required, and tools and instruction will be provided on-site. On this project, you will be led by Steve West, one of our most experienced volunteers.

Steve has participated in more than 300 VOC projects since 1991 and brings decades of hands-on trail knowledge to the crew.

Please remember to bring your own lunch for the day. 

The structures volunteers construct will help control erosion, preventing the widening of the already very exposed trail surface. Additionally, the structures will prevent large quantities of sand from migrating toward Lake Fork Geneva Creek, which can harm the creek's flora and fauna. The South Platte Ranger District does not have the staff capacity to complete this work, making volunteer efforts critical to maintaining this trail.  

Ages 18+ 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is rated moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations: This project will involve hiking, bending to pick up heavy objects, stretching to reach items, and strenuous activities such as swinging tools.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: The drive to the worksite is on a rough mountain road. While a cautious 2WD driver can make it, a 4WD vehicle is preferable. 

Other Notes: Nearby camping is available for volunteers who want to spend more time in the mountains. The trail is accessible via the Guanella Pass Byway, a well-known route connecting Highway 285 and I-70.

If you enjoy trail maintenance, you can view similar projects here. 

The Mount Zirkel Wilderness was designated in 1964 as one of the original Wilderness areas protected under the Wilderness Act. Located in northwestern Colorado and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the wilderness spans nearly 160,000 acres. It includes the headwaters of the Elk, Encampment, and North Platte Rivers, around 70 alpine lakes, and high mountain terrain, including Mount Zirkel at 12,180 feet. The area straddles the Continental Divide and includes parts of the Sawtooth, Park, and Sierra Madre ranges, along with a section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

Nearest Town: Walden, CO 80480

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will help repair an aging boardwalk, approximately 140 feet long, to keep the structure in working condition until the trail can be rerouted. Volunteers will also assist in critical trail maintenance tasks in the surrounding area.

Camping will be available starting on Thursday, August 6th. Bring your own dinner on Thursday night, and enough snacks for the project.

Free campsites are available from Thursday, 8/6 - Saturday, 8/8, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Thursday.

For this three-day project, VOC provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up. 

The trail maintenance tasks and structure replacement completed on this project will increase the trail's recreational and intrinsic value by addressing overgrowth of vegetation, removing potential hazards, and reducing damage to the existing riparian area. Additionally, it will restore and protect the adjacent natural resources, enhance the trail's sustainability, and provide suitable trail conditions for users. 

Ages 18+ 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate to difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): working in or near water; muddy or slippery footing; digging, shoveling, and moving soil and rocks; hiking on steep or uneven terrain; and carrying, hauling, and placing heavy materials such as timber or rocks.

There is a one-mile hike from the trailhead to the project site, and volunteers may carry structural materials (timber) during the hike.

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: 2WD vehicles can access the trailhead/camping area 

Other Notes: Camping will be a 8 minute drive to the trailhead. Volunteers will carpool from the campsite to the trailhead to access the project site. There are no bathroom facilities on site. We will use either port-o-lets or a backcountry portable toilet set-up.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

Spend a long weekend camped in the backcountry of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness in the San Luis Valley.

This 220,803-acre wilderness was designated by Congress in 1993 and is managed entirely within Colorado by the Forest Service and National Park Service. It borders the Great Sand Dunes Wilderness to the west.

Unlike most of Colorado’s mountain ranges, the Sangres were uplifted suddenly in massive blocks, creating steep, dramatic terrain. Four fourteeners rise from the heart of the wilderness, including Crestone Needle at 14,197 feet, often considered one of the state’s most challenging peaks. Three more fourteeners stand just south of the boundary. Snowmelt feeds creeks and alpine lakes throughout the area, supporting forests of oak, aspen, and spruce. The long, narrow wilderness is Colorado’s third largest, with nearly 180 miles of trails that often end at alpine lakes set against virtually unclimbable walls.

Nearest town: Crestone, CO 81131

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Help restore the Willow Creek Watershed by building beaver dam analogs (BDAs) and post-assisted log structures (PALs). These structures mimic natural beaver dams to improve water quality, stabilize stream systems, and restore wetland and riparian habitat.

Volunteers will collect and use on-site materials such as dead and downed willow and aspen to construct the structures. Wooden posts will be driven into the streambed using sledgehammers to anchor the dams, but all other materials will be sourced directly from the site.

Backcountry Project Requirements:

Carry a 50+ lb backpacking pack, including all equipment necessary for camping in the backcountry. Communal items such tools, water filters and stoves will be packed in via horses but personal items must be carried by each volunteer. 

Hike 2 miles into the basecamp, with a 1200ft elevation gain.

Be comfortable using a communal backcountry restroom, such as a latrine. 

Be comfortable camping in bear country and following leave no trace (LNT) ethics.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Friday and Saturday.

Bring your own dinner on Thursday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.

The Willow Creek Watershed is facing challenges like erosion, habitat loss, and declining water quality. Native wetland and riparian plants are struggling to reestablish, and the water table is dropping rapidly. 

Beaver dam analogs (BDAs) and post-assisted log structures (PALs) offer simple, cost-effective solutions to these problems. By mimicking the function of natural beaver dams, these structures slow down water, reduce erosion, raise water tables, and create habitats for wildlife.  

They also increase the probability of successful beaver translocation by creating an immediate deep-water habitat that reduces the risk of predation. Your work will play a critical role in restoring this watershed and supporting a range of common restoration goals.  

Ages 18+

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible to the trailhead.    

Other Notes: This is a backcountry project, requiring a hike to the project basecamp and work. Experience backpacking in the wilderness recommended, see volunteer requirements in the description above. The project site is at 9,800 feet, so prepare to be camping and working at higher elevation.

Want to learn more about how beaver dam analogs are built and learn techniques you will use on this project? Join us for a Beaver Dam Analog Training on May 9. Learn more and register here.

Signature Bluffs Natural Area is a riparian and wetland natural area along the Cache la Poudre River with soft-surface trails, cottonwood stands, cattail marshes, and a pond where fishing is allowed with a valid Colorado license. The site is well known for wildlife and bird watching and connects directly with the Poudre River Trail for extended hiking or biking. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least seven days prior to the project. 

Volunteers will help improve visitor access while protecting sensitive habitat at Signature Bluffs. Work will focus on closing and revegitating informal social trails around the lake to reduce habitat disturbance and support native vegetation recovery.

Volunteers will also improve the designated primitive trail by widening and defining it, creating a safer and more welcoming route to fishing access points. This project is a good fit for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

Informal trails can fragment habitat and impact wildlife and native plants. By restoring these areas and improving designated trails, this project helps protect sensitive ecosystems while guiding visitors to enjoy the landscape in a sustainable way. The work completed at Signature Bluffs supports long-term habitat health, safer recreation, and a better experience for everyone who uses the area. 

Ages 12+

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. 

This project is considered easy to moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details 

The following are general physical considerations for this type of work. Some or all may apply. Volunteers can expect kneeling, bending, and working close to the ground for extended periods.

Work takes place outdoors with exposure to sun, weather, and insects such as bees and wasps. Tasks may include carrying, hauling, and placing heavy materials like logs, branches, rocks, and fencing, as well as digging, shoveling, and moving soil and rocks. Some work will take place near water, where footing may be muddy or slippery.

This is a 6.5 to 7 hour workday that requires some physical stamina, and volunteers are always encouraged to take breaks as needed.

Vehicle Access:  No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible  

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

This project takes place in the Mount Evans Wilderness, located within Arapaho and Pike National Forests about 30 miles west of Denver. The wilderness spans more than 74,000 acres and is known for its high-elevation meadows, wide-open views, and wildlife such as bighorn sheep.

This weekday project is a great opportunity for volunteers ages 12 and up to spend time outdoors while supporting meadow restoration. Volunteers will hike approximately 1.4 miles on the Captain Mountain Trail to reach the work site. Working in a group of about 20 people, volunteers will remove mature thistle blossoms, while staff follow up with a targeted chemical treatment that will be applied to the plants. If time allows, the group will also help identify musk thistle rosettes and Canada thistle to support ongoing management efforts.

Maintaining healthy native flora is essential for the local ecosystem, and, left unchecked, the invasive thistles will take over the area and out-compete native plants to create a monoculture. 

Ages 12+ 

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older.    

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered easy to moderate in nature. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: Pulling or cutting vegetation; working on uneven, sloped, or rough terrain; bending and stooping for long periods; carrying and hauling vegetation.

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Accessibility: The last ~4 miles of the road (on Upper Bear Creek Rd) are not paved but accessible to all vehicles. All volunteers will meet at the lower parking lot and carpool (~2 mi) to the project site.

Other Notes: Restrooms available only at the main parking lot.

If you enjoy noxious weed removal projects, you can view similar projects here.

A quick drive from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park spans 12,000 acres, and features trails that pass through varied landscapes, including forests, rocky peaks, and aspen-lined meadows. The park attracts nearly 1 million visitors annually, offering opportunities for activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Expect beautiful scenery, rock formations, and the possibility of wildlife sightings, such as deer, elk, and various birds.

This trail project is all about building a more sustainable route in a popular part of the park. The focus is on enhancing sustainability, with tasks ranging from moderate to challenging, including: 

No trail building experience is required, just the desire to learn and give back to a well-loved State Park. 

Please bring your own lunch for the day! 

High visitation at Golden Gate Canyon State Park means heavy wear on trails, especially along the Raccoon Trail near Reverend’s Ridge Campground and Panorama Point. This section is steep and has ongoing sustainability and safety challenges for visitors.

In 2020, volunteers began a long-term effort to close the unsustainable trail segment and build a safer, more sustainable reroute. By joining this project, you will be contributing to a six-year effort that improves trail safety and protects the park experience for years to come.

Ages 16+  

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project may include moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, and moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; hiking to the work site while carrying tools; bending, picking up objects, carrying tools, swinging heavier tools, digging, and stretching.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Accessibility: 2WD Accessible  

Other Notes: There is limited cell service.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project)

If you enjoy trail construction projects, you can view similar projects here.

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Nestled in the Upper Yampa River Basin, about 1.5 hours northwest of Steamboat Springs, California Park is a high-elevation meadow known for its stunning views, vibrant wildflowers, and critical role in supporting the Upper Yampa River Basin and Colorado River Basin. This area is vital for water quality and watershed health, making it a key site for restoration efforts.   

The campsite is surrounded by beautiful, rolling, forested hills. While the site is remote, it offers a quiet setting that many people would not otherwise have a reason to visit.

You'll also likely travel through Steamboat Springs, so you have the chance to tack on a trip to nearby hot springs on the front or back end of the project!

In year two of this project, help restore this fragile meadow ecosystem by building erosion prevention structures, like Zeedyks and Zuni Bowls, primarily using rocks. These structures are proven, cost-effective methods to slow erosion and restore streams. Tasks will include hiking, moving large rocks, and digging to place them into position.

It’s challenging but rewarding work, you’ll leave with the satisfaction knowing that you've slowed erosion and helped revive a critical part of this watershed! This project will be completed in partnership with National Forest Foundation, Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, and the US Forest Service

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper!
We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen!

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up!

Restoring this meadow helps prevent erosion and improves water quality, which benefits the surrounding forest, the Upper Yampa River Basin, and the Colorado River Basin. These efforts also create "emerald refuges" in arid areas, making the surrounding forests more resilient to wildfires. 

For centuries, this meadow has been shaped by grazing, homesteading, mining, and recreation, which has led to significant degradation. Your work will help reverse generations of damage and help the forest resist wildfire. 

Ages 16+   

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. 

Project Difficulty:  

This project is considered moderate to difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.  

General physical considerations for participating in this project. Some or all may apply: 
Working in or near water; potentially muddy or slippery footing; carrying plants, rocks, or tools; insect exposure (mosquitoes), potential for wet conditions; carrying and hauling vegetation; digging, shoveling, moving soil and heavy rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; and hiking over steep or uneven terrain.

Volunteers will need to hike in to reach the project site at approx. 8500 feet of elevation. 

Access Factors:   

Vehicle Access:  A higher clearance vehicle is needed to access base camp (a Subaru Forester is okay, but a Honda Accord is likely too low).  

Other notes: Cell service is spotty, almost none in the immediate project area but there is cell service outside California Park. No running water. The elevation is 8500 feet. Port-o-let restrooms will be available.

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Signature Bluffs Natural Area is a riparian and wetland natural area along the Cache la Poudre River with soft-surface trails, cottonwood stands, cattail marshes, and a pond where fishing is allowed with a valid Colorado license. The site is well known for wildlife and bird watching and connects directly with the Poudre River Trail for extended hiking or biking. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least seven days prior to the project. 

Volunteers will help improve visitor access while protecting sensitive habitat at Signature Bluffs. Work will focus on closing and revegitating informal social trails around the lake to reduce habitat disturbance and support native vegetation recovery.

Volunteers will also improve the designated primitive trail by widening and defining it, creating a safer and more welcoming route to fishing access points. This project is a good fit for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

Informal trails can fragment habitat and impact wildlife and native plants. By restoring these areas and improving designated trails, this project helps protect sensitive ecosystems while guiding visitors to enjoy the landscape in a sustainable way. The work completed at Signature Bluffs supports long-term habitat health, safer recreation, and a better experience for everyone who uses the area. 

Ages 12+

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. 

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details 

The following are general physical considerations for this type of work. Some or all may apply. Volunteers can expect kneeling, bending, and working close to the ground for extended periods. Work takes place outdoors with exposure to sun, weather, and insects such as bees and wasps. Tasks may include carrying, hauling, and placing heavy materials like logs, branches, rocks, and fencing, as well as digging, shoveling, and moving soil and rocks. Some work will take place near water, where footing may be muddy or slippery. This is a 6.5 to 7 hour workday that requires some physical stamina, and volunteers are always encouraged to take breaks as needed.

Vehicle Access:  No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible  

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

Join us at Majestic View Nature Center (MVNC), a nonprofit that serves the Arvada community by offering a diverse array of public programming designed to foster connections with the natural world. From creative nature art sessions to engaging conservation presentations, MVNC ensures that individuals of all ages in the community can explore their connection with nature. You may be interested in visiting the nature center's exhibitions yourself!

Nearest Town: Arvada, CO

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will get hands-on experience with stream and habitat restoration by helping build simple rock-and-wood structures (such as one-rock dams, Zuni bowls, and wicker weirs) that slow water flow, capture sediment, and support native plant recovery. Volunteers will move and place rocks, weave woody materials, and help stabilize the stream channel. No experience needed.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

When streams erode, water moves through the landscape too quickly, washing soil away and leaving streambanks dry and unstable. The structures volunteers will build will slow water down, allowing sediment to settle and moisture to soak into the ground instead of rushing downstream.

Holding water in the landscape supports native plants, which stabilize streambanks and create habitat for birds, insects, amphibians, and other wildlife. Over time, this leads to healthier ecosystems, improved water quality, and greater resilience to drought and flooding.

Ages 16+ 

Physical Difficulty:

This project includes tasks ranging from moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): lifting and moving large rocks, digging holes, and placing rocks.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: There will be about a 1/4 mile hike from the parking lot to the work site.

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Sand Creek Park is located in Aurora and co-managed by the City of Aurora and the Sand Creek Greenway Regional Partnership. Bicyclists, walkers, runners, picnickers, school groups, and community groups enjoy this 85-acre park and the Sand Creek that runs through it. The Greenway itself serves as one of the few green spaces that neighboring communities in Aurora, Commerce City, and NE Denver can easily access.

City of Aurora and Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership staff will teach you how to identify invasive Phragmites. After learning how to identify this plant, you'll spread out to clip and bag seed heads of the invasive grasses.

Phragmites grow along the water’s edge and into the water. If you have your own rubber boots or waders, you are encouraged to bring them to access the harder-to-reach plants. If not, you can stay on the shoreline and clip from there. 

Please bring your own lunch for the day! 

Invasive plants out-compete native species for resources, thereby harming wildlife and the entire ecosystem. By carefully collecting the plants' seed heads, you will help control the further spread of this invasive species. Removing these grasses will allow for native plants to clean our water, prevent severe erosion, and provide enhanced wildlife habitat, all while maintaining access for local communities to enjoy this well-used green space.

Ages 12+   

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.   

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered easy, please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): Using loppers, walking along the water’s edge, and carrying bags or buckets full of plant material. There is significant sun exposure in this location.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: This site is in an urban area with paved roads and fully accessible by car or public transit through the Fitzsimons light rail station. 

Other Notes: The closest possible worksite is 300 feet from the parking lot; the farthest is 1/2 mile. The path around the worksites is level; however, volunteers may need to step onto uneven ground.

If you enjoy noxious weed removal projects, you can view similar projects here.

Join us at Majestic View Nature Center (MVNC), a nonprofit that serves the Arvada community by offering a diverse array of public programming designed to foster connections with the natural world. From creative nature art sessions to engaging conservation presentations, MVNC ensures that individuals of all ages in the community can explore their connection with nature. You may be interested in visiting the nature center's exhibitions yourself!

Nearest Town: Arvada, CO

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will get hands-on experience with stream and habitat restoration by helping build simple rock-and-wood structures (such as one-rock dams, Zuni bowls, and wicker weirs) that slow water flow, capture sediment, and support native plant recovery. Volunteers will move and place rocks, weave woody materials, and help stabilize the stream channel. No experience needed.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

When streams erode, water moves through the landscape too quickly, washing soil away and leaving streambanks dry and unstable. The structures volunteers will build will slow water down, allowing sediment to settle and moisture to soak into the ground instead of rushing downstream.

Holding water in the landscape supports native plants, which stabilize streambanks and create habitat for birds, insects, amphibians, and other wildlife. Over time, this leads to healthier ecosystems, improved water quality, and greater resilience to drought and flooding.

Ages 16+ 

Physical Difficulty:

This project includes tasks ranging from moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): lifting and moving large rocks, digging holes, and placing rocks.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: There will be about a 1/4 mile hike from the parking lot to the work site.

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

You will be monitoring butterflies near Deckers, Colorado. This will take place in Pike National Forest along the South Platte River watershed. This is a critical ecosystem for the butterfly sub-species Hesperia leonardus montana.

Camping may be available for those who are interested in attending more than one day of the project. We will reach out 1 month before the project with more instructions on how to reserve a camping spot.

Volunteers are needed to assist in monitoring the threatened butterfly subspecies, the Pawnee montane skipper. Monitoring will involve using binoculars to identify and record the number and gender of skipper butterflies, along with information on nearby host plants and trees. Please bring your own lunch for the day!

This butterfly species is only out and about when conditions are warm and dry. The project schedule is highly weather-dependent, but volunteers should plan to be on site for the full day.

The Pawnee montane skipper is a species with a narrow distribution that is endemic (native) to Colorado. Fire suppression, dam and reservoir development, and climate change are all threats to the persistence and recovery of this federally threatened species.

Ages 18+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered difficult and a great opportunity for volunteers looking for a challenge. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

If a volunteer cannot commit to the full surveying time for the day, this could affect the integrity of the data, the safety of the group, and the project as a whole.

Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to hike off-trail through steep terrain for up to 5 miles round-trip. Elevation ranges from 6,000 ft to 8,000 ft. At this time of year, the weather is usually cool in the mornings but quickly warms to the high 80s or low 90s (though please check the weather in advance). This project is not for the faint of heart!

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No 4WD is required to reach the project area or sample sites; good tires are recommended to avoid flats on gravel roads. Beyond the initial meeting spot, we will aim to use agency vehicles whenever possible to minimize personal vehicle use.

Other Notes: Cell coverage in the area is minimal and varies by cell service provider.

Spend five days uncovering history and helping to preserve the stories of the San Luis Valley during this unique opportunity to volunteer on an archeological adventure in the South San Juan Wilderness of Colorado.

The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses the southeastern extent of the San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the Continental Divide. Originally designated as wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System and now maintains 158,790 acres.

Ages of volcanic activity followed by the carving of glaciers left the rough, imposing terrain of the remote South San Juan Wilderness, an area characterized by steep slopes above wide U-shaped valleys cut deeper by eroding streams. You'll find high peaks and cliffs, as well as jagged pinnacles and ragged ridges, making travel difficult. Elevations rise as high as 13,300 feet.

Thirty-two lakes, most of them formed by glacial activity, hold much of the area's moisture and drain into turbulent creeks. The Conejos, San Juan, and Blanco Rivers have their headwaters here. You'll find about 180 miles of trails, and some of the most exemplary backpacking in the state. The Continental Divide crosses the heart of the Wilderness for 42 miles.

Nearest town: Antonito, CO 81120

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project

Volunteers will spend the week alongside USFS archeologists, performing archaeological surface surveys along the Continental Divide Trail in the South San Juan Wilderness. Surface surveys are systematic, non-destructive field investigations used to locate, map, and evaluate archaeological sites, artifacts, and cultural features across a landscape without full-scale excavation. These studies are critical for environmental compliance (e.g., Section 106), identifying risks to cultural resources before development projects, and understanding regional settlement patterns.

No previous archeology experience is required. You’ll receive training from Rio Grande National Forest archaeologists, Price Heiner and Marcy Reiser. The first day will focus on learning the basics, including how to document what you find, and there may also be a pre-project info session to help you prepare.

Backcountry Project Requirements:

Carry a 50+ lb backpacking pack, including all equipment necessary for camping in the backcountry. Since this project does not require tools, we will not have a pack string to assist us. Katie is looking into some smaller pack support options, like alpacas or a mule or two but at this point- assume it will be self supported. 

Hike 5+ miles each day (with your pack), as we will be camping at a new location each evening. The route will follow the Continental Divide Trail, with many sections above 12,000 ft. 

Be comfortable using a cat hole as a backcountry restroom for the week. 

Be comfortable camping in bear country and following leave no trace (LNT) ethics.   

Archaeological, historical, and cultural resources are important because they help tell the story of who we are as human beings. These stories are often lost or forgotten over time, but archaeology gives us the tools to rediscover and understand them. By studying and preserving these sites, we can learn how societies functioned, how people interacted with each other and their environments, and how they adapted to change over the centuries. This work helps us connect with the past, understand our present, and protect these resources for future generations. Through this project, you’ll be a part of preserving these important pieces of history in the San Luis Valley.

Ages 18+

This project is considered difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible to the trailhead.    

Other Notes: This is a backcountry project, requiring long hikes each day at high elevation. Volunteers need experience backpacking in the wilderness, see volunteer requirements in the description above. This is a high elevation projects, with much of the week at 10,000 ft+

You will be monitoring butterflies near Deckers, Colorado. This will take place in Pike National Forest along the South Platte River watershed. This is a critical ecosystem for the butterfly sub-species Hesperia leonardus montana.

Camping may be available for those who are interested in attending more than one day of the project. We will reach out 1 month before the project with more instructions on how to reserve a camping spot.

Volunteers are needed to assist in monitoring the threatened butterfly subspecies, the Pawnee montane skipper. Monitoring will involve using binoculars to identify and record the number and gender of skipper butterflies, along with information on nearby host plants and trees. Please bring your own lunch for the day!

This butterfly species is only out and about when conditions are warm and dry. The project schedule is highly weather-dependent, but volunteers should plan to be on site for the full day.

The Pawnee montane skipper is a species with a narrow distribution that is endemic (native) to Colorado. Fire suppression, dam and reservoir development, and climate change are all threats to the persistence and recovery of this federally threatened species.

Ages 18+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered difficult and a great opportunity for volunteers looking for a challenge. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

If a volunteer cannot commit to the full surveying time for the day, this could affect the integrity of the data, the safety of the group, and the project as a whole.

Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to hike off-trail through steep terrain for up to 5 miles round-trip. Elevation ranges from 6,000 ft to 8,000 ft. At this time of year, the weather is usually cool in the mornings but quickly warms to the high 80s or low 90s (though please check the weather in advance). This project is not for the faint of heart!

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No 4WD is required to reach the project area or sample sites; good tires are recommended to avoid flats on gravel roads. Beyond the initial meeting spot, we will aim to use agency vehicles whenever possible to minimize personal vehicle use.

Other Notes: Cell coverage in the area is minimal and varies by cell service provider.

You will be monitoring butterflies near Deckers, Colorado. This will take place in Pike National Forest along the South Platte River watershed. This is a critical ecosystem for the butterfly sub-species Hesperia leonardus montana.

Camping may be available for those who are interested in attending more than one day of the project. We will reach out 1 month before the project with more instructions on how to reserve a camping spot.

Volunteers are needed to assist in monitoring the threatened butterfly subspecies, the Pawnee montane skipper. Monitoring will involve using binoculars to identify and record the number and gender of skipper butterflies, along with information on nearby host plants and trees. Please bring your own lunch for the day!

This butterfly species is only out and about when conditions are warm and dry. The project schedule is highly weather-dependent, but volunteers should plan to be on site for the full day.

The Pawnee montane skipper is a species with a narrow distribution that is endemic (native) to Colorado. Fire suppression, dam and reservoir development, and climate change are all threats to the persistence and recovery of this federally threatened species.

Ages 18+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered difficult and a great opportunity for volunteers looking for a challenge. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

If a volunteer cannot commit to the full surveying time for the day, this could affect the integrity of the data, the safety of the group, and the project as a whole.

Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to hike off-trail through steep terrain for up to 5 miles round-trip. Elevation ranges from 6,000 ft to 8,000 ft. At this time of year, the weather is usually cool in the mornings but quickly warms to the high 80s or low 90s (though please check the weather in advance). This project is not for the faint of heart!

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No 4WD is required to reach the project area or sample sites; good tires are recommended to avoid flats on gravel roads. Beyond the initial meeting spot, we will aim to use agency vehicles whenever possible to minimize personal vehicle use.

Other Notes: Cell coverage in the area is minimal and varies by cell service provider.

Summit Lake Park is the highest city park in the United States and the only Denver Mountain Park in the alpine zone. The lake nestles at the bottom of a high alpine cirque about 1,500 feet below the summit of Mount Blue Sky. The surrounding land is part of the Mt. Evans Wilderness. Notably, Summit Lake Park is one of the most reliable places in Colorado to see mountain goats, and it is the headwaters of the Bear Creek drainage. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days prior to the project. 

Help perform critical trail maintenance tasks on this weekday project

Tasks may include:

This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse plant and animal habitats in this natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area. 

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate to difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations:   You can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible   

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

You will be monitoring butterflies near Deckers, Colorado. This will take place in Pike National Forest along the South Platte River watershed. This is a critical ecosystem for the butterfly sub-species Hesperia leonardus montana.

Camping may be available for those who are interested in attending more than one day of the project. We will reach out 1 month before the project with more instructions on how to reserve a camping spot.

Volunteers are needed to assist in monitoring the threatened butterfly subspecies, the Pawnee montane skipper. Monitoring will involve using binoculars to identify and record the number and gender of skipper butterflies, along with information on nearby host plants and trees. Please bring your own lunch for the day!

This butterfly species is only out and about when conditions are warm and dry. The project schedule is highly weather-dependent, but volunteers should plan to be on site for the full day.

The Pawnee montane skipper is a species with a narrow distribution that is endemic (native) to Colorado. Fire suppression, dam and reservoir development, and climate change are all threats to the persistence and recovery of this federally threatened species.

Ages 18+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered difficult and a great opportunity for volunteers looking for a challenge. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

If a volunteer cannot commit to the full surveying time for the day, this could affect the integrity of the data, the safety of the group, and the project as a whole.

Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to hike off-trail through steep terrain for up to 5 miles round-trip. Elevation ranges from 6,000 ft to 8,000 ft. At this time of year, the weather is usually cool in the mornings but quickly warms to the high 80s or low 90s (though please check the weather in advance). This project is not for the faint of heart!

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No 4WD is required to reach the project area or sample sites; good tires are recommended to avoid flats on gravel roads. Beyond the initial meeting spot, we will aim to use agency vehicles whenever possible to minimize personal vehicle use.

Other Notes: Cell coverage in the area is minimal and varies by cell service provider.

You will be monitoring butterflies near Deckers, Colorado. This will take place in Pike National Forest along the South Platte River watershed. This is a critical ecosystem for the butterfly sub-species Hesperia leonardus montana.

Camping may be available for those who are interested in attending more than one day of the project. We will reach out 1 month before the project with more instructions on how to reserve a camping spot.

Volunteers are needed to assist in monitoring the threatened butterfly subspecies, the Pawnee montane skipper. Monitoring will involve using binoculars to identify and record the number and gender of skipper butterflies, along with information on nearby host plants and trees. Please bring your own lunch for the day!

This butterfly species is only out and about when conditions are warm and dry. The project schedule is highly weather-dependent, but volunteers should plan to be on site for the full day.

The Pawnee montane skipper is a species with a narrow distribution that is endemic (native) to Colorado. Fire suppression, dam and reservoir development, and climate change are all threats to the persistence and recovery of this federally threatened species.

Ages 18+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered difficult and a great opportunity for volunteers looking for a challenge. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

If a volunteer cannot commit to the full surveying time for the day, this could affect the integrity of the data, the safety of the group, and the project as a whole.

Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to hike off-trail through steep terrain for up to 5 miles round-trip. Elevation ranges from 6,000 ft to 8,000 ft. At this time of year, the weather is usually cool in the mornings but quickly warms to the high 80s or low 90s (though please check the weather in advance). This project is not for the faint of heart!

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No 4WD is required to reach the project area or sample sites; good tires are recommended to avoid flats on gravel roads. Beyond the initial meeting spot, we will aim to use agency vehicles whenever possible to minimize personal vehicle use.

Other Notes: Cell coverage in the area is minimal and varies by cell service provider.

This project will take place within the Denver Mountain Parks system, with the exact location confirmed closer to the project date. For more than 100 years, Denver’s Mountain Parks have offered access to some of Colorado’s most scenic landscapes just outside Denver.

Our project partners are currently scouting forest conditions across the system to identify the highest-priority treatment sites. No matter which park is selected, volunteers can expect a beautiful mountain setting and important forest health work. Registered volunteers will receive updated location details and logistics once the site is finalized.

The project area will most likely be steep and rocky, which makes chainsaws and hand saw work the most viable solutions for fuels management. For this project, we are looking for saywer and swamper volunteers. Sawyers must be certified. Swampers will build burn piles that the city will burn later in the season when the conditions are safe for this activity.

Please bring your own lunch for the day! 

The fuels management work will, first and foremost, assist with the local fire mitigation plan and implementation recommendations by the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. By removing fuels in the park, VOC volunteers will make the communities surrounding the park safer and more resilient to wildfire. VOC’s work will also help protect nearby homes, businesses, schools, infrastructure, and evacuation routes. 

Ages 18+  

On this project, we need a mix of A and B certified Chainsaw Sawyers. If you are certified, please include this in the Comments of your registration and send your certificate to the project manager. ALL SAWYERS MUST HOLD A CURRENT FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION IN ORDER TO OPERATE A SAW. Want to get certified? Visit our Training Calendar for upcoming training opportunities.

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations:  

Expect physically demanding work, including moving heavy materials (such as logs and branches) and working on uneven terrain. Volunteers will hike on uneven terrain to find a good working area that is a sufficient distance from other active sawyers.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access:  Volunteers will be able to drive and park close to the worksite

If you enjoy chainsaw projects, either as a certified sawyer or a support volunteer, you can view similar projects here.

The Southern Plains Land Trust was founded in 1998 to protect and restore shortgrass prairie across the Southern Great Plains. Today, SPLT stewards more than 60,000 acres of protected land in southeast Colorado, where they focus on ecological restoration, reintroducing keystone species like black-tailed prairie dogs and American bison, and connecting local communities to the land through education and outreach.

This project takes place at the Purgatoire River Preserve, a newly protected 493-acre property in Bent County. Acquired by SPLT in January 2025, the Preserve is intended to protect the Boggsville National Historic Site, provide public access to the Purgatoire River, and create a new outdoor recreation resource for Las Animas and surrounding communities.

Nearest town: Las Animas

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will help build a new soft-surface trail on the Purgatoire River Preserve, just south of Las Animas. This trail segment will provide river access and connect to an existing trail at Boggsville.

Trail work will include:

The goal of this project is to complete a segment of trail that provides access to the Purgatoire River and connects to an existing trail in Boggsville. This is foundational work on a brand-new preserve, and volunteers will play a key role in creating the first public trail access at this site.

VOC provides breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday.

Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

Trail development at the Purgatoire River Preserve was guided by a community planning process in Las Animas that identified local recreation needs and priorities. This project represents the first step in creating a new recreational and educational opportunity in southeast Colorado. The trail design considers a wide range of users and mobility needs, helping ensure the Preserve is welcoming and accessible to the broader community from the start.

Ages 14+

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving trail material; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: Limited to no cell service.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

O'Fallon Mountain Park is part of the Denver Mountain Park network and provides Front Range residents and visitors with superb hiking opportunities just 25 minutes from downtown. The area's rolling hills, flower-filled meadows, ponderosa pines, and great views reward users with a gorgeous mountain escape from city life. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days prior to the project.

Volunteers will help with much-needed trail maintenance at the park, just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Tasks may include:

This is a great opportunity for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse plant habitat in this well-loved natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: You can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch. 

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

Join us for this intentional outdoor experience to celebrate women in trail work. If you are unsure if this project is for you, please call us at (303) 715-1010 ext. 111.

Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks form a buffer around the city, helping to establish its own identity from neighboring communities. This project will take place in the Boulder Valley Ranch area, which offers access to many popular trails, including Sage, Eagle, Cobalt, and Left Hand.

Volunteers will help with the construction of the Hidden Valley Trail reroute. Work will include clearing vegetation to make way for the trail, digging and removing dirt to reach the proper trail level, and fine-tuning to create a smooth trail tread and a surface that drains properly.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

This trail reroute is part of a larger trail improvement plan for the western Boulder Valley Ranch area north of the city. These projects aim to improve outdoor experiences, increase trail sustainability, and increase bicycling trail access while protecting wildlife and plant habitats in the area.

Ages 14+ 

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Physical Difficulty:

This project includes tasks at varying levels of difficulty, from easy to moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: There will be about a half-mile hike from the parking lot to the work site. The worksite is sun-exposed.

Want to learn the basics of trail work or brush up on your trail skills ahead of the project? Join us at our Celebrating Women in Trails: Trail Skills Training @ Jamestown on May 30!

Spend the weekend caring for the Blanca Wetlands, a critical wildlife habitat in the San Luis Valley. These wetlands are among Colorado’s most important areas for birds, providing vital habitat for migrating waterbirds and shorebirds. As part of this project, you’ll join other volunteers in removing Russian Olive, a noxious weed, to support wetland and native plant restoration efforts. 

The BLM will allow the group to camp onsite, offering a rare opportunity to stay overnight at this beautiful and ecologically significant area.

Nearest Town: Alamosa, CO 81146

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will help remove Russian Olive trees, an invasive species threatening the Blanca Wetlands. The project has roles for both certified sawyers and general volunteers.  

Chainsaw-certified volunteers will cut the trees into manageable pieces, while other volunteers will help move the cut material to a designated area for later collection by BLM staff.

Only certified sawyers are permitted to operate chainsaws.

If you are certified, please note this in the comments section.

All sawyers must hold a current first aid/CPR certification in order to operate a chainsaw.

Interested in getting certified? Visit our Training Calendar to view upcoming training opportunities.

After the workday, BLM biologist Taylor, will share the history and importance of this critical wildlife habitat and the challenges the BLM continues to face in water resource management on the property. There will also be opportunities for pond fishing and excellent birding (when not operating chainsaws!). You might even spot some porcupines, a couple have made an appearance each year we have hosted this project. 

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

Russian Olive is designated as a “List B” species in the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, meaning we need to actively stop the spread of this species. Russian olive trees displace native flora and fauna and prevent them from re-establishing. And critically, a single Russian olive tree can consume up to 75 gallons of water per day—water that is essential for maintaining the wetlands and supporting the wildlife that depends on them. 

Ages 18+ 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here  for more details. 

Physical Considerations: This project will include physically demanding work, including moving heavy plant materials and working on uneven terrain. For volunteers not operating chainsaws, there may be lifting cut plant debris overhead at times, carrying logs, piling plant debris in one place, and using loppers.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible  

Other Notes: Tent camping OK. Car and Van camping OK. Large vehicles or tow-behinds may be accommodated, please contact Katie (katie@voc.org) to confirm availability. This project is at 7500 ft. elevation. Vault toilets and potable water will be available at camp.

If you enjoy chainsaw projects, either as a certified sawyer or a support volunteer, you can view similar projects here.

Join your fellow volunteers at Top of the Pines, a 175-acre nature preserve conveniently situated near Ouray, Ridgway, and Telluride. Set in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest, the property offers sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains and nearby peaks. Volunteers will camp in a developed campground next to a meadow with a seasonal pond.

Nearest town: Ridgway, CO 81432

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Help restore a historic trail that has become overgrown and difficult to follow due to increased use and time. Building on work started by VOC volunteers in 2024, you’ll continue clearing and improving the trail to make it safer, more visible, and accessible for visitors.

VOC provides breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday.

Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering — and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

This trail will connect to a biking trail constructed by Top of the Pines three years ago, expanding recreational opportunities on this public open space. Along the way, visitors will enjoy stunning views of the Sneffels Range, and future environmental education signs will highlight local ecology, forest health, landforms, and geology—helping visitors better understand and care for this special place.

Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older on overnight projects. 

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate, please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): hiking to access work site while carrying tools, repetitive bending, lifting, digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks. You’ll be working around a 6.5-7-hour day which requires some physical stamina, but you’ll always be encouraged to take breaks as needed.

Accessibility Factors:

Vehicle Accessibility: The final ~5 miles to the campground are on a maintained dirt road. High clearance is not required, and the road is accessible for 2WD vehicles. Please note that the road is very dark at night; we strongly encourage arriving before dark to make navigation easier.

Other Notes: The worksite begins about ¼ mile away from the camping area, an easy walk on a lightly used 2-track road. Indoor bathrooms with showers and flush toilets are available.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks form a buffer around the city, helping to establish its own identity from neighboring communities. This project will take place in the Boulder Valley Ranch area, which offers access to many popular trails, including Sage, Eagle, Cobalt, and Left Hand.

Volunteers will help with the construction of the Hidden Valley Trail reroute. Work will include clearing vegetation to make way for the trail, digging and removing dirt to reach the proper trail level, and fine-tuning to create a smooth trail tread and a surface that drains properly.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

This trail reroute is part of a larger trail improvement plan for the western Boulder Valley Ranch area north of the city. These projects aim to improve outdoor experiences, increase trail sustainability, and increase bicycling trail access while protecting wildlife and plant habitats in the area.

Ages 14+ 

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Physical Difficulty:

This project includes tasks at varying levels of difficulty, from easy to moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: There will be about a half-mile hike from the parking lot to the work site. The worksite is sun-exposed.

William Frederick Hayden Park sits atop Green Mountain, a prominent open space in the heart of Lakewood and one of the most well-loved urban parks on the west side of the Denver metro area. Originally donated by the Hayden family in 1972, the park now spans more than 2,400 acres, making it Lakewood’s second largest park.

Its extensive network of multi-use trails draws more than 250,000 visitors each year, offering an easy escape from the city for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and families. From the 6,800-foot summit, visitors enjoy wide views of both downtown Denver to the east and the Front Range to the west, while the park also provides important habitat for wildlife including mule deer, elk, and great horned owls.

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project. 

After a major trail reroute in 2018, some hikers have been cutting switchbacks along the middle section of the Rooney Valley Trail to avoid bike traffic and take a more direct route. We will be responding to these hikers recreating patters helping build rock steps that create a designated pedestrian bypass.

This allows hikers a more direct route while keeping the longer, gently graded switchbacks intact for wheeled trail users. Volunteers will assist with the construction of rock steps.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

The existing social trail follows a steep slope and is not sustainable. Continued use degrades wildlife habitat and spreads noxious weeds that threaten the native shortgrass prairie. Building this bypass helps protect sensitive habitat, reduces erosion, and supports the long-term goal of making every trail in William Frederick Hayden Park both sustainable and enjoyable.

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: The hike from the parking lot to the project site is about 2 miles uphill. The work area is heavily sun-exposed.

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Mt. Sneffels, located in Ouray, CO, is accessible through Yankee Boy Basin. This basin is home to fields of wildflowers and wildlife and leads up to one of the most beautiful fourteeners in the state. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Mt. Sneffels receives about 5,000-7,000 visitors annually, which is relatively low but has some of the worst conditions of the five major ranges, according to a recent report card procured by Colorado Fourteeners Initiative. 

Nearest town: Ouray, CO 81432

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

At Mt. Sneffels, several large tundra beds are being undercut due to foot traffic. As soil erodes from beneath plant life, this delicate vegetation dies.

In partnership with Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, volunteers will help construct retaining structures and delineate the trail to ensure the continued health of this important alpine environment. Improvements such as installing tundra support walls and rock check steps will stabilize the footpath, allowing hikers to stay on the route and preventing widening of the existing trail. 

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up. 

Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation) see over 300,000 hikers and climbers each year – all of whom are traveling through the alpine tundra ecosystem. This ecosystem thrives in an environment of high winds, short growing seasons, and cold winters, but is very easily damaged by foot traffic and erosion. Construction and maintenance of hiking trails on fourteeners prevent impacts to the sensitive plants and wildlife, and restoration projects repair areas that have already been damaged. 

Ages 18+ 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): long hike to worksite with significant elevation gain; carrying project tools and materials to worksite; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; working at elevation; working and hiking on steep or uneven terrain.  

You can expect to bend, squat, lift heavy objects, dig, reach, stretch, lean, rotate, and engage many muscle groups, all at a high elevation. This project is not for the faint of heart!    

The hike from the campsite to the worksite is up to 2 miles. Volunteers may be hauling project materials up the trail to the worksite (logs for structures). 

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: Moderate vehicle clearance and AWD is require to get to the camping location. 

Other Notes: This is a remote project. There is no cell service at the campsite or worksite.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

If you enjoy trail maintenance, you can view similar projects here. 

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Button Rock Preserve is a 3,000-acre nature preserve outside of Lyons that protects the primary drinking water source for more than 110,000 Boulder County residents. The area supports passive recreation like hiking, rock climbing, and fishing along North St. Vrain Creek, Longmont Reservoir, and Ralph Price Reservoir. Volunteers will work in a scenic, high-use recreation area while helping care for an important community resource.

Nearest town: Lyons

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will support trail restoration work along the South Cove Trail at Button Rock Preserve.

The focus is on approximately 720 feet of trail that is severely undercut and collapsing into the reservoir, creating safety, access, and water quality concerns. Tasks may include defining trail tread, improving drainage for water to flow off the trail, building small reroutes, and assisting with retaining wall construction to stabilize eroding sections. This is a technical trail project in steep terrain and requires focused, hands-on work.

South Cove Trail’s condition directly affects visitor safety, water quality, and access within a high-use recreation area. Restoring this trail segment will reduce erosion into the reservoir, improve safety for hikers, and support long-term stewardship and infrastructure resilience at Button Rock Preserve. 

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday.

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper!

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen!

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

- Ages: 16+  

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered Difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations:  

This work may include kneeling, bending, and working close to the ground for extended periods; exposure to sun and outdoor elements; exposure to insects such as bees and wasps; carrying and placing heavy materials like rocks and logs; digging and shoveling; and working near water with potentially muddy or slippery footing. Volunteers should be prepared for a 6.5 to 7-hour workday that requires physical stamina, with breaks encouraged as needed.

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible  

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Pence Park is a beautiful, quiet respite just thirty minutes from Denver. Pence Park's wide variety of trails has become a popular destination for hikers and bikers along the Front Range. Mountain bikers flock from miles around to ride from Lair O' the Bear to Pence Park, a scenic 13 miles. Pence Park's unique array of wildlife includes bald eagles, Mexican spotted owls, the Preble's jumping mouse, and the Townsend's big eared bat. Exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days prior to the project.

Volunteers will help with much-needed trail maintenance at the park, just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Tasks may include:

This is a great opportunity for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Trail maintenance matters from an ecological and environmental standpoint because it ensures a safe and sustainable route for people to use, which keeps the surrounding habitat safe and minimizes the human impacts on flora and fauna, especially in high-use areas like Pence Park.

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate, please check our difficulty rating criteria, here, for more details.

Physical Considerations:   You can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch. 

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

Parkfield Lake Park is a mixed-use park in the Montbello neighborhood of Denver. It is home to the Montbello Recreation Center, athletic fields, trails, a lake, and open space, and is surrounded by dense housing. The park is highly valued by the Montbello Community, and the trails are heavily used around the lake and in the open space areas.

Volunteers will be constructing timber steps on a trail at Parkfield Lake Park. This project will be critical to restore a degraded and eroded trail, making it safer for park users, increasing access, improving aesthetics, and reducing maintenance strain on Parks staff.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

The timber steps will improve safety, mitigate erosion, and reduce the expansion of social trails into the natural landscape.

Ages 18+

Physical Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate to difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: The project tasks can include digging into the hillside, lifting and placing lumber, and lifting and placing gravel on a steep slope. If you would like to participate in this event but the primary tasks do not suit you, we can accommodate volunteers removing weeds.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: Restrooms will be available on site. It is a 5-minute walk on a paved trail from the parking lot to the project site.

The Rio Grande National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres in a forested ring around the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado. From the high peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Range to rugged canyons and ancient calderas, the forest offers year-round opportunities for sightseeing and recreation.

This picturesque Colorado campground is located on the Divide Ranger District, a short drive from the town of Del Norte. The campground is surrounded by aspen trees, which will be in peak fall colors during the weekend- which is why it was scheduled accordingly! Nothing better than leaf peeping in the crowd-less San Luis Valley during this time of year. The campground is situated at the base of Storm King Mountain, amid rolling, rocky hills along the Middle Fork of Carnero Creek.

The campground will be reserved for the volunteer project.

Nearest town: La Garita, CO 81132

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

What You’ll Do: 

An old fence that once prevented resource damage and defined the Storm King campsites has deteriorated. Volunteers are needed to remove the old fence and construct a new one in the same area. The purpose of the fence is to prevent campers and cattle from trampling across the vegetation, allowing natural vegetation to flourish and improve the aesthetics of this popular campground. 

VOC provides breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands, held each year on the fourth Saturday in September.  For more than three decades, NPLD has helped make public lands more accessible to communities nationwide through service and celebration. Coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation, NPLD brings together thousands of volunteers—individuals, families, organizations, and agencies—to care for and celebrate America’s public lands through volunteer and community events.

Ages 16+ 

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. 

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: This project will include moderate lifting and tool use; shoveling and raking materials; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; and you can expect to bend, pick up objects, carry tools, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD dirt road

Other Notes: Tent camping OK. Car and Van camping OK. No large vehicles or tow-behinds. This project will be at 9400 ft. elevation. Vault toilets and potable water will be available at camp.

This project takes place within the Parks Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service in northern Colorado. The exact work location will be finalized 2 to 3 weeks before the project date and will be within a 30 to 60 minute drive from Walden in Jackson County. The final location depends on pine cone maturity and density in the area.

Nearest town: Walden, CO

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

Volunteers will help collect and clean pine cones for future reforestation efforts. Certified chainsaw sawyers will cut a limited number of trees. Volunteers will then collect pine cones from the downed trees, sort and clean them, and send them to a nursery for seed extraction and germination.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering — and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up. 

The Parks Ranger District has recently been affected by two large wildfires and has since realized that most of the seeds from their seed stock are from the 70s or 80s. The seeds they do have are not the right species for the appropriate seed zones to meet the district's diversity objectives. Volunteer efforts to collect pine cones for this project will result in updated, relevant seed stock and seedlings ready to plant in the forest by 2029. 

Ages 16+ 

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

For this project, we need a mix of A- and B-certified Chainsaw Sawyers. If you are certified, please include this in the Comments of your registration and send your certificate to the project manager. ALL SAWYERS MUST HOLD A CURRENT FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION IN ORDER TO OPERATE A SAW. Want to get certified? Visit our Training Calendar for upcoming training opportunities.

This project is considered moderate, with more physically demanding work for chainsaw operations. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Volunteers may experience some or all of the following physical activities: moderate to heavy lifting; working around loud noise and vibration; kneeling and bending; carrying and moving heavy debris; hiking on steep or uneven terrain; and handling sharp pine cones.

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: Depending on project location, SUVs with high clearance or 4-wheel drive may be required to access the work-site. 

Other Notes: The selected project location will be close to a road, so volunteers should not expect long hikes to the worksite.

If you enjoy chainsaw projects, either as a certified sawyer or a support volunteer, you can view similar projects here.