Opportunities From: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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

Cutting back overgrown plants, including cactus Clearing and rebuilding drainage features so water can flow off the trail Widening narrow sections of trail on steep slopes Making small adjustments to the trail to reduce erosion

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. 

Why It Matters: 

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. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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.

Food and Camping:

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.

Why It Matters: 

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?

Opportunities to see wildlife, enjoy bird watching, and fishing access Learning directly from agency staff and biologistsAn exclusive camping opportunity with wide open views, the chance to unplug, and focus on meaningful workEligibility Requirements: 

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 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.

Access Factors: 

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).

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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. 

Why It Matters: 

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.

Eligibility Requirements: 

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.

Where You'll Be:

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.

What You'll Do:

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.

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.

Why It Matters:

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.

Eligibility Requirements: 

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.

Where You'll Be: 

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. 

What You'll Do: 

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.

Why it Matters: 

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? 

There will be a fun mix trail maintenance and hands on feature building, including mountain bike specific work The chance to hike, run, or ride the trail system before or after the project - be sure to bring your hiking gear or mountain bike!  A great way to celebrate National Trails Day by giving back to a hometown trail system people love After registering, you are encouraged to pledge your volunteer day on the National Trails Day website for a chance to win premium gear prize packsEligibility Requirements:  

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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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.

Why It Matters: 

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.

Eligibility Requirements: 

- 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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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.

Why It Matters: 

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.

Eligibility Requirements:  Ages 18+ 

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.

Project Difficulty: 

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.

Access Factors: 

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).

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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.

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. 

Why It Matters: 

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.

Eligibility Requirements: 

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. 

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: 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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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.

Food and Camping:

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.

Why It Matters: 

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.

Eligibility Requirements: 

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.

Where You’ll Be:  

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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. 

Why It Matters:  

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.

Eligibility Requirements:   

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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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. 

What You’ll Do: 

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. 

Why It Matters: 

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. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You'll Do:

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:

Phase 1: Pre-field planning and logistics: This will involve calculating fence segment lengths, identifying road access for each fence segment, parking areas, and other logistics for field operations.  Phase 2: Fence surveys and prioritization (this project) Phase 3: Camera monitoring before and after fencing adjustments: Once we have identified the fence segments to be modified or removed using volunteer surveys, we will deploy 45 remote trail cameras along select fence lines for a migration season before and after the treatment.Phase 4: Fence modification and removal projects in 2027: Two additional volunteer projects will be hosted in 2027 where we will complete the modification and removals to the identified 15 miles of fence. Phase 5: Data processing and analysis: All photographs collected from trail cameras will be processed to analyze the effectiveness of the project and compare outcomes with pre-work documentation.Food and Camping:

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.

Why It Matters: 

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.

Eligibility Requirements: 

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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do:  

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!

Why It Matters:  

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. 

Eligibility Requirements:   

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).

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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:

cutting back slope, shaping and finishing the trail tread, placing natural materials to improve durability, and restoring sections of the old trail that will be closed.

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.   

Why It Matters: 

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.

Eligibility Requirements: 

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. 

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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. 

Why It Matters: 

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. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

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).

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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.

Food and Camping:

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.

Why It Matters:   

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.  

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 18+

Due to a 15-person limit in designated Wilderness areas, an $80 deposit is required to register Deposits are fully refunded upon project completion or cancellation more than two weeks before the project Deposits are not refunded for cancellations within two weeks of the project

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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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!

What You’ll Do: 

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!

Why it Matters:

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. 

Eligibility Requirements:   

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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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

What You’ll Do:

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.   

Why It Matters:   

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.

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 18+

Due to the 15-person limit in Wilderness areas, even one late cancellation can be detrimental to our volunteer recruitment and outdoor stewardship efforts. As such, a deposit of $80 is required to register. This deposit will be refunded in full upon completion of the project, or upon cancellation more than two weeks prior to the project. Deposits will not be refunded if you cancel less than two weeks before the project.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 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+

Where You'll Be:

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.

What You'll Do: 

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:

digging and shaping tread, spreading crushed gravel, and moving trail materials along the corridor.

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.

Why it Matters:

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.

Eligibility Requirements:

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).

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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You'll Do:

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.

Why It Matters:

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.

Eligibility Requirements:

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!

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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.

This project requires eight B-certified chainsaw sawyers. A-certified sawyers may cut under the supervision of B-Sawyers.

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. 

Food and Camping:

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.

Why It Matters: 

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. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

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.

Where you'll be: 

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.

What you'll do: 

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.

Why it's important: 

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.

Eligibility Requirements:   Ages 16+ 

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).

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You'll Do:

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.

Why It Matters:

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.

Eligibility Requirements:

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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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. 

Why It Matters: 

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. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You’ll Do: 

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.

Why It Matters: 

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.

Eligibility Requirements: 

- 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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

Why It Matters: 

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.

Eligibility Requirements: 

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.

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Where You’ll Be:  

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.

What You’ll Do:  

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. 

Why It Matters:  

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. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

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.

Project Difficulty: 

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.

Where You’ll Be: 

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.

What You'll Do:

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.

Why It Matters:

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.

Eligibility Requirements:

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.