Opportunities From: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado

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

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

Rescuer, patient and bystander mental health Inclusive and compassionate patient care Prevention of potential problems Performing a basic physical exam, identifying abnormalities and life-threatening problems, obtaining vital signs, patient history, and writing and verbalizing a report for a walk-out evacuation or hand-off Treatment and stabilization of emergencies, improvising splints, bleeding and wound control, management of heat and cold illnesses, hydration problems, drownings, lighting injuries, spinal cord protection, basic patient lifts and transfers Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and special considerations for the wilderness, Epinephrine administration, and first aid kit planning for specific activities and needs

Essential Details:

This training costs $250. Please click here to pay for the course and get more details on the exact location. If you cancel within 2 weeks of the training you will not be reimbursed. This training is on March 14-15. It is required to attend both days of the training. This training will take place in Denver, Colorado. Exact location details will be shared once you have registered and paid for the course. This training is different than the First Aid and CPR courses also offered by VOC. This course is also different than Wilderness First Responder.Cancellations within 2 weeks of the training will not be eligible for a refund.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breakfast will be provided.

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

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.

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

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

Where You'll Be: 

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

What You'll Do:

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

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

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

Why It Matters: 

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

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

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 12+

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

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

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

Project Difficulty:

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

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

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

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

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

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).

Why it's important:

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

What you'll learn:

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

Where you'll be:

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

Eligibility requirements:        

Ages 16+  

Essential details:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essential Details: 

This training takes place on Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26, 2026. It is required to attend both days of the training. It costs $100 per person to attend the training. Please click here to pay for the training and access the online content. This training will be free of charge for CPW staff and CPW volunteers. If you are CPW staff or volunteer, please reach out to Kelly Clouse at kclouse@voc.org for a discount code to use at check out to receive the training free of charge.
NOTE: If you cancel within 2 weeks of the training start date you will not be refunded.It is mandatory to complete the online training prior to the in-person training. Please allow about 4 hours to complete the online training ahead of the in-person training.Please bring your own food and water.

 

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

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

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

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

Essential Details:

This training costs $100. Please click here to pay for the training.This training takes place on May 2-3. It is required to attend both days of the training. The exact location of the training and a detailed schedule will be provided once you have paid for the training.  This training will be at Castlewood Canyon State Park. Cancellations within 2 weeks of the training will not be eligible for refunds. 

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

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

Where You’ll Be: 

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

What You’ll Do: 

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

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

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

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

Why It Matters: 

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

Eligibility Requirements:  Ages 14+ 

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

Project Difficulty: 

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

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

Access Factors:  

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

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

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

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: 

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

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

What You’ll Do: 

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

Establishing new in-ground beds, Building raised beds and planting a hedge row (a row of trees or shrubs that will form a living border/fence),Establishing bed infrastructure such as irrigation and trellises, Cutting down cover crop (a crop used to hold down and add nutrients to the soil between growing seasons), Planting seeds and seedlings.

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

Why It Matters: 

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

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

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

Eligibility Requirements:  

Ages 15+   

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

Project Difficulty: 

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

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

Access Factors: 

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

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

Where You'll Be:

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

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

What You'll Do:

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

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

As part of the work, volunteers may also:

Build simple drainage features to move water off the trail Help reduce erosion in problem areas Construct rock turnpikes to carry the trail safely through wetland sections (a turnpike is a raised section of trail that's built to cross wet or muddy areas)

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

Why It Matters:

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

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

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

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 14+

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

Physical 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 accessible

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

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

Where You’ll Be:

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

What You’ll Do:

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

Why It Matters:

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

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 14+

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

Project Difficulty:

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

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

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible

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

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

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

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

Essential Details: 

This training takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026.  It costs $70 per person to attend the training. Please click here to pay for the training and access the online content. It is mandatory to complete the online training prior to the in-person training. Please allow about 4 hours to complete this training.Cancellations within 2 weeks of the training will not be refunded.Please bring your own food and water to this training.

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

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

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

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

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

Essential Details: 

This training takes place on Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, 2026. It is required to attend both days of the training. It costs $100 per person to attend the training. Please click here to pay for the training and access the online content.NOTE: If you cancel within 2 weeks of the training start date you will not be refunded.It is mandatory to complete the online training prior to the in-person training. Please allow about 4 hours to complete this training. Please bring your own food and water to this training.

 

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

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

Where you'll be:

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

What you'll do:

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

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

Why it's important:

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

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

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

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 10+

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

Project Difficulty:

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

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

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

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

Where You'll Be: 

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

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

What You'll Do:

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

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

Why It Matters:

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

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 10+

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

Project Difficulty:

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

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

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions - 2WD accessible

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

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

Where You’ll Be: 

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

What You’ll Do: 

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

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

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

Why It Matters: 

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

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 8+   

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

Project Difficulty: 

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

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

Access Factors: 

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

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

Where you'll be:

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

What you'll do:

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

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

Why it's important:

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

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 8+

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

Project Difficulty:

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

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

Accessibility Factors:

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

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: 

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

What You’ll Do: 

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

Why It Matters: 

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

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages xx+: 16+ 

Project Difficulty: 

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

Access Factors:   

Vehicle Access:  No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible

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

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

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

Essential Details: 

This training takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, 2026. It is required to attend both days of the training. It costs $100 per person to attend the training. Please click here to pay for the training and access the online content.NOTE: If you cancel within 2 weeks of the training start date you will not be refunded.This training will be free of charge for CPW staff and CPW volunteers. If you are CPW staff or volunteer, please reach out to Ben Kromash at ben@voc.org for a discount code to use at check out to receive the training free of charge. It is mandatory to complete the online training prior to the in-person training. Please allow about 4 hours to complete this training. Please bring your own food and water to this training.

 

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

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

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

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

Where You’ll Be: 

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

What You’ll Do: 

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

Tasks may include: 

weeding garden beds, setting up trellises and T-posts for vining crops, transplanting seedlings, and possibly wood chipping or dismantling old compost piles.

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

Why It Matters: 

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

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 8+ 

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

Project Difficulty: 

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

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

Access Factors: 

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

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

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

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: 

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

What You’ll Do: 

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

Why It Matters: 

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

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

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 10+ 

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

Project Difficulty: 

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

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

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: 2WD vehicles can access the work site  

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

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

Where You'll Be:

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

What You'll Do:

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

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

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

Why It Matters:

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

Eligibility Requirements:Ages 14+

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

Project Difficulty: 

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

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

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essential Details: 

This training takes place on Saturday, June 20 2026.  It costs $70 per person to attend the training. Please click here to pay for the training and access the online content. It is mandatory to complete the online training prior to the in-person training. Please allow about 4 hours to complete this training.Cancellations within 2 weeks of the training will not be refunded.Please bring your own food and water to this training.

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

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

Where You'll Be:

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

What You'll Do:

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

Why It Matters:

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

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

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

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

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Essential Details: 

This training takes place on Friday, June 26. Cancellations within 2 weeks of the training will not be refunded.This training costs $70 to participate in. Please click here to pay for the training.Free camping will be provided on Thursday June 25 and Friday June 26. NOTE: If you attend the Hogback Trail Reroute project on June 27-28 you can be reimbursed for the cost of this training. Please bring your own food and water to this training.

 

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

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.