Volunteer: Erosion Control @ Southern Plains Land TrustWhere You’ll Be:
This project takes place at Heartland Ranch, a 43,000-acre wildlife reserve managed by the Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT) in Bent County, near Lamar, Colorado. The preserve provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and coyotes, as well as endangered species like the black-footed ferret. The work site is located about 10 miles from SPLT’s main office, in an open landscape with intermittent streams that play a vital role in the region’s ecosystem. What You’ll Do:Volunteers will build erosion control structures to prevent further erosion of the stream beds, which will help the watershed flourish again and improve habitat quality. Using only natural materials such as rocks and logs, volunteers will construct One Rock Dams, log jams, and beaver dam analogs to stabilize stream beds, slow erosion, and create conditions for vegetation to recover. Tasks will include collecting and placing rocks, logs, and tree trunks, leveling stream beds with shovels, and working together to build sustainable structures that support long-term water retention. Volunteers will also work with certified sawyers to remove tamarisk. By helping to remove the tamarisk, you will be taking part in an effort to encourage native plant growth and ultimately return the habitat to its natural state Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend. Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving at base camp before 8 pm on Friday.Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! Healthy streams are essential for sustaining wildlife, preserving vegetation, and improving water retention in this arid region. Past land use, which included cattle grazing, contributed to erosion and habitat degradation. By restoring the natural flow of water, this project will support riparian plant growth, increase carbon sequestration, and enhance the availability of water—a scarce and valuable resource in the prairie. Also, we'll the Tamarisk removal will help native plants thrive and support the wildlife that depend on them. Eligibility Requirements:Ages 16+ For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. On this project, we need 2 B or C certified Chainsaw Sawyers. A-certified Sawyers will be able to work under the supervision of B 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. Project Difficulty: This project is considered moderate to difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. Physical Considerations: On this project you can expect to lift, carry, and place large rocks, dig holes, carry tools, bend down, and pick up heavy objects. The area has significant sun exposure. VOC staff will set up a tent for volunteers to take breaks in the shade. Access Factors: Vehicle Accessibility: Volunteers should expect to drive multiple miles on maintained dirt roads. Please follow all maps closely and directions will be provided closer to the project dateOther notes: Limited to no cell service.Program: Public Projects Where You’ll Be:
This project takes place at Heartland Ranch, a 43,000-acre wildlife reserve managed by the Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT) in Bent County, near Lamar, Colorado. The preserve provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and coyotes, as well as endangered species like the black-footed ferret. The work site is located about 10 miles from SPLT’s main office, in an open landscape with intermittent streams that play a vital role in the region’s ecosystem. What You’ll Do:Volunteers will build erosion control structures to prevent further erosion of the stream beds, which will help the watershed flourish again and improve habitat quality. Using only natural materials such as rocks and logs, volunteers will construct One Rock Dams, log jams, and beaver dam analogs to stabilize stream beds, slow erosion, and create conditions for vegetation to recover. Tasks will include collecting and placing rocks, logs, and tree trunks, leveling stream beds with shovels, and working together to build sustainable structures that support long-term water retention. Volunteers will also work with certified sawyers to remove tamarisk. By helping to remove the tamarisk, you will be taking part in an effort to encourage native plant growth and ultimately return the habitat to its natural state Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend. Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving at base camp before 8 pm on Friday.Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! Healthy streams are essential for sustaining wildlife, preserving vegetation, and improving water retention in this arid region. Past land use, which included cattle grazing, contributed to erosion and habitat degradation. By restoring the natural flow of water, this project will support riparian plant growth, increase carbon sequestration, and enhance the availability of water—a scarce and valuable resource in the prairie. Also, we'll the Tamarisk removal will help native plants thrive and support the wildlife that depend on them. Eligibility Requirements:Ages 16+ For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. On this project, we need 2 B or C certified Chainsaw Sawyers. A-certified Sawyers will be able to work under the supervision of B 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. Project Difficulty: This project is considered moderate to difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. Physical Considerations: On this project you can expect to lift, carry, and place large rocks, dig holes, carry tools, bend down, and pick up heavy objects. The area has significant sun exposure. VOC staff will set up a tent for volunteers to take breaks in the shade. Access Factors: Vehicle Accessibility: Volunteers should expect to drive multiple miles on maintained dirt roads. Please follow all maps closely and directions will be provided closer to the project dateOther notes: Limited to no cell service.Program: Public Projects Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 81044 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: 3-Day: National Public Lands Day - Gunnison Sage Grouse Habitat Improvement @ Villa GroveWhere You’ll Be:
Celebrate National Public Lands day by joining us for this three-day volunteer event, hosted in partnership with the BLM San Luis Valley Field Office. This project will focus on improving habitat and breeding conditions for the Gunnison Sage-Grouse, an endangered species found in the San Luis Valley. This year, we’ll work in a new location near Villa Grove, building on the success of similar efforts in previous years. Volunteers will camp on BLM land near the project site, enjoying meals prepared by our Crew Chefs, a volunteer appreciation raffle, and a fun and social camp setting. After one of the workdays, you’ll also have the opportunity learn more about the Gunnison Sage-Grouse and the nearby satellite population through an educational presentation. What You’ll Do:Volunteers will build Zeedyk structures, one rock dams, and/or zuni bowls to improve habitat conditions and breeding grounds for the Gunnison Sage Grouse population in the area. Tasks will include digging and moving large amounts of rock to construct these structures. For those seeking less physically demanding tasks, there will be opportunities to tag wildlife fences. Because you're joining us on National Public Lands Day, you'll receive a voucher for one free entry into a national public land area as a token of appreciation, along with a NPLD t-shirt. Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend. Free campsites are available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving at base camp before 8 pm on the evening before the work day.Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper!
The Gunnison Sage-Grouse is a threatened species in Colorado, with a small satellite population on BLM land near Poncha Pass. These populations face growing threats from habitat fragmentation and increased off-highway vehicle activity on BLM lands. This project will be focused on wet meadow restoration by installing Zeedyk structures to improve habitat conditions and breeding grounds for the Gunnison Sage Grouse population in the area. Eligibility Requirements:Ages 16+ Sawyers must be 18+ For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. On this project, we need one B-certified Chainsaw Sawyers. A-certified Sawyers will be able to work under the supervision of B 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 has a range of tasks from easy and moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. Physical Considerations: Tasks 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, car, and small trailer camping are allowed. Program: Public Projects Where You’ll Be:
Celebrate National Public Lands day by joining us for this three-day volunteer event, hosted in partnership with the BLM San Luis Valley Field Office. This project will focus on improving habitat and breeding conditions for the Gunnison Sage-Grouse, an endangered species found in the San Luis Valley. This year, we’ll work in a new location near Villa Grove, building on the success of similar efforts in previous years. Volunteers will camp on BLM land near the project site, enjoying meals prepared by our Crew Chefs, a volunteer appreciation raffle, and a fun and social camp setting. After one of the workdays, you’ll also have the opportunity learn more about the Gunnison Sage-Grouse and the nearby satellite population through an educational presentation. What You’ll Do:Volunteers will build Zeedyk structures, one rock dams, and/or zuni bowls to improve habitat conditions and breeding grounds for the Gunnison Sage Grouse population in the area. Tasks will include digging and moving large amounts of rock to construct these structures. For those seeking less physically demanding tasks, there will be opportunities to tag wildlife fences. Because you're joining us on National Public Lands Day, you'll receive a voucher for one free entry into a national public land area as a token of appreciation, along with a NPLD t-shirt. Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend. Free campsites are available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving at base camp before 8 pm on the evening before the work day.Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper!
The Gunnison Sage-Grouse is a threatened species in Colorado, with a small satellite population on BLM land near Poncha Pass. These populations face growing threats from habitat fragmentation and increased off-highway vehicle activity on BLM lands. This project will be focused on wet meadow restoration by installing Zeedyk structures to improve habitat conditions and breeding grounds for the Gunnison Sage Grouse population in the area. Eligibility Requirements:Ages 16+ Sawyers must be 18+ For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. On this project, we need one B-certified Chainsaw Sawyers. A-certified Sawyers will be able to work under the supervision of B 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 has a range of tasks from easy and moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. Physical Considerations: Tasks 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, car, and small trailer camping are allowed. Program: Public Projects Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 81155 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Cottonwood Caging @ Dolores RiverWhere 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. This project takes place in a cottonwood gallery along the Dolores River between Gateway and Naturita. What You’ll Do:Volunteers will help protect cottonwood trees by installing protective cages. This involves carrying materials—including T-posts, fencing, and tools—to designated sites, securing up to four posts per tree, and wrapping them with fencing. These efforts will safeguard young and mature cottonwoods from increased beaver activity, particularly following recent flooding events that have allowed beavers to access previously protected trees. Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend. Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper!
Cottonwood galleries are vital to the Dolores River ecosystem, providing shade that helps regulate water temperatures and contributing large woody debris that enhances fish habitat. By protecting these trees, we help sustain a healthy riparian corridor. Eligibility Requirements:Ages 18+ Project Difficulty: This project is rated moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to carry tools and fencing materials, bend down, squat or kneel, and use their hands to secure fencing. We have the privilege of working within beaver habitat! We can expect dense brush, muddy and uneven terrain and some bugs. Access Factors: Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible with the ability to drive up to the worksite. Other Notes: Expect limited cell service and a ~30-minute drive to the nearest town for amenities. Program: Public Projects 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. This project takes place in a cottonwood gallery along the Dolores River between Gateway and Naturita. What You’ll Do:Volunteers will help protect cottonwood trees by installing protective cages. This involves carrying materials—including T-posts, fencing, and tools—to designated sites, securing up to four posts per tree, and wrapping them with fencing. These efforts will safeguard young and mature cottonwoods from increased beaver activity, particularly following recent flooding events that have allowed beavers to access previously protected trees. Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend. Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper!
Cottonwood galleries are vital to the Dolores River ecosystem, providing shade that helps regulate water temperatures and contributing large woody debris that enhances fish habitat. By protecting these trees, we help sustain a healthy riparian corridor. Eligibility Requirements:Ages 18+ Project Difficulty: This project is rated moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to carry tools and fencing materials, bend down, squat or kneel, and use their hands to secure fencing. We have the privilege of working within beaver habitat! We can expect dense brush, muddy and uneven terrain and some bugs. Access Factors: Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible with the ability to drive up to the worksite. Other Notes: Expect limited cell service and a ~30-minute drive to the nearest town for amenities. Program: Public Projects Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 81422 Allow Groups: No |