Opportunities From: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado

The goal of this project is to create an intentional outdoor experience that brings all people together. Curious about what we’re celebrating? Click here for more information on Pride Month.

Where You’ll Be: 

You’ll be volunteering at First Creek at the 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: 

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

What you'll do:  

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

Why it's important:  

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

Eligibility Requirements:  

Ages 12+ 

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

Project Difficulty:

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

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

Access Factors:  

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

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

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

Where You’ll Be: 

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

What You’ll Do: 

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

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

Please bring your own lunch for the day! 

Why It Matters: 

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

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 12+   

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

Project Difficulty: 

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

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

Access Factors: 

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

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

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

Where You’ll Be: 

This half-day project is a great opportunity for those looking for less physically demanding yet important and rewarding volunteer work. Boulder County Parks and Open Space staff will monitor seed development across various open space areas to determine the best collection sites. The exact project location will be shared with registered volunteers 4–7 days before the project.  

What You’ll Do: 

Help increase the availability of native seeds by hand-collecting a variety of species, including grasses, sedges, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. This is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge of native Colorado plants, as Boulder County Plant Ecologists will be on-site to guide you in identifying wildflowers and other native species throughout the project. 

Why It Matters: 

Using native seeds in restoration efforts is critical for helping the land recover after a disturbance. Unfortunately, native seeds are often unavailable commercially, prohibitively expensive, or not suited to the local ecosystem. 

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:  Hiking and bending over to collect seeds. 

Access Factors:  While the location is not yet determined, all locations should be 2WD accessible. Other Notes: Please note that the specific project location will be confirmed about one week before the event. The site selection depends on several factors, including seed development, weather conditions, and even wind! Our partners at Boulder County Parks & Open Space will actively scout potential sites, and we’ll share the location and logistics with registered volunteers as soon as the details are finalized.

Join us at Blanca Wetlands, a premier birding destination located about 30 minutes from Great Sand Dunes National Park.

New to overnight projects with VOC? Learn more about what to expect here.

Where You’ll Be: 

Spend the weekend caring for the Blanca Wetlands, a critical wildlife habitat in the San Luis Valley. These wetlands are among Colorado’s most important areas for birds, providing vital habitat for migrating waterbirds and shorebirds. As part of this project, you’ll join other volunteers in removing Russian Olive, a noxious weed, to support wetland and native plant restoration efforts. 

The BLM will allow the group to camp onsite, offering a rare opportunity to stay overnight at this beautiful and ecologically significant area.

Nearest Town: Alamosa, CO 81146

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

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will help remove Russian Olive trees, an invasive species threatening the Blanca Wetlands. The project has roles for both certified sawyers and general volunteers.  

Chainsaw-certified volunteers will cut the trees into manageable pieces, while other volunteers will help move the cut material to a designated area for later collection by BLM staff.

Only certified sawyers are permitted to operate chainsaws.

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

If you are certified, please note this in the comments section.

All sawyers must hold a current first aid/CPR certification in order to operate a chainsaw.

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

After the workday, BLM biologist Taylor, will share the history and importance of this critical wildlife habitat and the challenges the BLM continues to face in water resource management on the property. There will also be opportunities for pond fishing and excellent birding (when not operating chainsaws!). You might even spot some porcupines, a couple have made an appearance each year we have hosted this project. 

Food and Camping:

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

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

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

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

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

Why It Matters: 

Russian Olive is designated as a “List B” species in the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, meaning we need to actively stop the spread of this species. Russian olive trees displace native flora and fauna and prevent them from re-establishing. And critically, a single Russian olive tree can consume up to 75 gallons of water per day, water that is essential for maintaining the wetlands and supporting the wildlife that depends on them. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 18+ 

Project Difficulty: 

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

Physical Considerations: This project will include physically demanding work, including moving heavy plant materials and working on uneven terrain. For volunteers not operating chainsaws, there may be lifting cut plant debris overhead at times, carrying logs, piling plant debris in one place, and using loppers.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible  

Other Notes: Tent camping OK. Car and Van camping OK. Large vehicles or tow-behinds may be accommodated, please contact Katie (katie@voc.org) to confirm availability. This project is at 7500 ft. elevation. Vault toilets and potable water will be available at camp.

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

Where You’ll Be:  

This project takes place within the Parks Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service in northern Colorado. The exact work location will be finalized 2 to 3 weeks before the project date and will be within a 30 to 60 minute drive from Walden in Jackson County. The final location depends on pine cone maturity and density in the area.

Nearest town: Walden, CO

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

What You’ll Do:  

Volunteers will help collect and clean pine cones for future reforestation efforts. Certified chainsaw sawyers will cut a limited number of trees. Volunteers will then collect pine cones from the downed trees, sort and clean them, and send them to a nursery for seed extraction and germination.

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

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

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

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

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

Why It Matters:  

The Parks Ranger District has recently been affected by two large wildfires and has since realized that most of the seeds from their seed stock are from the 70s or 80s. The seeds they do have are not the right species for the appropriate seed zones to meet the district's diversity objectives. Volunteer efforts to collect pine cones for this project will result in updated, relevant seed stock and seedlings ready to plant in the forest by 2029. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 16+ 

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

For this project, we need a mix of A- and B-certified Chainsaw Sawyers. If you are certified, please include this in the Comments of your registration and send your certificate to the project manager. ALL SAWYERS MUST HOLD A CURRENT FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION IN ORDER TO OPERATE A SAW. Want to get certified? Visit our Training Calendar for upcoming training opportunities.

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate, with more physically demanding work for chainsaw operations. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Volunteers may experience some or all of the following physical activities: moderate to heavy lifting; working around loud noise and vibration; kneeling and bending; carrying and moving heavy debris; hiking on steep or uneven terrain; and handling sharp pine cones.

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: Depending on project location, SUVs with high clearance or 4-wheel drive may be required to access the work-site. 

Other Notes: The selected project location will be close to a road, so volunteers should not expect long hikes to the worksite.

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