Opportunities From: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado

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: 

This project will take place within the Denver Mountain Parks system, with the exact location confirmed closer to the project date. For more than 100 years, Denver’s Mountain Parks have offered access to some of Colorado’s most scenic landscapes just outside Denver.

Our project partners are currently scouting forest conditions across the system to identify the highest-priority treatment sites. No matter which park is selected, volunteers can expect a beautiful mountain setting and important forest health work. Registered volunteers will receive updated location details and logistics once the site is finalized.

What You’ll Do: 

The project area will most likely be steep and rocky, which makes chainsaws and hand saw work the most viable solutions for fuels management. For this project, we are looking for saywer and swamper volunteers. Sawyers must be certified. Swampers will build burn piles that the city will burn later in the season when the conditions are safe for this activity.

Please bring your own lunch for the day! 

Why It Matters: 

The fuels management work will, first and foremost, assist with the local fire mitigation plan and implementation recommendations by the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. By removing fuels in the park, VOC volunteers will make the communities surrounding the park safer and more resilient to wildfire. VOC’s work will also help protect nearby homes, businesses, schools, infrastructure, and evacuation routes. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 18+  

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

Project Difficulty: 

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

Physical Considerations:  

Expect physically demanding work, including moving heavy materials (such as logs and branches) and working on uneven terrain. Volunteers will hike on uneven terrain to find a good working area that is a sufficient distance from other active sawyers.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access:  Volunteers will be able to drive and park close to the worksite

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

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.

Where You’ll Be: 

This project will take place within the South Platte Ranger District, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. Forest Service staff are currently surveying lands throughout the district to identify the highest-priority forest health treatment area for this work. The final project location will be selected based on current conditions, ecosystem needs, and wildfire risk.

Nearest Town: Pine, CO 

Volunteers will receive updated information about the project location as the project date approaches, once the site has been confirmed. Please be sure to register so you receive all project details and logistics as they become available.

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will support forest health management by felling and piling overgrown trees in areas where dense vegetation creates unsafe conditions for the ecosystem and increases wildfire risk. Work will most likely take place on steep and rocky terrain, making chainsaws and hand saws the most effective tools for this project.

We are seeking both volunteer sawyers and swampers. Certified sawyers will fell trees, while swampers will assist with clearing, stacking material, and building burn piles. These piles will be burned later in the season by land managers when conditions are safe. This hands-on work helps restore a healthier forest structure and improves overall wildfire resilience.

Why It Matters: 

Many forests have grown dense after decades of fire suppression, making them more vulnerable to severe wildfires and ecological stress. By removing excess trees and reducing hazardous fuels, this project helps restore healthier forest conditions, lowers wildfire risk, and supports safer, more effective land management. Your work directly contributes to long-term forest resilience while protecting nearby communities, wildlife habitat, and recreational landscapes.

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 18+ 

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 rated difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations:  Expect physically demanding work, including moving heavy materials (such as logs and branches) and working on uneven terrain. Volunteers will hike over uneven terrain to find a suitable work area that is far enough from other active sawyers.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access:  Volunteers will be able to drive and park close to the worksite.

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

Where You’ll Be:  

You’ll be working at 1st Ave Pond, a quiet, behind the scenes natural area in the southernmost part of the City of Greeley. This site borders a small stretch of the South Platte River corridor and is currently closed to public access, allowing it to function as an important refuge for wildlife. With no formal trails or recreational use, the area provides undisturbed habitat for birds, small mammals, and other species that rely on intact riparian and wetland ecosystems.

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will help remove 10 to 15 foot Russian olive trees, an invasive species that threatens native vegetation and wildlife habitat along the South Platte River corridor. This project includes roles for both chainsaw certified volunteers and general volunteers. Chainsaw certified volunteers will cut Russian olive trees into manageable sections. Other volunteers will assist by moving cut material to a chipper staging area operated by the Forestry Division.

Only certified sawyers are permitted to operate chainsaws.

This project requires five B certified Chainsaw Sawyers. A certified Sawyers may participate under the supervision of B Sawyers.

If you are certified, please note this in the comments section during registration and email your certificate to the project manager.

All sawyers must hold a current First Aid and CPR certification in order to operate a chainsaw.

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

Why It Matters: 

Russian olive is designated as a List B species under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, requiring active management to prevent its spread. These invasive trees displace native plants and wildlife and can consume up to 75 gallons of water per day, water that is critical for sustaining wetlands and the species that depend on them. Removing Russian olive at 1st Ave Pond helps restore native habitat, protect limited water resources, and strengthen the health of the South Platte River corridor. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 18+  

Project Difficulty: 

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

Physical Considerations:

Expect physically demanding work, including moving heavy 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

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 working at 1st Ave Pond, a quiet, behind the scenes natural area in the southernmost part of the City of Greeley. This site borders a small stretch of the South Platte River corridor and is currently closed to public access, allowing it to function as an important refuge for wildlife. With no formal trails or recreational use, the area provides undisturbed habitat for birds, small mammals, and other species that rely on intact riparian and wetland ecosystems.

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will help remove 10 to 15 foot Russian olive trees, an invasive species that threatens native vegetation and wildlife habitat along the South Platte River corridor. This project includes roles for both chainsaw certified volunteers and general volunteers. Chainsaw certified volunteers will cut Russian olive trees into manageable sections. Other volunteers will assist by moving cut material to a chipper staging area operated by the Forestry Division.

Only certified sawyers are permitted to operate chainsaws.

This project requires five B certified Chainsaw Sawyers. A certified Sawyers may participate under the supervision of B Sawyers.

If you are certified, please note this in the comments section during registration and email your certificate to the project manager.

All sawyers must hold a current First Aid and CPR certification in order to operate a chainsaw.

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

Why It Matters: 

Russian olive is designated as a List B species under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, requiring active management to prevent its spread. These invasive trees displace native plants and wildlife and can consume up to 75 gallons of water per day, water that is critical for sustaining wetlands and the species that depend on them. Removing Russian olive at 1st Ave Pond helps restore native habitat, protect limited water resources, and strengthen the health of the South Platte River corridor. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 18+  

Project Difficulty: 

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

Physical Considerations:

Expect physically demanding work, including moving heavy 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

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