Opportunities From: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado

Where You'll Be:  

Valued for its remote feel and beauty, the James Peak Wilderness encompasses 14,000 acres to the southwest of Nederland, not far from the community of Rollinsville. It is home to high alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and its namesake, James Peak, which sits at 13,294 feet. 

What You'll Do: 

Join us for a half-day project dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the James Peak Wilderness. Volunteers ages 8 and up will spend the morning digging up invasive Oxeye daisies from the trailhead and surrounding areas. Led by experienced leaders Anna Zawisza (former VOC Staff) and Jim Jacobson (long-time volunteer), this project welcomes families and volunteers of all abilities to contribute to a multi-year effort spanning two decades. Your participation will make an immediate impact by enhancing the health of one of Colorado's popular Wilderness Areas. 

Why It Matters: 

Despite how cute they look, Oxeye daisies pose a significant threat as invasive weeds. For over two decades, VOC volunteers have removed thousands of flowers and seeds from the East Portal access point to the James Peak Wilderness. By joining this crucial effort, volunteers will help protect native plants and prevent the invasive weed from encroaching deeper into the Wilderness Area. 

Eligibility Requirements:  

Ages 8+  

Please note the name and age of the youth you're bringing in the registration comments.

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): pulling or cutting vegetation; working on uneven, sloped, or rough terrain; bending and stooping for long periods of time; carrying and hauling vegetation; possible increased exposure to allergens; potential for long, off-trail hike; and repetitive hand motions.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD vehicles can access the work site 

Other notes: There are bathrooms at the parking lot, which is also close to the project site. Lunch and snacks will be provided, but we recommend bringing your own food if you have specific needs or dietary restrictions. 

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.