Where You’ll Be:
Nestled in the Upper Yampa River Basin, about 1.5 hours northwest of Steamboat Springs, California Park is a high-elevation meadow known for its stunning views, vibrant wildflowers, and critical role in supporting the Upper Yampa River Basin and Colorado River Basin. This area is vital for water quality and watershed health, making it a key site for restoration efforts.
What You’ll Do:
Help restore this fragile meadow ecosystem by building erosion prevention structures, like Zeedyks and Zuni Bowls, primarily using rocks. These structures are proven, cost-effective methods to slow erosion and restore streams. Tasks will include hiking, moving large rocks, and digging to place them into position. It’s challenging but rewarding work—you’ll leave with the satisfaction knowing that you've slowed erosion and heled revive a critical part of this watershed!
Breakfast and lunch is 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!
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!
Restoring this meadow helps prevent erosion and improves water quality, which benefits the surrounding forest, the Upper Yampa River Basin, and the Colorado River Basin. These efforts also create "emerald refuges" in arid areas, making the surrounding forests more resilient to wildfires.
For centuries, this meadow has been shaped by grazing, homesteading, mining, and recreation, which has led to significant degradation. Your work will help reverse generations of damage and help the forest resist wildfire.
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. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
Physical Considerations:
Volunteers will need to hike in to reach project site at approx. 8500 feet of elevation.
Tasks may include lifting and moving large rocks, digging holes, and placing rocks.
Access Factors:
Vehicle Accessibility: A higher clearance vehicle is needed to access basecamp (a Subaru Forester is ok, but a Honda Accord is likely too low).
Other notes: Cell service is spotty, almost none in the park but there is cell service outside California Park. No running water. The elevation is 8500 feet. Port-a-john restrooms will be available.
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).
