Where You’ll Be:
The Poudre River Trail is a multi-use path popular with pedestrians and cyclists. Over time, the riverbank along this section of the trail has eroded, making the area prone to flooding and causing damage to the trail. To address these issues, the trail is being re-routed to move it further from the riverbank, ensuring long-term sustainability and safety for its users. This project focuses on stabilizing and restoring the riverbank, a critical step in making the river more resilient to future floods and reopening this section of the trail for public use. Volunteers will work along the Duran section of the Poudre River, with parking available at the Signature Bluffs Trailhead.
What You’ll Do:
With the natural movement of the river, some sections of the trail require re-routing. As part of this effort, volunteers will plant willows along the riverbank—a crucial step in stabilizing the shoreline and restoring the ecosystem. The day will be spent de-potting and planting willows, an important native plant that helps prevent erosion and supports wildlife.
Please bring your own lunch for the day.
Why It Matters:
Planting willows will improve habitat, strengthen the riverbank, and reduce erosion in an area where the shifting river has altered the trail’s original path. With trail construction underway, now is the perfect time to establish native plants to support a healthy natural area and sustain recreational opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements:
Ages 16+
Project Difficulty:
This project is considered easy to moderate. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
Physical Considerations:
Volunteers will use a pick axe around rocks, shovel dirt, and place plants in the ground. Expect to bend over, kneel or squat, and carry tools, plant pots, and buckets.
Access Factors:
Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible
Other Notes: The bathroom facilities and parking will be at the trailhead.
Bring binoculars for bird watching on an optional small hike.
