Where You’ll Be:
This project takes place at Heartland Ranch, a 43,000-acre wildlife reserve managed by the Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT) in Bent County, near Lamar, Colorado. The preserve provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and coyotes, as well as endangered species like the black-footed ferret. The work site is located about 10 miles from SPLT’s main office, in an open landscape with intermittent streams that play a vital role in the region’s ecosystem.
What You’ll Do:
Volunteers will build erosion control structures to prevent further erosion of the stream beds, which will help the watershed flourish again and improve habitat quality. Using only natural materials such as rocks and logs, volunteers will construct One Rock Dams, log jams, and beaver dam analogs to stabilize stream beds, slow erosion, and create conditions for vegetation to recover. Tasks will include collecting and placing rocks, logs, and tree trunks, leveling stream beds with shovels, and working together to build sustainable structures that support long-term water retention.
Volunteers will also work with certified sawyers to remove tamarisk. By helping to remove the tamarisk, you will be taking part in an effort to encourage native plant growth and ultimately return the habitat to its natural state
- Breakfast and lunch are 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.
Why It Matters:
Healthy streams are essential for sustaining wildlife, preserving vegetation, and improving water retention in this arid region. Past land use, which included cattle grazing, contributed to erosion and habitat degradation. By restoring the natural flow of water, this project will support riparian plant growth, increase carbon sequestration, and enhance the availability of water—a scarce and valuable resource in the prairie.
Also, we'll the Tamarisk removal will help native plants thrive and support the wildlife that depend on them.
Eligibility Requirements:
Ages 16+
For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.
On this project, we need 2 B or C certified Chainsaw Sawyers. A-certified Sawyers will be able to work under the supervision of B 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.
Project Difficulty:
This project is considered moderate to difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
Physical Considerations: On this project you can expect to lift, carry, and place large rocks, dig holes, carry tools, bend down, and pick up heavy objects.
The area has significant sun exposure. VOC staff will set up a tent for volunteers to take breaks in the shade.
Access Factors:
- Vehicle Accessibility: Volunteers should expect to drive multiple miles on maintained dirt roads. Please follow all maps closely and directions will be provided closer to the project date
- Other notes: Limited to no cell service.
