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. This project takes place in a cottonwood gallery along the Dolores River between Gateway and Naturita.
What You’ll Do:
Volunteers will help protect cottonwood trees by installing protective cages. This involves carrying materials—including T-posts, fencing, and tools—to designated sites, securing up to four posts per tree, and wrapping them with fencing. These efforts will safeguard young and mature cottonwoods from increased beaver activity, particularly following recent flooding events that have allowed beavers to access previously protected trees.
Enjoy breakfast and lunch 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!
Cottonwood galleries are vital to the Dolores River ecosystem, providing shade that helps regulate water temperatures and contributing large woody debris that enhances fish habitat. By protecting these trees, we help sustain a healthy riparian corridor.
Eligibility Requirements:
Ages 18+
Project Difficulty:
This project is rated moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
Physical Considerations:
Volunteers can expect to carry tools and fencing materials, bend down, squat or kneel, and use their hands to secure fencing. We have the privilege of working within beaver habitat! We can expect dense brush, muddy and uneven terrain and some bugs.
Access Factors:
Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible with the ability to drive up to the worksite.
Other Notes: Expect limited cell service and a ~30-minute drive to the nearest town for amenities.
