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.
The campsite is surrounded by beautiful, rolling, forested hills. While the site is remote, it offers a quiet setting that many people would not otherwise have a reason to visit.
You'll also likely travel through Steamboat Springs, so you have the chance to tack on a trip to nearby hot springs on the front or back end of the project!
What You’ll Do:
In year two of this project, 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 helped revive a critical part of this watershed! This project will be completed in partnership with National Forest Foundation, Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, and the US Forest Service
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:
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.
General physical considerations for participating in this project. Some or all may apply:
Working in or near water; potentially muddy or slippery footing; carrying plants, rocks, or tools; insect exposure (mosquitoes), potential for wet conditions; carrying and hauling vegetation; digging, shoveling, moving soil and heavy rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; and hiking over steep or uneven terrain.
Volunteers will need to hike in to reach the project site at approx. 8500 feet of elevation.
Access Factors:
Vehicle Access: A higher clearance vehicle is needed to access base camp (a Subaru Forester is okay, but a Honda Accord is likely too low).
Other notes: Cell service is spotty, almost none in the immediate project area but there is cell service outside California Park. No running water. The elevation is 8500 feet. Port-o-let restrooms will be available.
If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.
