Where You’ll Be:
The McIntire Ranch is a historic archaeological site located in the Conejos Valley, featuring the remains of the ranch headquarters established around 1880 by Albert and Florence McIntire. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, the McIntire Ranch holds significance in the social history of the region. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) acquired the site in 1993 to preserve its abundant wildlife habitat.
Due to very low visitation, the area has become a sanctuary for wildlife and a great spot for birdwatching. Volunteers will camp in a dry meadow near the worksite, surrounded by views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range and just a short walk from the Conejos River, which offers excellent fishing for both trout and pike.
Nearest town: Sanford, CO 81151
The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.
What You’ll Do:
Volunteers will contribute to a portion of this multi-stage rehabilitation project, focused on restoring the area’s natural ecosystem and preserving the historic ranch. Working alongside BLM and CPW biologists, you’ll harvest and plant native willows and reseed stream banks to restore habitat for native fish species like the Rio Grande Chub and Rio Grande Sucker.
Temporary fencing may also be constructed to protect the restoration areas from beaver and big game while plants establish.
After the workday, BLM biologist Taylor, will share the history and importance of the McIntire Ranch during a campfire talk.
Food and Camping:
Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.
Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive 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:
This project addresses long-standing impacts at the historic McIntire Ranch while restoring critical habitat for native wildlife. Planting willows and reseeding stream banks will reduce erosion, improve stream health, and support fish species such as the Rio Grande Chub and Rio Grande Sucker. The work also benefits the endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher by improving riparian habitat.
What’s to Love About This Project?
- Opportunities to see wildlife, enjoy bird watching, and fishing access
- Learning directly from agency staff and biologists
- An exclusive camping opportunity with wide open views, the chance to unplug, and focus on meaningful work
Eligibility Requirements:
Ages 14+
For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.
Project Difficulty:
This project is considered easy; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
Physical Considerations: This project will include work in sun-exposed areas and on uneven terrain, performing tasks such as using loppers to harvest willows, bending down, digging, moving soil and moderate lifting. Other tasks may include light tool use for temporary fence building.
Be prepared for variable weather and chilly evening camping during this early season project.
Access Factors:
Vehicle Access: 2WD dirt road, may require AWD in wet conditions.
Other Notes: Tent camping: OK. Car and Van camping: OK. NO large vehicles or tow-behinds. This project will be at 7500 ft. elevation. Portable toilets and potable water will be available at camp.
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).
