Where You’ll Be:
Cal-Wood Education Center is nestled in the foothills above Boulder, near Jamestown. Cal-Wood's vision is to inspire a greater appreciation for the natural world; to offer environmental education to those who would not otherwise experience it; and to provide unique educational opportunities in a special mountain setting.
What You’ll Do:
Volunteers will be working to help improve Cal-Wood Education Center's trail system, which has been degraded by dramatic increases in use, a flood in 2013, and the 2021 Calwood fire.
Tasks may include:
- clearing the trail corridor by trimming overgrown vegetation to keep paths open and safe,
- maintaining drainage by removing debris and improving water flow to prevent erosion,
- and repairing the tread to smooth and reinforce the trail surface for a safer and more durable path.
This is a great opportunity for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.
Please bring your own lunch for the day!
Why It Matters:
Cal-Wood relies on its trail system as an extension of the classroom. These trails give students and visitors safe access to forests, watersheds, and fire-affected landscapes where hands-on learning happens. Improving the trails makes it possible for Cal-Wood to expand outdoor education programs, reach more participants, and create positive first experiences for people who may be new to mountain environments.
Eligibility Requirements:
Ages 12+
Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.
Project Difficulty:
This project is considered moderate. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
General physical considerations for participating on this project. Some or all may apply: hiking to access work site while carrying tools, digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks, removing downed trees. You’ll be working around a 6.5-7-hour day which requires some physical stamina, but you’ll always be encouraged to take breaks as needed
Access Factors:
Vehicle Access: Please note that the final stretch (approx. 2.8 mi) to Cal-Wood is a steep dirt road. No high clearance is needed but it is suggested to drive slowly and safely.
Other Notes: Cell phone service is extremely limited in the area.
