Where You'll Be:
DEN Open Space is a 585 acre park in Northeast Denver, situated in between the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge and DEN Airport. The park offers nature access and recreation opportunities for folks in the Montbello and Green Valley Ranch neighborhoods. The property is home to a lively prairie dog population, incredible cottonwood gallery, First Creek waterway and trail, and a beautiful but disturbed prairie ecosystem.
The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.
What You'll Do:
This project will take place on roughly the first 50 acres of the park north of the parking lot and 56th Avenue, along Buckley Road. This area has a high number of invasive plants, also called noxious weeds (Common Mullein, Scotch and Musk Thistle and has been a primary focus of the Denver Parks and Recreation Open Space team the past 2 seasons).
These plants are not native to Colorado and spread quickly, crowding out native plants. Volunteers will help remove young weed plants by hand pulling or digging them out. These young plants grow close to the ground in a circular shape, called a rosette, and are easiest to remove in the spring. Staff will show you how to identify the plants and demonstrate safe removal techniques. No experience is needed.
Why It Matters:
Removing these young plants prevents them from growing larger and producing seeds, which helps stop them from spreading. This gives native plants more space, water, and sunlight to grow. Healthier native plant communities support wildlife and improve the look and long-term health of the park for everyone who visits.
Eligibility Requirements:
Ages 10+
Youth under 16 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 activity may include some or all of the following: pulling or cutting vegetation, working on uneven or sloped terrain, bending and stooping for extended periods, carrying and hauling vegetation, possible exposure to allergens, potential for a long off-trail walk, and repetitive hand motions.
Access Factors:
Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions - 2WD accessible
Other Notes: The walk to the furthest point of the work area will be a 10-15 minute walk on a trail.
If you enjoy noxious weed removal projects, you can view similar projects here.
