Where you'll be:
This volunteer event will be hosted in partnership with the BLM San Luis Valley field office. On this weekend project, you’ll work with approximately 40 volunteers to improve habitat and breeding conditions for the Gunnison Sage-Grouse, an endangered species that still exists in the San Luis Valley.
What you'll do:
Volunteers will spend the weekend installing Zeedyks, a type of erosion control structure, to improve habitat conditions and breeding grounds for the Gunnison Sage Grouse population in the area. This work will include digging and moving a large amount of rock material to create the structures. There will also be a volunteer task that is less physically demanding, involving tagging fences.
Enjoy breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own lunch (BYOL). Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday.
Why it's important:
The Gunnison Sage Grouse is a threatened species in Colorado, and a satellite population still exists on BLM land near Poncha Pass. Nearby satellite populations are disappearing due to increasing threats such as habitat fragmentation, climate change, and an increase in OHV activity on BLM lands. This project will be focused on wet meadow restoration by installing Zeedyk structures to improve habitat conditions and breeding grounds for the Gunnison Sage Grouse population in the area.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Ages 16+
All youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older on overnight projects.
Project Difficulty:
This project is considered moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
Accessibility Factors:
Vehicle Accessibility:
2WD Accessible
Other notes:
We shuttle 1.5 miles to the work site, but you can choose to walk as well. Tent, van camping, and small trailers are not an issue.
Join us in making a positive impact while reducing your carbon footprint! Register yourself for our upcoming project and take the eco-friendly route by carpooling with fellow volunteers. Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).
