2011-Family Planting at the High Plains Environmental Center

Start Date-End Date: 05/14/2011-05/14/2011 Land Manager Office: Land Manager Contact: Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Spend a day with VOC at the High Plains Environmental Center (HPEC)! Description: FAMILY FRIENDLY, YOUNG STEWARD PROJECT Spend a day with VOC at the High Plains Environmental Center (HPEC)! HPEC is a unique place where natural and built habitats coexist in a sustainable fashion --a suburbitat! Located just east of Loveland off of Interstate 25 in Centerra, HPEC is a tranquil refuge for wildlife and area residents alike. HPEC serves as a community learning center, a place for ecological restoration and natural reminder of the high plains ecosystem that once existed all along the Front Range. During this one-day event, volunteers will enhance a 270-acre open-space oasis of riparian habitat, ponds, and grasslands in the midst of suburban development. Your efforts will be an important step in the re-creation of a place which promotes learning, recreation, and a sense of stewardship for the local landscape. This project is perfect for families, youth groups, and other community groups. There is no fee for this project. Lunch will be provided. Latitude/Longitude: 40.3977612, -105.0749801 Additional Information: Camping Available: Physical Difficulty: Easy High Altitude Project: Desired Number of Volunteers: 50 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 22 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 7 Total Volunteer Days: 29 Total Unique Volunteers: 29 Total Volunteer Hours: 364 Staff Hours: 0 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Successes and Challenges: Lessons Learned: Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Jim Tolstrup talked about why this area needed restoration and the philosophy behind this integrated site that features higher density housing with surrounding open space and agricultural production. Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Description of Accidents/Incidents: none Description of Work Completed: Volunteers planted grasses near a wetlands area of the high plains environmental center property. On May 14, 60 VOC volunteers gathered at High Plains Environmental Center in Loveland to plant 2500 native wetland plants. Thank you to all of the individuals, families, and groups who spent a great Saturday learning about our local natural environment and enhancing this tranquil refuge for wildlife and area residents alike! A special thank you to all the children who helped restore this treasured ecosystem.