2012-Keystone Homestead Trail Restoration and Young Stewards Program

Start Date-End Date: 09/15/2012-09/16/2012 Land Manager Office: Friends of the Dillon Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Sarah Slaton Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Help restore the trails by the historic Keystone Homestead while young children participate in fun, educational activities through our Young Stewards Program. NOTE: Thank you for your interest in this project. The Young Stewards Program is currently full but we still have some spots for our older volunteers who are interested in working on the trail. Description: STEWARDSHIP SITE Keystone's trail system, with tremendous views of the Continental Divide and Ten Mile Range, is described by hikers and mountain bikers as world class. Due to its proximity to the Summit Cove Community, Keystone Resort, and its connection to the Colorado Trail, the trails typically have over 100 daily visitors during the summer months. VOLUNTEER PROJECT - WHAT & WHY Help alleviate drainage issues at the historic Keystone Homestead, which is currently used by Keystone Resort for its dinner sleigh and wagon rides. Volunteer work will involve building trails, puncheons, and turnpikes. The work will be exciting, interesting, and rewarding! YOUNG STEWARDS PROGRAM (CURRENTLY FULL) While adults 13 and older work on the Soda Creek Trail, children ages 6-12 are invited to participate in our Young Stewards Program, which will include environmental education, outdoor games, and age-appropriate stewardship activities. PARTNERS Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) National Forest Foundation The Summit Foundation SmartWool OTHER FUN STUFF Meals: Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch Camping: available Friday and Saturday night Latitude/Longitude: 39.57479858398438, -106.05729675292969 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Moderate High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 100 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 62 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 16 Total Volunteer Days: 77 Total Unique Volunteers: 52 Total Volunteer Hours: 806 Staff Hours: 39 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Successes and Challenges: Lessons Learned: Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Description of Accidents/Incidents: Description of Work Completed: On September 15-16, around 50 volunteers worked on the historic Keystone Homestead. Older volunteers worked on the Soda Creek trail and built 150 ft of turnpike, 1 swale, and improved 50 feet of trail leading up to the turnpike, while 9 youth attended the Young Stewards Program where they participated in age appropriate educational games and stewardship activities. A big thank you to our hardworking volunteers! Learn more about VOC projects: www.voc.org/projects Project sponsors: The Summit Foundation, Smartwool, National Forest Foundation, Cliff bar, Nest Fresh Eggs, New Belgium, Royal Crest Dairy, Grant Family Farms, Einstein Bagels, and Raquelitas Tortillas.