Description
Start Date-End Date: 04/06/2013-04/06/2013
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Summary: Help with fire restoration. Help protect the water supply in the area burned by the High Park Fire by seeding, mulching and stabilizing slopes.
Description:
STEWARDSHIP SITE
In June last year, the High Park fire burned over 87,000 acres and destoryed over 250 homes in the mountains west of Fort Collins.The fire's devastation has severely impacted thesurrounding water, plant, and wildlife resources.
VOLUNTEER PROJECT - WHAT & WHY
Due to the fire, the soil in the project area remains loose and unable to efficiently soak up water. Run-offs loaded with sediments deposited into the water have affected major water systems in the area and mudslides caused additional post fire damage.
Be part of this important effort to help minimize the damage to Colorado's precious water supply. This is a unique opportunity to be involved first-hand in efforts to help restore an area severely affected by wildfire in Colorado.We will be working in the Whale Rock area near Fort Collins.
Volunteers will work to re-seed, mulch and stabilize the soil on slopes in some badly burned areas.The project will take place on private land at the invitation and consent of the landowner.
SPONSORS
Colorado Garden Show, Inc.
2012 Colorado Fire Relief Fund
OTHER FUN STUFF
Meals: a light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Latitude/Longitude: 40.605612, -105.073242
Additional Information:
Camping Available: No
Physical Difficulty: Moderate
High Altitude Project: No
Desired Number of Volunteers: 30
Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 24
Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 1
Total Volunteer Days: 25
Total Unique Volunteers: 25
Total Volunteer Hours: 200
Staff Hours: 25
Stipend Hours: 80
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Stewardship Education:
During the initial talk with volunteers I explained the importance of our work for the day. I discussed that during the fire, the heat was so intense that it sterilized the soil and depleted the seed bank that would typically produce grasses to stabilize the soil after the fire. I discussed that seeding the land with a specific blend of seeds was important to encourage natural growth of grasses,and our efforts we were acting like the seed back that had been incinerated in the fire. I also discussed why we were installing straw wattles to help slow the flow of water and soil in the burn scare area. These efforts would help protect the Pourdre River watershed from becoming contaminated with sediment.
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On May 6th, 31 volunteers helped seed over ?16 acres of land and installed 20 straw wattles to slow the flow of water on the hill sides and reduce erosion at the 2012 High Park Fire burn site, in the Whale Rock area. This project covered 3 land owners property and helped protect the Poudre watershed and local community's water supply. This was the 1st of 2 VOC High Park Fire Restoration projects during the 2013 season and the 4th High Park Fire Restoration project VOC has completed to date. We were happy to see a great response from volunteers who quickly filled both 2013 project dates. Thanks to AmeriCorps NCCC who helped lead and train volunteers on the various tasks for the day. Funding support for this project came from the Colorado Garden Show and the Denver Foundation.
Details
| 12 and older |
