Description
Start Date-End Date: 05/31/2013-05/31/2013
Land Manager Office: USFS - Boulder Ranger District
Land Manager Contact: Beverly Baker
Funding Partner:
Programmatic Partner:
Summary: NOTE: Registration for this opportunity is full. If you register, you will be placed on the wait list.
Help in the effort to eliminate the aggressive and damaging spotted knapweed from this beautiful, rugged area, near Boulder.
Description:
STEWARDSHIP SITE
Spruce Gulch is a rugged area of National Forest land close to Boulder but with a remote feel. Unfortunately, the invasive weed Spotted Knapweed has established itself within the area. Knapweed outcompetes native plants through a relentless strategy consisting of three components: 1) a tap root that takes up water faster than its neighbors; 2) high seed production for quick spread; and 3) low palatability to discourage herbivores. Help preserve Spruce Gulch's native Colorado ecosystem by helping to eliminate this invasive weed.
VOLUNTEER PROJECT - WHAT & WHY
For the fifth consecutive year, VOC volunteers will dig and pull spotted knapweed to eradicate this aggressive invasive weed that is a priority to eradicate in Boulder County and most of Colorado. To access the site, volunteers will hike up to two miles each way, gaining about 600 feet on the way in. Poison ivy and rattlesnakes are present at the site and much of area is rocky, so volunteers will be required to wear long pants and sturdy footwear with closed toes. Everyone is encouraged to wear long sleeves. Participants will have a chance to learn about University of Colorado research with biological control insects at the site. Please make sure to bring plenty of water (at least 2 liters)!
Join us on 2 other dates as well: June 15 and July 13
SPONSORS
USFS - Boulder Ranger District
National Forest Foundation
OTHER FUN STUFF
Meal: Snacks; NO lunch provided - please bring your own sack lunch.
Latitude/Longitude: 40.04970169067383, -105.21430206298828
Additional Information:
Camping Available: No
Physical Difficulty: Moderate
High Altitude Project: No
Desired Number of Volunteers: 40
Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 40
Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0
Total Volunteer Days: 40
Total Unique Volunteers: 40
Total Volunteer Hours: 379
Staff Hours: 25
Stipend Hours: 0
Project Summary:
Successes and Challenges:
Lessons Learned:
Special Notes:
Stewardship Education:
This will help reduce the aggressive nonnative weed, making space and habitat for native plant species to repopulate the area.
Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers:
Because this was a project with a handful of companies the comments I remember the most were about how physically taxing it was to not be sitting at their desks all day long. Some enjoyed it and some couldn't wait to get back to their desk job.
Description of Accidents/Incidents:
Description of Work Completed:
On Friday, May 31, 2013 a group of 40 volunteers headed up Spruce Gulch to tackle removing the invasive species, Spotted Knapweed. Volunteers were able to cover an impressive 22 acres in the gulch! I managed the first of these projects when Carishma was out on maternity leave. We ended up changing the date from a Saturday to a Friday and it was the only full Spruce Gulch project. This was partially due to the fact that we reached out to a handful of organizations and semi treated it like a SWAT. The forest service in Boulder was great and professional to work with. They have a full and knowledgeable staff. The work ends up being a little tedious because it's weeding and hot, which is why I think we should look to do these projects more as SWATS. It is a great and easy location for most companies.
Details
| 16 and older |
