Description
Start Date-End Date: 06/07/2014-06/07/2014
Land Manager Office: USFS - Boulder Ranger District
Land Manager Contact: Beverly Baker
Funding Partner:
Programmatic Partner:
Summary: 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 sixth 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 the area is full of boulders, down trees and other flood debris, so volunteers will be required to wear long pants and sturdy footwear with closed toes and ankle support.
PARTNERS & SPONSORS
USFS - Boulder Ranger District
Xcel Energy
REI
The Boeing Company
Oracle
Clif Bar & Company
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: Difficult
High Altitude Project: No
Desired Number of Volunteers: 20
Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 16
Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0
Total Volunteer Days: 16
Total Unique Volunteers: 16
Total Volunteer Hours: 166
Staff Hours: 10
Stipend Hours: 0
Project Summary:
Successes and Challenges:
Lessons Learned:
Special Notes:
Stewardship Education:
Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Attendance was lower than expected on this project due to a last minute group canccelation. Last year we had great turnout on a Friday afternoon Spruce Gulch project with many volunteers coming as part of a volunteer day via their employer. Perhaps we should look at doing it this way next year?
Description of Accidents/Incidents:
Description of Work Completed: Volunteers were able to remove spotted knapweed from 5 acres in Spruce Gulch.This will help reduce the aggressive nonnative weed, making space and habitat for native plant species to repopulate the area.
Details
| 16 and older |
