2015-Beaver Brook Trail Reroute

Start Date-End Date: 09/19/2015-09/19/2015 Land Manager Office: City and County of Denver - Parks and Recreation Land Manager Contact: Bob Finch Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Help build new hiking trail in an area that offers a backcountry experience just minutes from Denver. Description: ABOUT THE STEWARDSHIP SITE While the 1918-built Beaver Brook Trail is located conveniently close to the Denver-metro area, its woody slopes and scenic vistas give hikers a backcountry feel. The trail begins just north of Genesee and winds northeast to Windy Saddle on Lookout Mountain. Breathtaking beauty is visible everywhere you step - don't forget to look up to the sky as it's not unusal to spotsoaring hawks and eagles. Look west to observe the majestic peaks of the Continental Divide, and look down to occasionally spot small water cascades below the trail. ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER WORK The Beaver Brook Trail had utilized the same trail access point for more than 90 years, and was not very accessible to the public. On this project, volunteers will build 3,000 feet of trail, which will serve as a reroute that connects the newly constructed Beaver Brook trailhead and parking lot to the existing Beaver Brook trail - making itmore accessible to hikers. The reroute will also improve access to two other trails, theChavez Trail and the Braille Trail. The Braille Trail offers visually impaired hikers a safe, interactive nature experience, complete with a variety of tactile stations along the way. A free light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. OTHER WAYS TO HELP It's not all sweat and toil! There are lots of ways you can participate on project days, including as an assistant crew chef. Assistant crew chefs have a fun, vital, and very appreciated role on the project team - keeping volunteers happy and well-fed! Please emailSteve Wallfor more information. PARTNERS Denver Parks and Recreation Latitude/Longitude: 39.710859, -105.287454 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 90 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 93 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 8 Total Volunteer Days: 97 Total Unique Volunteers: 101 Total Volunteer Hours: 796 Staff Hours: 41 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: We were able to successfully complete almost a half mile of trail with a phenomenal turnout from volunteers. The trail construction was generally pretty straightfoward per usual Bob Finch standards and due to this simplicity in design we were able to accomplish quite a bit. We had interest in crew leader training from Caroline Farmer as well as Martin Herz and pulled in a couple memberships as well. Successes and Challenges: This project worked out well in the end, but it was very difficult recruiting crew leaders until the last minute. I heard from many that by this point in the season many of our crew leaders have just committed a huge amount of time to VOC and are ready to take a weekend off. Lessons Learned: Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Description of Accidents/Incidents: Description of Work Completed: