2015-Garden Park Trail Construction

Start Date-End Date: 10/17/2015-10/18/2015 Land Manager Office: BLM - Royal Gorge Field Office Land Manager Contact: Kalem Lenard Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Help build a new trail at Garden Park Fossil Area while experiencing rich paleontological history and spectacular rock formations. Description: ABOUT THE STEWARDSHIP SITE Formed by the same geologic upthrust that formed the more familiar Red Rocks and Garden of the Gods, Garden Park has its fair share of stunning red rock formations. That same upthrust also shifted fossils of the renowned Morrison Formation to the surface, making Garden Park one of the most historically important locations in the United States for the study of Late Jurassic dinosaurs. In addition to housing fossils of well-known species of large dinosaurs; Late Jurassic flora, mammals, turtles, and crocodiles have been uncovered in this area over the last 120 years! ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER WORK VOC will return for a fourth year to help expand access for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers in the region by constructing a new trail at Garden Park Fossil Area. This area is quickly becoming an excellent mountain biking location. Volunteers will construct new trail and build rock walls and steps where necessary. Trail construction techniques will be taught to those unfamiliar with them. The project requires an easy hike of approximately 0.5 mile to the work site. Free meals and camping will be provided. 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 BLM - Royal Gorge Field Office Latitude/Longitude: 38.44509887695312, -105.2177963256836 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Moderate High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 60 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 85 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 4 Total Volunteer Days: 89 Total Unique Volunteers: 51 Total Volunteer Hours: 764 Staff Hours: 45 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: During the weekend of Octover 17th and 18th, VOC partnered with the BLM, to construct new trail on the Garden Park project. VOC has worked for the past several years to help construct a trail network in the Oil Well flats area. On this project 45 volunteered all weekend to help build 1.5 miles of new hiking and biking trail. Volunteers cleaned up the back slope and out slope after a small dozer went through to cut the initial tread. 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: