2015-Staunton State Park Young Stewards Program

Start Date-End Date: 06/20/2015-06/20/2015 Land Manager Office: CPW - Staunton State Park Land Manager Contact: Zachary Taylor Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Take part in a unique and exciting environmental stewardship program geared towards kids ages 6-10. Description: ABOUT THE STEWARDSHIP SITE Staunton State Park is Colorado's newest state park. The park is located 40 miles southwest of Denver, near Conifer, and featureswide valleys lush with grassy meadows and anumber of impressivegranite cliffs that soar to over 10,000 feet. ABOUT THE YOUNG STEWARDS PROGRAM Don't miss this opportunity to experience Colorado's newest state park! Bring the whole familyfor a unique half-day of environmental education, outdoor stewardship, and outdoor games and recreation - all designed for young children ages 6-10.As a family, learn about invasive weeds and why they are harmful to habitat and wildlife. Learn to identify invasive weeds and get your hands dirty helping to remove them.This will be a fun, youth-focused day outside for the whole family to learn and give back together. This program is designed for young children, ages 6-10. ChildrenMUSTbe accompanied by an adult.A free light breakfast and lunch will be provided. PARTNERS Colorado Parks and Wildlife - Staunton State Park Latitude/Longitude: 39.46670150756836, -105.37409973144531 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Easy High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 30 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 11 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 12 Total Volunteer Days: 23 Total Unique Volunteers: 23 Total Volunteer Hours: 94 Staff Hours: 14.5 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: On Saturday, June 20th, 23 volunteers came out to Staunton State Park to participate in a Young Stewards project. Each family had children between the ages of 6 and 10, and everyone was eager to get to work. The volunteers were split up into 2 groups. The first group went out to help with mullein control along a popular family trail. The second group participated in a skins and skulls presentation, and then went on an interpretive nature hike. Halfway through the morning, the groups switched. Everyone enjoyed a donated lunch of sandwiches from Subway, and delicious homemade potato chips from the Wing Wagon. Successes and Challenges: The only challenge was that the sun was hot, and the space we were using for lunch had no shade. The project was a big success, with lots of the parents asking about other family friendly projects. Staunton State Park's interpretive ranger made some great folders for the kids, and their weed volunteers were really engaged with all the kids. Lessons Learned: Ask for the shaded pavilion for next year. The morning time frame worked really well! Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Extensive presentations given by park staff. Skins and skulls presentation, along with several interpretive activities on the nature hike, such as bird watching, and tree identification. Weed volunteers talked about importance of eradicating invasive weeds. Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Volunteers want more family friendly projects! They were all very excited about the Alma project, which has overnight camping. Description of Accidents/Incidents: Description of Work Completed: