2015-Towhee Trail Construction

Start Date-End Date: 10/09/2015-10/09/2015 Land Manager Office: City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Land Manager Contact: Jesse Miller Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Build a trail while enjoying a magnificent array of fall colors and views of the plains and Flatirons. Description: ABOUT THE STEWARDSHIP SITE The two-mile Towhee and Homestead Loop is a favorite of the Boulder community. In October, there is perhaps no better place in the area to experience autumn's colorful show! Located near the South Mesa Trailhead, some of the highlights found include Crimson sumac and other fall colors, late wildflowers, wildlife, and stunning views of the high plains and iconic Flatirons. Further, the trailhead sits near the historic site of Dunn Homestead and a portion of the home built in 1875 still stands along with remnants of old foundations and stone fences. ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER WORK Volunteers will be broken into small crews of 5-10 people to construct parts of the reroute on both the Towhee and Homestead trails, which will ultimately provide a sustainable alternative to the existing trail and prevent further erosion into the riparian habitat that harbors so many rare and imperiled species. Groups will also work to close down and rehabilitate the old trails which were heavily damaged in the floods of 2013. Once completed, the reroute is expected to provide approximately 3,000 feet of new trail. A free light breakfast and lunch will be provided. PARTNERS City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Latitude/Longitude: 39.939745, -105.260173 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 30 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 21 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0 Total Volunteer Days: 21 Total Unique Volunteers: 21 Total Volunteer Hours: 168 Staff Hours: 37.5 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: On October 9, 2015 we were able to construct the trench for 350 feet of crusher fine trails with the help of the Boulder OSMP staff. Turnout was less than expected since typically Boulder turns out very reliable volunteers as witnessed at the Long Canyon project, yet due to the sizeable presence of Boulder staff we had little trouble effectively using the volunteers' time and morale was quite high despite extremely physical work. Volunteers carried the material from the trench down to the rerouted trail about a quarter mile away using buckets so it was very laborious work. Lunch was provided by Cheba Hut and I would very much like to see that relationship carried into the future as they were both very easy to work with and food was top notch. Successes and Challenges: The most notable challenge was the relocation of the trail material volunteers were digging out of our trench. Carrying bags of dirt in a fireline uphill for a quarter mile is very physically taxing. The assistance of Boulder staff significantly improved this situation and volunteers kept high spirits. Lessons Learned: Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Description of Accidents/Incidents: Description of Work Completed: