2016-Cairn October 2016: Planting at Fish Creek

Start Date-End Date: 10/08/2016-10/08/2016 Land Manager Office: Estes Valley Watershed Coalition Land Manager Contact: Molly Mills Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Cairn students will help with ecological restoration planting along Fish Creek in Estes Park Description: Cairn students will help with ecological restoration planting along Fish Creek in Estes Park Latitude/Longitude: 40.365906, -105.493603 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Easy High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 30 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 7 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 20 Total Volunteer Days: 27 Total Unique Volunteers: 27 Total Volunteer Hours: 256.5 Staff Hours: 14.5 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: On Saturday, October 8th the Cairn Youth Program embarked on the second project of the season, back up to Estes Park. We worked with the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition to help plant riparian species along Fish Creek, near the Estes Park High School. About 200 willows were planted, and 300 other various riparian species. This section of Fish Creek looked small now, but during the 2013 floods, it blew out to nearly 100 feet wide, by 8 ft high. This incredible amount of water knocked out all the plants along creek, and dumped a bunch of sandy sediment along the stream banks. The planting that the Cairn program did will help prevent soil erosion in smaller flood events, and will restore wildlife habitat, as well as make it more aesthetically pleasing. Successes and Challenges: The planting was really fun, and in a truly beautiful area! However, the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition brought about 1500 plants, for 30 people for 4 hours of work -- TOO MUCH! We did not get close to finishing planting the willows. We were able to plant all the other plants, plus some willows, about 500 plants in total. They were still very grateful, and thanked the students profusely. A harem of elk was right next to where we were working, which was pretty cool! Lessons Learned: Confirm with land manager the amount of work! Also, Estes Park is a lot of driving for a one day project. Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Provided by the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition. Talked about the 2013 floods, the Fish Creek ecosystem, and how they got to their jobs. Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Description of Accidents/Incidents: One kid stung by a bee. Not allergic, no swelling. Description of Work Completed: