2017-Xcel Energy Day of Service at Chatfield State Park

Start Date-End Date: 09/09/2017-09/09/2017 Land Manager Office: CPW - Chatfield State Park Land Manager Contact: Stuart Hayes Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Improve trails along the South Platte River in this beginner-friendly project. Description: About the Stewardship Site: Chatfield State Park is located southwest of Denver and is a popular destination for those hoping to make a quick getaway from the city. The park is open to nearly every type of recreationistincluding cyclists, hikers, horseback riders, boaters, and fishermen. It is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including over 300 species of birds, which is why the Audubon Society of Greater Denver operates an Audubon Center at the park's historic Atchison Ranch. About the Volunteer Experience: In this moderately sized project of no more than 55 people, volunteers will perform much-needed maintenance on the trail system along the South Platte River in Chatfield State Park. After a light breakfast, volunteers will break into groups to spread aggregate "crusher fine" material along the trail, improving its durability. Lunch will also be provided by VOC. About the Overall Impact: More than 1.5 million people visit Chatfield State Park each year. Through this project, volunteers will help to define the trail corridor and create a more sustainable and durable trail for the hikers, horseback riders, and fishermen who frequent it. NOTE:MINORS ON VOC PROJECTS Youthunder 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older on single-day projects. Latitude/Longitude: 39.515519, -105.081478 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Easy, Moderate High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 60 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 47 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0 Total Volunteer Days: 47 Total Unique Volunteers: 47 Total Volunteer Hours: 190 Staff Hours: 26 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: On Sep. 9th, VOC partnered with Xcel Energy for their annual day of service. 45 volunteers helped construct new crusher fine trail at Chatfield State park along the S. Platte River. The work performed will help to delineate the trail system in the parks heavily used southern end, and will ensure that the trail remains sustaiable under increased traffic. A big thanks to Xcel Energy for sponsoring the project and recruiting the volunteers! Successes and Challenges: We did Crew Leader for a Day Training for 3 of 5 Crew Leads, and it was very succesful. The only real challenge is that Chatfield under staged the crusher fines again, leaving us reaching to keep vols. busy for the last hour. Lessons Learned: Ask Chatfield to give us more material for future projects. Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Description of Accidents/Incidents: Description of Work Completed: