2019-Eating Recovery Center SWAT @ Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve

Start Date-End Date: 06/25/2019-06/25/2019 Land Manager Office: Jefferson County Open Space Land Manager Contact: Matt Martinez Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Corporate SWAT with Eating Recovery Center. Description: About the Location The Lookout Mountain Nature Center inspires people to connect with nature through educational programs and exhibits. They offer free naturalist-led programs throughout the year for individuals and groups, including schools. There are gentle hiking trails past ponderosa pines and through meadows, with beautiful views of the Denver metro area. The 134 acre open space provides habitat for black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, mule deer, and elk - to name a few. Wildflowers are stunning during the summer months. More information, including a video can be found at: http://jeffco.us/open-space/parks/lookout-mountain-nature-center/ About the Volunteer Experience The land manager or VOC's project manager will show volunteers the invasive species to look for and how to prevent them from spreading - depending on the type of plants. We will also demonstrate the size of branches and small trees to thin. There will be a lot of walking, but the work is easy. Our main goal is to ensure a safe, fun and rewarding experience for your group. About the Overall Impact The Nature Center sees thousands of visitors and the health of the habitat is a priority for the wildlife that inhabit the area. By removing mullein, other invasives, and thinning fuel in case of fire, the impacts on the ecosystem are lessened and the overall habitat is greatly improved. Mullein and other noxious weed species, if left unchecked, can create a mono culture that chokes out native plant, insect and animal species. Natural habitat is a rare commodity along the Front Range which makes it so important to protect and preserve. Latitude/Longitude: 39.731006, -105.248403 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Easy High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 30 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 8 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0 Total Volunteer Days: 8 Total Unique Volunteers: 8 Total Volunteer Hours: 40 Staff Hours: 10.5 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: the crew enjoyed the project. We got chased out by lightening and heavy rains in the afternoon. the group was happy with what they got done and Jeff Co was happy with whatever we were able to accomplish. 4.5 acres of mullein removed 4.5 acres of forest health tree thinning 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: