2020-CANCELLED: ASL Inclusive: Raccoon Trail Reroute @ Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Start Date-End Date: 08/29/2020-08/30/2020 Land Manager Office: CPW - Golden Gate Canyon State Park Land Manager Contact: Joe Burkins Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Registration is currently on hold. Reroute an unsustainable trail to create some sweet singletrack in an ASL supported volunteer opportunity at Golden Gate Canyon State Park! Description: Photo courtesy of Cosima Reichenbach (2019). Due to COVID-19, we expect significant changes to our 2020 volunteer projects including possible changes to dates, type of work, and project sizes. We are diligently working with our land management partners to address the logistical challenges posted by COVID-19 and provide safe volunteer opportunities. Please stay tuned and visitwww.voc.org/covid19for the most up-to-date information on VOC's response. Where You'll Be: Only a short drive from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park boasts over 12,000 acres of dense forest, rocky peaks, and aspen-rimmed meadows laced with miles of trails. With options for hikers, mountain bikers, backpackers, equestrians, anglers, campers, rock climbers, and winter sports enthusiasts, it's not surprising an estimated 850,000 visitors recreate here annually. The park also provides a home for a great number and variety of wildlife, providing the perfect place for wildlife watching and photography. What You'll Do: This moderately sized project of up to 60 volunteers offers the opportunity to get out and give back in a popular state park close to Denver and Golden. One full crew will be reserved for Deaf and signing volunteers. The crew will be led by long-time VOC crew leader, Sean Mallory, using American Sign Language (ASL).Join us for a single day or camp overnight as you work to re-route a few sections of the multi-use Raccoon Trail to make it more sustainable; tasks will be moderate to difficult in nature, including trail construction and the chance to build rock walls and switchbacks for volunteers who enjoy a technical challenge. All volunteers will enjoy a rewarding experience with the opportunity to participate in eveningprogramming dedicated to engaging Deaf and hearing volunteers alike - getready for games and a good time! You may even learn a few phrases inAmerican Sign Language, for those who don't already sign. *Please note: If you would like to join the ASL crew, please contact Kendall (kendall@voc.org) to register. Why it Matters: Golden Gate Canyon State Park sees an estimated 1 million visitors per year.The Raccoon Trail is one of the most heavily utilized trails at the park due to it's proximity to Reverend's Ridge Campground and Panorama Point. This section of fall-line trail is unsustainable, requires regular maintenance throughout the spring, summer, and fall months by staff and volunteer groups, and currently provides users with an extremely difficult and potentially dangerous trail experience. Volunteers' efforts will help provide users with a safer and more enjoyable trail experience. Need-to-Know Details: Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or olderon overnight projects. Volunteers are responsible for providing their own camping equipment.VOC will provide meals, tools, and work gloves. Cancellation:Our partners rely on VOC volunteers to accomplish critical stewardship needs, and our projects often have wait lists. If you need to cancel, please email Kendall Cox or call 303-715-1010 ext. 116 as soon as possible so we can free your spot for another volunteer and have a full workforce. About Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is the state's oldest, largest, and leading outdoor stewardship nonprofit organization. Founded in 1984 to motivate and enable people to become active stewards of Colorado's natural resources, VOC has engaged nearly 125,000 people in more than 1,000 volunteer projects for a donated labor value of $25 million. Through award-winning youth and volunteer programs, leadership training, capacity-building programs, and collaborative efforts with nonprofits and land management agencies, VOC is an invaluable resource in Colorado, especially as our outdoor stewardship needs are approaching near-crisis levels. For more information, visitwww.voc.orgor call 303-715-1010. Latitude/Longitude: 39.876301, -105.441176 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 50 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: Total Youth Volunteers Attended: Total Volunteer Days: Total Unique Volunteers: Total Volunteer Hours: 0 Staff Hours: 0 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: 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: