Opportunities From: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado

Where You’ll Be:

Join us at Majestic View Nature Center (MVNC), a nonprofit that serves the Arvada community by offering a diverse array of public programming designed to foster connections with the natural world. From creative nature art sessions to engaging conservation presentations, MVNC ensures that individuals of all ages in the community can explore their connection with nature. You may be interested in visiting the nature center's exhibitions yourself!

Nearest Town: Arvada, CO

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

What You’ll Do:

Volunteers will get hands-on experience with stream and habitat restoration by helping build simple rock-and-wood structures (such as one-rock dams, Zuni bowls, and wicker weirs) that slow water flow, capture sediment, and support native plant recovery. Volunteers will move and place rocks, weave woody materials, and help stabilize the stream channel. No experience needed.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

Why It Matters:

When streams erode, water moves through the landscape too quickly, washing soil away and leaving streambanks dry and unstable. The structures volunteers will build will slow water down, allowing sediment to settle and moisture to soak into the ground instead of rushing downstream.

Holding water in the landscape supports native plants, which stabilize streambanks and create habitat for birds, insects, amphibians, and other wildlife. Over time, this leads to healthier ecosystems, improved water quality, and greater resilience to drought and flooding.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 16+ 

Physical Difficulty:

This project includes tasks ranging from moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): lifting and moving large rocks, digging holes, and placing rocks.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: There will be about a 1/4 mile hike from the parking lot to the work site.

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Where You’ll Be:

You will be monitoring butterflies near Deckers, Colorado. This will take place in Pike National Forest along the South Platte River watershed. This is a critical ecosystem for the butterfly sub-species Hesperia leonardus montana.

Camping may be available for those who are interested in attending more than one day of the project. We will reach out 1 month before the project with more instructions on how to reserve a camping spot.

What You’ll Do:

Volunteers are needed to assist in monitoring the threatened butterfly subspecies, the Pawnee montane skipper. Monitoring will involve using binoculars to identify and record the number and gender of skipper butterflies, along with information on nearby host plants and trees. Please bring your own lunch for the day!

This butterfly species is only out and about when conditions are warm and dry. The project schedule is highly weather-dependent, but volunteers should plan to be on site for the full day.

Why It Matters:

The Pawnee montane skipper is a species with a narrow distribution that is endemic (native) to Colorado. Fire suppression, dam and reservoir development, and climate change are all threats to the persistence and recovery of this federally threatened species.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 18+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered difficult and a great opportunity for volunteers looking for a challenge. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

If a volunteer cannot commit to the full surveying time for the day, this could affect the integrity of the data, the safety of the group, and the project as a whole.

Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to hike off-trail through steep terrain for up to 5 miles round-trip. Elevation ranges from 6,000 ft to 8,000 ft. At this time of year, the weather is usually cool in the mornings but quickly warms to the high 80s or low 90s (though please check the weather in advance). This project is not for the faint of heart!

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No 4WD is required to reach the project area or sample sites; good tires are recommended to avoid flats on gravel roads. Beyond the initial meeting spot, we will aim to use agency vehicles whenever possible to minimize personal vehicle use.

Other Notes: Cell coverage in the area is minimal and varies by cell service provider.

Where You’ll Be:

You will be monitoring butterflies near Deckers, Colorado. This will take place in Pike National Forest along the South Platte River watershed. This is a critical ecosystem for the butterfly sub-species Hesperia leonardus montana.

Camping may be available for those who are interested in attending more than one day of the project. We will reach out 1 month before the project with more instructions on how to reserve a camping spot.

What You’ll Do:

Volunteers are needed to assist in monitoring the threatened butterfly subspecies, the Pawnee montane skipper. Monitoring will involve using binoculars to identify and record the number and gender of skipper butterflies, along with information on nearby host plants and trees. Please bring your own lunch for the day!

This butterfly species is only out and about when conditions are warm and dry. The project schedule is highly weather-dependent, but volunteers should plan to be on site for the full day.

Why It Matters:

The Pawnee montane skipper is a species with a narrow distribution that is endemic (native) to Colorado. Fire suppression, dam and reservoir development, and climate change are all threats to the persistence and recovery of this federally threatened species.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 18+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered difficult and a great opportunity for volunteers looking for a challenge. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

If a volunteer cannot commit to the full surveying time for the day, this could affect the integrity of the data, the safety of the group, and the project as a whole.

Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to hike off-trail through steep terrain for up to 5 miles round-trip. Elevation ranges from 6,000 ft to 8,000 ft. At this time of year, the weather is usually cool in the mornings but quickly warms to the high 80s or low 90s (though please check the weather in advance). This project is not for the faint of heart!

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No 4WD is required to reach the project area or sample sites; good tires are recommended to avoid flats on gravel roads. Beyond the initial meeting spot, we will aim to use agency vehicles whenever possible to minimize personal vehicle use.

Other Notes: Cell coverage in the area is minimal and varies by cell service provider.

Where You’ll Be:

You will be monitoring butterflies near Deckers, Colorado. This will take place in Pike National Forest along the South Platte River watershed. This is a critical ecosystem for the butterfly sub-species Hesperia leonardus montana.

Camping may be available for those who are interested in attending more than one day of the project. We will reach out 1 month before the project with more instructions on how to reserve a camping spot.

What You’ll Do:

Volunteers are needed to assist in monitoring the threatened butterfly subspecies, the Pawnee montane skipper. Monitoring will involve using binoculars to identify and record the number and gender of skipper butterflies, along with information on nearby host plants and trees. Please bring your own lunch for the day!

This butterfly species is only out and about when conditions are warm and dry. The project schedule is highly weather-dependent, but volunteers should plan to be on site for the full day.

Why It Matters:

The Pawnee montane skipper is a species with a narrow distribution that is endemic (native) to Colorado. Fire suppression, dam and reservoir development, and climate change are all threats to the persistence and recovery of this federally threatened species.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 18+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered difficult and a great opportunity for volunteers looking for a challenge. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

If a volunteer cannot commit to the full surveying time for the day, this could affect the integrity of the data, the safety of the group, and the project as a whole.

Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to hike off-trail through steep terrain for up to 5 miles round-trip. Elevation ranges from 6,000 ft to 8,000 ft. At this time of year, the weather is usually cool in the mornings but quickly warms to the high 80s or low 90s (though please check the weather in advance). This project is not for the faint of heart!

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No 4WD is required to reach the project area or sample sites; good tires are recommended to avoid flats on gravel roads. Beyond the initial meeting spot, we will aim to use agency vehicles whenever possible to minimize personal vehicle use.

Other Notes: Cell coverage in the area is minimal and varies by cell service provider.

Where You’ll Be: 

Summit Lake Park is the highest city park in the United States and the only Denver Mountain Park in the alpine zone. The lake nestles at the bottom of a high alpine cirque about 1,500 feet below the summit of Mount Blue Sky. The surrounding land is part of the Mt. Evans Wilderness. Notably, Summit Lake Park is one of the most reliable places in Colorado to see mountain goats, and it is the headwaters of the Bear Creek drainage. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days prior to the project. 

What You’ll Do:

Help perform critical trail maintenance tasks on this weekday project

Tasks may include:

clearing the trail corridor by trimming overgrown vegetation to keep paths open and safe, maintaining drainage by removing debris and improving water flow to prevent erosion, and repairing the trail's surface to smooth and reinforce it for a safer and more durable path.

This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Why It Matters: 

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse plant and animal habitats in this natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area. 

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate to difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations:   You can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible   

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

Where You’ll Be:

You will be monitoring butterflies near Deckers, Colorado. This will take place in Pike National Forest along the South Platte River watershed. This is a critical ecosystem for the butterfly sub-species Hesperia leonardus montana.

Camping may be available for those who are interested in attending more than one day of the project. We will reach out 1 month before the project with more instructions on how to reserve a camping spot.

What You’ll Do:

Volunteers are needed to assist in monitoring the threatened butterfly subspecies, the Pawnee montane skipper. Monitoring will involve using binoculars to identify and record the number and gender of skipper butterflies, along with information on nearby host plants and trees. Please bring your own lunch for the day!

This butterfly species is only out and about when conditions are warm and dry. The project schedule is highly weather-dependent, but volunteers should plan to be on site for the full day.

Why It Matters:

The Pawnee montane skipper is a species with a narrow distribution that is endemic (native) to Colorado. Fire suppression, dam and reservoir development, and climate change are all threats to the persistence and recovery of this federally threatened species.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 18+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered difficult and a great opportunity for volunteers looking for a challenge. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

If a volunteer cannot commit to the full surveying time for the day, this could affect the integrity of the data, the safety of the group, and the project as a whole.

Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to hike off-trail through steep terrain for up to 5 miles round-trip. Elevation ranges from 6,000 ft to 8,000 ft. At this time of year, the weather is usually cool in the mornings but quickly warms to the high 80s or low 90s (though please check the weather in advance). This project is not for the faint of heart!

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No 4WD is required to reach the project area or sample sites; good tires are recommended to avoid flats on gravel roads. Beyond the initial meeting spot, we will aim to use agency vehicles whenever possible to minimize personal vehicle use.

Other Notes: Cell coverage in the area is minimal and varies by cell service provider.

Where You’ll Be:

You will be monitoring butterflies near Deckers, Colorado. This will take place in Pike National Forest along the South Platte River watershed. This is a critical ecosystem for the butterfly sub-species Hesperia leonardus montana.

Camping may be available for those who are interested in attending more than one day of the project. We will reach out 1 month before the project with more instructions on how to reserve a camping spot.

What You’ll Do:

Volunteers are needed to assist in monitoring the threatened butterfly subspecies, the Pawnee montane skipper. Monitoring will involve using binoculars to identify and record the number and gender of skipper butterflies, along with information on nearby host plants and trees. Please bring your own lunch for the day!

This butterfly species is only out and about when conditions are warm and dry. The project schedule is highly weather-dependent, but volunteers should plan to be on site for the full day.

Why It Matters:

The Pawnee montane skipper is a species with a narrow distribution that is endemic (native) to Colorado. Fire suppression, dam and reservoir development, and climate change are all threats to the persistence and recovery of this federally threatened species.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 18+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered difficult and a great opportunity for volunteers looking for a challenge. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

If a volunteer cannot commit to the full surveying time for the day, this could affect the integrity of the data, the safety of the group, and the project as a whole.

Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to hike off-trail through steep terrain for up to 5 miles round-trip. Elevation ranges from 6,000 ft to 8,000 ft. At this time of year, the weather is usually cool in the mornings but quickly warms to the high 80s or low 90s (though please check the weather in advance). This project is not for the faint of heart!

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: No 4WD is required to reach the project area or sample sites; good tires are recommended to avoid flats on gravel roads. Beyond the initial meeting spot, we will aim to use agency vehicles whenever possible to minimize personal vehicle use.

Other Notes: Cell coverage in the area is minimal and varies by cell service provider.

Where You’ll Be: 

This project will take place at Cub Creek Park in Evergreen, Colorado, part of the historic Denver Mountain Parks system. Surrounded by ponderosa pine forests and mountain scenery in the foothills west of Denver, the park provides important wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and natural open space for the community.

What You’ll Do: 

The project area will most likely be steep and rocky, which makes chainsaws and hand saw work the most viable solutions for fuels management. For this project, we are looking for saywer and swamper volunteers. Sawyers must be certified. Swampers will build burn piles that the city will burn later in the season when the conditions are safe for this activity.

Please bring your own lunch for the day! 

Why It Matters: 

The fuels management work will, first and foremost, assist with the local fire mitigation plan and implementation recommendations by the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. By removing fuels in the park, VOC volunteers will make the communities surrounding the park safer and more resilient to wildfire. VOC’s work will also help protect nearby homes, businesses, schools, infrastructure, and evacuation routes. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 18+  

On this project, we need a mix of A and B certified Chainsaw Sawyers. If you are certified, please include this in the Comments of your registration and send your certificate to the project manager. ALL SAWYERS MUST HOLD A CURRENT FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION IN ORDER TO OPERATE A SAW. Want to get certified? Visit our Training Calendar for upcoming training opportunities.

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations:  

Expect physically demanding work, including moving heavy materials (such as logs and branches) and working on uneven terrain. Volunteers will hike on uneven terrain to find a good working area that is a sufficient distance from other active sawyers.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access:  Volunteers will be able to drive and park close to the worksite

If you enjoy chainsaw projects, either as a certified sawyer or a support volunteer, you can view similar projects here.

Where You'll Be:

O'Fallon Mountain Park is part of the Denver Mountain Park network and provides Front Range residents and visitors with superb hiking opportunities just 25 minutes from downtown. The area's rolling hills, flower-filled meadows, ponderosa pines, and great views reward users with a gorgeous mountain escape from city life. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days prior to the project.

What You'll Do:

Volunteers will help with much-needed trail maintenance at the park, just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Tasks may include:

clearing the trail corridor by trimming overgrown vegetation to keep paths open and safe, maintaining drainage by removing debris and improving water flow to prevent erosion, and repairing the trail's surface to smooth and reinforce it for a safer and more durable path.

This is a great opportunity for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Why It Matters:

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse plant habitat in this well-loved natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: You can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch. 

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

Where You’ll Be: 

This half-day project is a great opportunity for those looking for less physically demanding yet important and rewarding volunteer work. Boulder County Parks and Open Space staff will monitor seed development across various open space areas to determine the best collection sites. The exact project location will be shared with registered volunteers 4–7 days before the project.  

What You’ll Do: 

Help increase the availability of native seeds by hand-collecting a variety of species, including grasses, sedges, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. Volunteers will sustainably harvest as many priority seeds as possible, ensuring that enough seed is left in the population for seed bank health and sustainability. This is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge of native Colorado plants, as Boulder County Plant Ecologists will be on-site to guide you in identifying wildflowers and other native species throughout the project. 

Why It Matters: 

Using native seeds in restoration efforts is critical for helping the land recover after a disturbance. Unfortunately, native seeds are often unavailable commercially, prohibitively expensive, or not suited to the local ecosystem. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 8+ 

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.   

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered easy. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations:  Hiking and bending over to collect seeds. 

Access Factors:  While the location is not yet determined, all locations should be 2WD accessible. Other Notes: Please note that the specific project location will be confirmed about one week before the event. The site selection depends on several factors, including seed development, weather conditions, and even wind! Our partners at Boulder County Parks & Open Space will actively scout potential sites, and we’ll share the location and logistics with registered volunteers as soon as the details are finalized.

Join us for this intentional outdoor experience to celebrate women in trail work. If you are unsure if this project is for you, please call us at (303) 715-1010 ext. 111.

Where You’ll Be: 

Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks form a buffer around the city, helping to establish its own identity from neighboring communities. This project will take place in the Boulder Valley Ranch area, which offers access to many popular trails, including Sage, Eagle, Cobalt, and Left Hand.

What You'll Do:

Volunteers will help restore old routes of the Hidden Valley trail system to allow newly constructed trails to officially open for more recreationalists to enjoy. Work will include de-compacting the soil of old trail routes to encourage revegetation to the landscape and ensuring safe wayfinding for visitors.

Volunteers will also be installing timber check dams to keep water on the landscape to help the native vegetation grow.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.Why It Matters:

This trail reroute is part of a larger trail improvement plan for the western Boulder Valley Ranch area north of the city. These projects aim to improve outdoor experiences, increase trail sustainability, and increase bicycling trail access while protecting wildlife and plant habitats in the area.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 14+ 

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Physical Difficulty:

This project includes tasks at varying levels of difficulty, from easy to moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: There will be about a half-mile hike from the parking lot to the work site. The worksite is sun-exposed.

Imagine stepping out of your tent to expansive views of the San Juan Mountains while coffee, tea, and breakfast get started at basecamp. That’s how you’ll begin your day before heading out to build trail at Top of the Pines in Ridgway.

New to overnight projects with VOC? Learn more about what to expect here.

Where you'll be: 

Join your fellow volunteers at Top of the Pines, a 175-acre nature preserve conveniently situated near Ouray, Ridgway, and Telluride. Set in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest, the property offers sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains and nearby peaks. Volunteers will camp in a developed campground next to a meadow with a seasonal pond.

Nearest town: Ridgway, CO 81432

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

What you'll do: 

Help restore a historic trail that has become overgrown and difficult to follow due to increased use and time. Building on work started by VOC volunteers in 2024, you’ll continue clearing and improving the trail to make it safer, more visible, and accessible for visitors.

VOC provides breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday.

Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering — and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

Why it's important: 

This trail will connect to a biking trail constructed by Top of the Pines three years ago, expanding recreational opportunities on this public open space. Along the way, visitors will enjoy stunning views of the Sneffels Range, and future environmental education signs will highlight local ecology, forest health, landforms, and geology—helping visitors better understand and care for this special place.

Eligibility Requirements:   Ages 16+ 

Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older on overnight projects. 

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate, please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): hiking to access work site while carrying tools, repetitive bending, lifting, digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks. You’ll be working around a 6.5-7-hour day which requires some physical stamina, but you’ll always be encouraged to take breaks as needed.

Accessibility Factors:

Vehicle Accessibility: The final ~5 miles to the campground are on a maintained dirt road. High clearance is not required, and the road is accessible for 2WD vehicles. Please note that the road is very dark at night; we strongly encourage arriving before dark to make navigation easier.

Other Notes: The worksite begins about ¼ mile away from the camping area, an easy walk on a lightly used 2-track road. Indoor bathrooms with showers and flush toilets are available.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

Where You’ll Be:

Centennial Gardens is a thoughtfully designed urban garden space near downtown Denver that blends horticulture, history, and community use. With a mix of garden beds and open space, it offers a welcoming and engaging environment for volunteers.

What You’ll Do:

This opportunity is in partnership with Civic Center Conservancy  (CCC) and their volunteer program, SPARKLES, which continues volunteerism efforts during Civic Center Park renovations with horticulture support for Denver Parks & Recreation in various parks around downtown.

Volunteers ages 12+ will help with horticulture tasks like planting flowers, mulching, debris clean up, native and annual bed care, and weeding!

Why It Matters:

As a volunteer, you will play a crucial role in maintaining Denver’s urban green spaces, making them more beautiful, welcoming, and ecologically healthy. Regular care supports plant health, improves habitat for pollinators and wildlife, and ensures these spaces remain enjoyable for the many people who use them.

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 12+   

Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered easy, please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: Volunteers can expect to be bending down and kneeling. There is significant sun exposure in this location. 

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions - 2WD accessible

Other Notes: This project will be led on-site by Civic Center Conservancy staff.

If you like to volunteer on weekdays, you can view similar projects here.

Where You’ll Be: 

Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks form a buffer around the city, helping to establish its own identity from neighboring communities. This project will take place in the Boulder Valley Ranch area, which offers access to many popular trails, including Sage, Eagle, Cobalt, and Left Hand.

What You'll Do:

Volunteers will help restore old routes of the Hidden Valley trail system to allow newly constructed trails to officially open for more recreationalists to enjoy. Work will include de-compacting the soil of old trail routes to encourage revegetation to the landscape and ensuring safe wayfinding for visitors.

Volunteers may recontour the trail from impact of water run-off or add finishing touches to the new trail routes.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

Why It Matters:

This trail reroute is part of a larger trail improvement plan for the western Boulder Valley Ranch area north of the city. These projects aim to improve outdoor experiences, increase trail sustainability, and increase bicycling trail access while protecting wildlife and plant habitats in the area.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 14+ 

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Physical Difficulty:

This project includes tasks at varying levels of difficulty, from easy to moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: There will be about a half-mile hike from the parking lot to the work site. The worksite is sun-exposed.

Where You'll Be:

William Frederick Hayden Park sits atop Green Mountain, a prominent open space in the heart of Lakewood and one of the most well-loved urban parks on the west side of the Denver metro area. Originally donated by the Hayden family in 1972, the park now spans more than 2,400 acres, making it Lakewood’s second largest park.

Its extensive network of multi-use trails draws more than 250,000 visitors each year, offering an easy escape from the city for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and families. From the 6,800-foot summit, visitors enjoy wide views of both downtown Denver to the east and the Front Range to the west, while the park also provides important habitat for wildlife including mule deer, elk, and great horned owls.

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project. 

What You'll Do:

After a major trail reroute in 2018, some hikers have been cutting switchbacks along the middle section of the Rooney Valley Trail to avoid bike traffic and take a more direct route. We will be responding to these recreating patterns by helping to build rock steps that create a designated pedestrian bypass.

This allows hikers a more direct route while keeping the longer, gently graded switchbacks intact for wheeled trail users. Volunteers will assist with the construction of rock steps.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

Why it Matters: 

The existing social trail follows a steep slope and is not sustainable. Continued use degrades wildlife habitat and spreads noxious weeds that threaten the native shortgrass prairie. Building this bypass helps protect sensitive habitat, reduces erosion, and supports the long-term goal of making every trail in William Frederick Hayden Park both sustainable and enjoyable.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: The hike from the parking lot to the project site is about 2 miles uphill. The work area is heavily sun-exposed.

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Where You’ll Be: 

Mt. Sneffels, located in Ouray, CO, is accessible through Yankee Boy Basin. This basin is home to fields of wildflowers and wildlife and leads up to one of the most beautiful fourteeners in the state. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Mt. Sneffels receives about 5,000-7,000 visitors annually, which is relatively low but has some of the worst conditions of the five major ranges, according to a recent report card procured by Colorado Fourteeners Initiative. 

Nearest town: Ouray, CO 81432

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

What You’ll Do: 

At Mt. Sneffels, several large tundra beds are being undercut due to foot traffic. As soil erodes from beneath plant life, this delicate vegetation dies.

In partnership with Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, volunteers will help construct retaining structures and delineate the trail to ensure the continued health of this important alpine environment. Improvements such as installing tundra support walls and rock check steps will stabilize the footpath, allowing hikers to stay on the route and preventing widening of the existing trail. 

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up. 

Why It Matters: 

Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation) see over 300,000 hikers and climbers each year – all of whom are traveling through the alpine tundra ecosystem. This ecosystem thrives in an environment of high winds, short growing seasons, and cold winters, but is very easily damaged by foot traffic and erosion. Construction and maintenance of hiking trails on fourteeners prevent impacts to the sensitive plants and wildlife, and restoration projects repair areas that have already been damaged. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 18+ 

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): long hike to worksite with significant elevation gain; carrying project tools and materials to worksite; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; working at elevation; working and hiking on steep or uneven terrain.  

You can expect to bend, squat, lift heavy objects, dig, reach, stretch, lean, rotate, and engage many muscle groups, all at a high elevation. This project is not for the faint of heart!    

The hike from the campsite to the worksite is up to 2 miles. Volunteers may be hauling project materials up the trail to the worksite (logs for structures). 

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: Moderate vehicle clearance and AWD is require to get to the camping location. 

Other Notes: This is a remote project. There is no cell service at the campsite or worksite.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

If you enjoy trail maintenance, you can view similar projects here. 

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Where You’ll Be: 

Button Rock Preserve is a 3,000-acre nature preserve outside of Lyons that protects the primary drinking water source for more than 110,000 Boulder County residents. The area supports passive recreation like hiking, rock climbing, and fishing along North St. Vrain Creek, Longmont Reservoir, and Ralph Price Reservoir. Volunteers will work in a scenic, high-use recreation area while helping care for an important community resource.

Nearest town: Lyons

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will support trail restoration work along the South Cove Trail at Button Rock Preserve.

The focus is on approximately 720 feet of trail that is severely undercut and collapsing into the reservoir, creating safety, access, and water quality concerns. Tasks may include defining trail tread, improving drainage for water to flow off the trail, building small reroutes, and assisting with retaining wall construction to stabilize eroding sections. This is a technical trail project in steep terrain and requires focused, hands-on work.

Why It Matters: 

South Cove Trail’s condition directly affects visitor safety, water quality, and access within a high-use recreation area. Restoring this trail segment will reduce erosion into the reservoir, improve safety for hikers, and support long-term stewardship and infrastructure resilience at Button Rock Preserve. 

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday.

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper!

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering, and we could use your help to make it happen!

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up.

Eligibility Requirements: 

- Ages: 16+  

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered Difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations:  

This work may include kneeling, bending, and working close to the ground for extended periods; exposure to sun and outdoor elements; exposure to insects such as bees and wasps; carrying and placing heavy materials like rocks and logs; digging and shoveling; and working near water with potentially muddy or slippery footing. Volunteers should be prepared for a 6.5 to 7-hour workday that requires physical stamina, with breaks encouraged as needed.

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible  

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

Join us in reducing our carbon footprint by carpooling! Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).

If you enjoy projects that include components of rock work, you can view similar projects here.

Where You'll Be:

Pence Park is a beautiful, quiet respite just thirty minutes from Denver. Pence Park's wide variety of trails has become a popular destination for hikers and bikers along the Front Range. Mountain bikers flock from miles around to ride from Lair O' the Bear to Pence Park, a scenic 13 miles. Pence Park's unique array of wildlife includes bald eagles, Mexican spotted owls, the Preble's jumping mouse, and the Townsend's big eared bat. Exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days prior to the project.

What You'll Do:

Volunteers will help with much-needed trail maintenance at the park, just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Tasks may include:

clearing the trail corridor by trimming overgrown vegetation to keep paths open and safe, maintaining drainage by removing debris and improving water flow to prevent erosion, and repairing the tread to smooth and reinforce the trail surface for a safer and more durable path.

This is a great opportunity for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Why It Matters:

Trail maintenance matters from an ecological and environmental standpoint because it ensures a safe and sustainable route for people to use, which keeps the surrounding habitat safe and minimizes the human impacts on flora and fauna, especially in high-use areas like Pence Park.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate, please check our difficulty rating criteria, here, for more details.

Physical Considerations:   You can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch. 

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

Where You'll Be:

Parkfield Lake Park is a mixed-use park in the Montbello neighborhood of Denver. It is home to the Montbello Recreation Center, athletic fields, trails, a lake, and open space, and is surrounded by dense housing. The park is highly valued by the Montbello Community, and the trails are heavily used around the lake and in the open space areas.

What You'll Do:

Volunteers will be constructing timber steps on a trail at Parkfield Lake Park. This project will be critical to restore a degraded and eroded trail, making it safer for park users, increasing access, improving aesthetics, and reducing maintenance strain on Parks staff.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

Why it Matters:

The timber steps will improve safety, mitigate erosion, and reduce the expansion of social trails into the natural landscape.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 18+

Physical Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate to difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: The project tasks can include digging into the hillside, lifting and placing lumber, and lifting and placing gravel on a steep slope. If you would like to participate in this event but the primary tasks do not suit you, we can accommodate volunteers removing weeds.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: Restrooms will be available on site. It is a 5-minute walk on a paved trail from the parking lot to the project site.

Where You’ll Be:  

This project takes place within the Parks Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service in northern Colorado. The exact work location will be finalized 2 to 3 weeks before the project date and will be within a 30 to 60 minute drive from Walden in Jackson County. The final location depends on pine cone maturity and density in the area.

Nearest town: Walden, CO

The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project.

What You’ll Do:  

Volunteers will help collect and clean pine cones for future reforestation efforts. Certified chainsaw sawyers will cut a limited number of trees. Volunteers will then collect pine cones from the downed trees, sort and clean them, and send them to a nursery for seed extraction and germination.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Support This Project as a Crew Chef Helper! 

We provide full meals on our overnight projects to ensure volunteers are well-fed and ready for a day of volunteering — and we could use your help to make it happen! 

View this document to learn more about how to support and sign up. 

Why It Matters:  

The Parks Ranger District has recently been affected by two large wildfires and has since realized that most of the seeds from their seed stock are from the 70s or 80s. The seeds they do have are not the right species for the appropriate seed zones to meet the district's diversity objectives. Volunteer efforts to collect pine cones for this project will result in updated, relevant seed stock and seedlings ready to plant in the forest by 2029. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 16+ 

For overnight projects, all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

For this project, we need a mix of A- and B-certified Chainsaw Sawyers. If you are certified, please include this in the Comments of your registration and send your certificate to the project manager. ALL SAWYERS MUST HOLD A CURRENT FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION IN ORDER TO OPERATE A SAW. Want to get certified? Visit our Training Calendar for upcoming training opportunities.

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered moderate, with more physically demanding work for chainsaw operations. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Volunteers may experience some or all of the following physical activities: moderate to heavy lifting; working around loud noise and vibration; kneeling and bending; carrying and moving heavy debris; hiking on steep or uneven terrain; and handling sharp pine cones.

Access Factors:  

Vehicle Access: Depending on project location, SUVs with high clearance or 4-wheel drive may be required to access the work-site. 

Other Notes: The selected project location will be close to a road, so volunteers should not expect long hikes to the worksite.

If you enjoy chainsaw projects, either as a certified sawyer or a support volunteer, you can view similar projects here.

Where You’ll Be: 

Observatory Park is a small yet spacious park near the University of Denver (DU) campus. Home to DU's historic Chamberlin Observatory, the park also boasts century-old trees, an extensive playground area, and vast open fields perfect for picnicking or a pickup game of frisbee. 

What You’ll Do: 

Through our long-standing partnership with Grow Local Colorado, volunteers ages 8+ will spend the evening harvesting a vegetable garden and preparing it for winter at Observatory Park. Tasks will include gathering ripe produce, weeding, and clearing plant debris to help maintain the garden for the next growing season.

Participants may have the opportunity to take home extra seeds (while supplies last) and even hand-deliver fresh produce to local food banks and community aid organizations, ensuring these nutritious harvests reach those in need.

Why It Matters: 

The produce that VOC volunteers planted in the spring is now mature and ready to be donated to local organizations including food banks, homeless shelters, and families in need. By growing food locally, we reduce our carbon footprint by reducing the distance food must travel, minimizing water use, decreasing soil erosion, and helping develop a sustainable community. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 8+   

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.   

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered easy, please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Specific tasks include bending down/kneeling to harvest and using loppers or pruning shears to cut plant debris.  

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: Public street parking is available within a 5-10 minute walk to the project site. This project is accessible via RTD public transit or bike! 

Other Notes: Please park on the west side of the park, along S Fillmore St. The garden plot (and where we will meet for the project) will be in the northwestern corner of Observatory Park.

Where You'll Be: 

Roxborough State Park, south of Littleton, is a 4,000-acre park designated as both a Colorado Natural Area and a National Natural Landmark. Known for its red rock formations, diverse plant communities, and abundant wildlife, the park welcomes around 100,000 visitors each year. A network of trails allows people to experience the foothills while protecting sensitive natural resources.

What You'll Do:

Heavy rainstorms and high trail use have worn down the drainage features on one of the park’s trails.

A trail's worst enemy is water. When it is not redirected properly, it can wash away soil, create ruts, and make trails unsafe or hard to use.

Volunteers will help restore and build simple water-diversion features, such as low trail crossings, shallow channels, and drains, that guide rainwater off the trail and into the surrounding drainage areas.

This work helps keep water from flowing straight down the trail, reducing erosion and making the trail more durable during future storms. Please bring your own lunch for the day.

Why It Matters:

With new residential developments in the area, the number of visitors to the park will only increase. Improving the trails now would allow us to mitigate the impact of a future large increase in trail users. In addition, fixing the drainage along this trail will prevent damage from future rainstorms. This will allow staff to focus on improving other trails rather than just repairing damage. The work from this project will improve the visitor experience, enable more family use with strollers and mobility devices for those with mobility impairments, and allow park staff to offer tours to those who cannot hike the trail.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: This trail starts near the Visitor's Center and is a 2.2-mile loop. Volunteers should be prepared to hike the whole trail. There are restrooms at the Visitor's Center.

If you enjoy trail maintenance, you can view similar projects here. 

Where you'll be:

Community Ministry is a social service organization, food/clothing pantry, and community resource that has been meeting the basic needs of individuals experiencing economic hardships and related problems in the Ruby Hill neighborhood since the 1960s. Grow Local Colorado and Community Ministry have been partnering since 2012 to ensure low-income residents in southwest Denver have access to healthy food choices.

What you'll do:

Through our long-standing partnership with Grow Local Colorado, volunteers ages 6+ will spend the morning harvesting a vegetable garden and prepping it for winter at Community Ministry. Tasks will involve harvesting vegetables, weeding, and raking the soil.

Why it's important:

The produce that VOC volunteers planted in the spring are now mature and ready to be donated to local organizations including food banks, homeless shelters, and families in need. By growing food locally, we reduce our carbon footprint by reducing the distance food has to travel, minimize water use, decrease soil erosion, and help develop a sustainable community. 

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 8+

All youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered easy, please check our difficulty rating criteria, here, for more details.

Specific tasks include bending down/kneeling to harvest and using loppers or pruning shears to cut plant debris.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: Public street parking available within a 5-10 minute walk to project site. This project is accessible via RTD public transit or bike!

Where You’ll Be: 

Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks form a buffer around the city, helping to establish its own identity from neighboring communities. This project will take place in the Boulder Valley Ranch area, which offers access to many popular trails, including Sage, Eagle, Cobalt, and Left Hand.

What You'll Do:

Volunteers will help restore old routes of the Hidden Valley trail system to allow newly constructed trails to officially open for more recreationalists to enjoy. Work will include de-compacting the soil of old trail routes to encourage revegetation to the landscape and ensuring safe wayfinding for visitors.

Volunteers may recontour the trail from impact of water run-off or add finishing touches to the new trail routes.

Please bring your own lunch for the day.

Why It Matters:

This trail reroute is part of a larger trail improvement plan for the western Boulder Valley Ranch area north of the city. These projects aim to improve outdoor experiences, increase trail sustainability, and increase bicycling trail access while protecting wildlife and plant habitats in the area.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 14+ 

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.

Physical Difficulty:

This project includes tasks at varying levels of difficulty, from easy to moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

General physical considerations for participating on this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible

Other Notes: There will be about a half-mile hike from the parking lot to the work site. The worksite is sun-exposed.

Where You’ll Be: 

Christ the King Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has a proud history in the Harvey Park neighborhood of Southwest Denver dating back to its founding in 1956. The congregation was originally rooted in the rapid growth of the neighborhood in the late 1950's. They have partnered with Grow Local Colorado since 2018 and their plot is a wonderful example of how productive sheet mulch gardening can be. 

What You’ll Do: 

Through our long-standing partnership with Grow Local Colorado, volunteers ages 8+ will spend the morning harvesting a vegetable garden and prepping it for winter. Tasks will involve harvesting vegetables, weeding, and removing harvested plants to winterize the beds.  

Volunteers may also have the opportunity to hand deliver some of the fresh produce to local area food banks and community aid organizations. 

Why It Matters: 

The produce that VOC volunteers planted in the spring is now mature and ready to be donated to local organizations including food banks, homeless shelters, and families in need. By growing food locally, we reduce our carbon footprint by reducing the distance food must travel, minimizing water use, decreasing soil erosion, and helping develop a sustainable community. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 8+   

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.   

Project Difficulty: 

This project is considered easy, please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: Specific tasks include bending down/kneeling to harvest and using loppers or pruning shears to cut plant debris.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: Public street parking available within a 5-10 minute walk to project site. This project is accessible via RTD public transit or bike!

Where You'll Be:

Red Rocks Park, known for its remarkable landscape of red sandstone outcroppings, is a true Colorado landmark. It's a world-famous concert venue and home to awe-inspiring hiking and biking trails perfect for exploring the geology, forests, wildflowers, and wildlife, with views of Denver and beyond. The exact meeting location will be shared via email at least 7 days prior to the project.

What You'll Do:

Help perform critical trail maintenance tasks on this weekday project! Tasks may include clearing the trail corridor by trimming overgrown vegetation to keep paths open and safe, maintaining drainage by removing debris and improving water flow to prevent erosion, and repairing the tread to smooth and reinforce the trail surface for a safer and more durable path. This is a great opportunity for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Why It Matters:

Volunteers will enhance trail safety and sustainability, helping to protect the diverse flora and fauna in this natural getaway just a short trip from the Denver metro area.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations: You can expect to bend down, pick up objects, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and/or stretch.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible 

Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

Where You’ll Be: 

This project will take place within the South Platte Ranger District, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. Forest Service staff are currently surveying lands throughout the district to identify the highest-priority forest health treatment area for this work. The final project location will be selected based on current conditions, ecosystem needs, and wildfire risk.

Nearest Town: Pine, CO 

Volunteers will receive updated information about the project location as the project date approaches, once the site has been confirmed. Please be sure to register so you receive all project details and logistics as they become available.

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will support forest health management by felling and piling overgrown trees in areas where dense vegetation creates unsafe conditions for the ecosystem and increases wildfire risk. Work will most likely take place on steep and rocky terrain, making chainsaws and hand saws the most effective tools for this project.

We are seeking both volunteer sawyers and swampers. Certified sawyers will fell trees, while swampers will assist with clearing, stacking material, and building burn piles. These piles will be burned later in the season by land managers when conditions are safe. This hands-on work helps restore a healthier forest structure and improves overall wildfire resilience.

Why It Matters: 

Many forests have grown dense after decades of fire suppression, making them more vulnerable to severe wildfires and ecological stress. By removing excess trees and reducing hazardous fuels, this project helps restore healthier forest conditions, lowers wildfire risk, and supports safer, more effective land management. Your work directly contributes to long-term forest resilience while protecting nearby communities, wildlife habitat, and recreational landscapes.

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 18+ 

For this project, we need a mix of A- and B-certified Chainsaw Sawyers. If you are certified, please include this in the Comments of your registration and send your certificate to the project manager. ALL SAWYERS MUST HOLD A CURRENT FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION IN ORDER TO OPERATE A SAW. Want to get certified? Visit our Training Calendar for upcoming training opportunities.

Project Difficulty: 

This project is rated difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations:  Expect physically demanding work, including moving heavy materials (such as logs and branches) and working on uneven terrain. Volunteers will hike over uneven terrain to find a suitable work area that is far enough from other active sawyers.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access:  Volunteers will be able to drive and park close to the worksite.

If you enjoy chainsaw projects, either as a certified sawyer or a support volunteer, you can view similar projects here.

Where You'll Be:

Pence Park is a beautiful, quiet respite just thirty minutes from Denver. Pence Park's wide variety of trails has become a popular destination for hikers and bikers along the Front Range. Mountain bikers flock from miles around to ride from Lair O' the Bear to Pence Park, a scenic 13 miles. Pence Park's unique array of wildlife includes bald eagles, Mexican spotted owls, the Preble's jumping mouse, and the Townsend's big-eared bat.

What You'll Do:

Volunteers will help with much-needed trail maintenance at the park, just a short trip from the Denver metro area. Tasks may include clearing the trail corridor by trimming overgrown vegetation to keep paths open and safe, maintaining drainage by removing debris and improving water flow to prevent erosion, and repairing the tread to smooth and reinforce the trail surface for a safer and more durable path. This is a great opportunity for new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about trail restoration while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting.

Why It Matters:

Trail maintenance matters from an ecological and environmental standpoint because it ensures a safe and sustainable route for people to use, which keeps the surrounding habitat safe and minimizes the human impacts on flora and fauna, especially in high-use areas like Pence Park.

Eligibility Requirements: Ages 16+

Project Difficulty:

This project is considered moderate to difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.

Physical Considerations:

Reaching the worksite requires a 1.1-mile hike with about 750 feet of elevation gain on a steep, rocky trail. Please be prepared for a moderate/strenuous hike before beginning the workday. You can expect to bend down, pick up objects, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible  Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area. Port-a-potties will be available at the trailhead only; once on the trail, volunteers should follow Leave No Trace principles.

Where you'll be: 

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, spanning an impressive 176,000 acres, is a rugged, breathtaking landscape that holds the highest known density of archaeological sites in the United States, with 6,000 ancient sites, including cliff dwellings, villages, and captivating rock art. 

What you'll do: 

Join a small, dedicated group of 12 volunteers, per the national monument's visitor-use stipulations. Your efforts will focus on crucial seasonal maintenance closure tasks, such as social trail closure and restoration, drain cleaning, brushing, light tread work, and sign maintenance. Please keep in mind that temperatures can drop quite low in the evenings, so be prepared for potentially cold nights while camping

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner on Friday night, and enough snacks for the weekend.  

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday. 

Why it's important: 

The Sand Canyon area within the monument is rich in cultural significance, hosting a high concentration of cultural sites. Designated as a Special Recreation Management Area, this area restricts public off-trail travel to preserve the integrity of its unique environment. By participating in closing social trails that lead to sensitive, non-public cultural sites, volunteers play a vital role in protecting and preserving the current character of these locations. This ensures that these sites can evolve naturally without the disruption of modern human interaction, safeguarding their cultural and historical significance for future generations.

Eligibility Requirements:  

Ages 16+  

Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older on overnight projects. 

Project Difficulty:  

This project is considered moderate. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

General physical considerations for participating in this project (Some or all may apply): moderate lifting and tool use; digging, shoveling, moving soil and rocks; repetitive bending, lifting, and walking; may require hiking to access work site while carrying tools; you can expect to bend over, pick objects up, move rocks, carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, and stretch.

Accessibility Factors:  

Vehicle Accessibility: This trail system is accessible by County Road G and County Road N (~7mi and 12mi from HWY 491, respectively). Some sections of these county roads are unpaved but maintained. No vehicle restrictions. 

Other notes: Expect limited or no cell phone reception. For more information: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/SC Newspaper 2018.pdf

Where you'll be:

VOC's 5,000-square-foot Operations "Ops" Center in central Lakewood is home to a plethora of project equipment from tools to kitchen supplies. If you haven't been to the Ops Center before, this is a great opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at how VOC projects operate.

What you'll do:

Our annual OcTOOLberfest celebrates the successes of the season and prepares for the next one with volunteers and VOC staff alike. Each year, we enlist volunteers to clean, sharpen, paint, and repair tools, as well as to organize the VOC Operations Center. Spending a bit of time winterizing tools after months of hard use ensures they're in great shape for the start of next season!

Why it matters:

A well-cared-for tool is a safe tool! Dozens of projects each year take a toll on tools and equipment, and by the end of the season, they need some TLC. By helping us care for these tools and put them to bed for winter, you'll help VOC prepare for a safe and successful 2026 project season.

Eligibility Criteria:  Ages 14+

Project Difficulty:

The tasks available in this project vary from easy to moderate to difficult.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: 2-minute walk from the parking lot to the Operations Center. Other Notes:  Restrooms on site.