Opportunities From: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado

Help support VOC's stewardship projects by assisting our Tool Managers with loading and unloading tools at our Operations Center in Lakewood. Your behind-the-scenes support will ensure VOC is running like a well-oiled machine this season! This is also a great way to learn more about the Tool Manager role.

What you'll do:
Help load tools and equipment before projects And/or help in unloading tools after projects return  Work as a team to ensure tools are put away properly and ready for the fieldWhen & Where:

This opportunity lists shifts happening in July and August. 

Loading: Typically on Friday mornings before a project Unloading: Typically on Sunday afternoons (for weekend projects) or Saturday afternoons (for single-day projects).Where: 1450 Ammons Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80214

NOTE: Google maps will often take you to 1450 South Ammons Street, but this is NOT correct.

Timeframes are flexible based on project logistics. For effective coordination, we'll ask you to give us your phone number so we can let you know when to meet at the operations center.

Available Shifts:

Click the links to learn about the different projects to support and sign up for the corresponding shifts below!

Aspen Slide Trail Maintenance and Reroute @ Granby | Learn more here.

Loading in the morning: Friday, Sept. 5th   Unloading in the afternoon: Sunday, Sept. 7th

Strawberry Lake Trail Maintenance @ Granby| Learn more here.

Loading in the morning: Friday, Sept. 12th Unloading in the afternoon: Sunday, Sept. 14th

Erosion Control @ Southern Plains Land Trust| Learn more here.

Loading in the morning: Friday, Sept. 19th Unloading in the afternoon: Sunday, Sept. 21st

3-Day: National Public Lands Day - Gunnison Sage Grouse Habitat Improvement @ Villa Grove | Learn more here.

Loading in the morning: Friday, Sept. 25th Unloading in the afternoon: Sunday, Sept. 28th

Park Improvements @ Arroyos del Sol Natural Area | Learn more here.

Loading in the morning: Friday, Sept. 26th Unloading in the afternoon: Saturday, Sept. 27th

Where You’ll Be: 

This project takes place along the scenic Guanella Pass Byway, known for its outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing along Geneva Creek, and camping. On your drive, you’ll see Mount Blue Sky and Mount Bierstadt, with a chance to spot moose! There are nearby campgrounds for those who wish to stay overnight. 

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will assist the U.S. Forest Service in removing barbed wire fence. Please bring your own lunch for the day. 

Why It Matters: 

The fence interferes with the movement of moose in critical winter habitat. In April, nine moose were spotted in the area in a single day. Removing the fence will allow wildlife to move freely across the meadow again. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 16+

Project Difficulty: 

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

Physical Considerations: 

The project location is considered high altitude. Participants should prepare for potential effects of elevation. 

Volunteers will work on uneven terrain and entrenched wildlife trails. Tasks include crossing Geneva Creek and removing wire from a steep, timbered hillside. The site is exposed to direct sunlight. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are required. 

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible – no special vehicle required. 

Facilities: Bathrooms are available at the nearby Burning Bear Campground.

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: 

Join us in the beautiful Headwaters Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) and help work on a rare trail in a region that is reserved for hikers and equestrians. Unlike other nearby spots, this area offers an escape without the presence of off-highway vehicles or mountain bikers. 

Though impacted by the East Troublesome Wildfire in 2020, the area remains a special destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled just minutes from the town of Granby and a short drive from Grand Lake, it’s conveniently located for both adventure and amenities. The hike to the work site is just challenging enough to offer a sense of accomplishment and stunning views without tiring you out before the trail work begins. 

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will help improve trails damaged by erosion and wildfire. Tasks include hardening trail tread, installing check steps, and building new trail segments to reroute steep, unsustainable sections. Your work will directly enhance access for hikers, equestrians, and wildlife enthusiasts. 

Breakfast is provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. 

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

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving 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 Headwaters ERMA sees approximately 10,000 visitors annually, and the trails play a vital role in providing safe and enjoyable access for recreationists, equestrians, and hunters. Current trail conditions are steep, heavily eroded, and worsen each spring with runoff. This project will stabilize and improve the trails, ensuring they remain sustainable and accessible for years to come. 

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 moderate to difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.   

Physical Considerations: 

Volunteers will be expected to hike approximately two miles of a moderate hike at elevation to reach the work site. 

Access Factors:   

Vehicle Accessibility:    2WD Accessible – no vehicle restrictions   

Other notes:  A port-o-let will be provided. The area also features excellent hiking with gorgeous views of the Rockies and is close to Granby and Grand Lake for any additional needs or amenities.

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: 

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 provides access to many popular trails like Sage, Eagle, Cobalt and Left Hand.

What You’ll Do: 

Join approximately 50 volunteers, partnering with Boulder OSMP staff, to construct a new designated connector trail, restore undesignated trails, and perform repairs on existing trails.

Please bring your own lunch for the day!

Why It Matters: 

The trail construction and maintenance efforts undertaken by volunteers in this project will enhance visitor access and connectivity, promote sustainability, and safeguard valuable natural resources in the area. Join us in preserving and improving the beauty and accessibility of this trail system.

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 14+ 

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

Project Difficulty: 

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

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: 2WD Accessible  

Other Notes: Parking and restrooms is available within 1/4 mile from the work area. The hike to the work area will be a gentle approach. This area is notorious for NO SHADE so volunteers can expect to experience heavy sun exposure. VOC will provide shaded shelter for breaks.

Where You’ll Be:

Bordered by the State Capitol, the City and County Building, and the Denver Art Museum, Civic Center Park is the centerpiece of Denver's green space. And with 25,000 square feet of blooming flower beds each summer, there are ample opportunities to help keep downtown Denver beautiful!

What You’ll Do:

This is a fun and rewarding way to get outside and give back to your community. Volunteers ages 8+ will join the Civic Center Park Conservancy's staff in maintaining the park's flower beds. Volunteer activities may include planting, weeding, pruning, pest and disease control, and more!

Why It Matters:

As a volunteer, you will play a crucial role in maintaining Civic Center Park's cleanliness and beauty, ensuring it remains an inviting and enjoyable space for the entire community. Preserving the park's natural beauty enhances the overall well-being of residents and visitors alike. This project is held in partnership with Civic Center Conservancy (CCC) as a way to support a local nonprofit while providing volunteers with more weekday volunteer projects in Denver! These projects will be led on-site by Civic Center Conservancy staff.

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

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!

Why it's important: This training will go over essential skills for advanced trail work including turnpikes, rock structures, and timber steps. Building sustainable climbing turns is an essential part of outdoor stewardship and building sustainable trails. When done properly, projects with rock and timber can last much longer and be more effective at preventing erosion and keeping trail users safe. In this Friday workshop, you'll have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, including OSI Instructors who have been building and maintaining trails for decades. 

 This training is designed to prepare volunteers for the Strawberry Lake project on September 13-14.

What you'll learn: This skills training will explore several advanced concepts such as turnpikes, timber steps, and rock structures that are appropriate for multi-use trails. Trainees will come away with an enhanced ability to assess trails for practical rock work solutions.

Where you'll be: This training will be in near Granby Colorado. The exact location of the training and a detailed schedule will be provided once you have paid for the training.

 

Essential Details: 

This training takes place on Friday, September 12, 2025. Cancellations within 2 weeks of the training will not be refunded.This training costs $70 to participate in. Please click here to pay for the training.NOTE: If you attend the Strawberry Lake project on September 13-14 you can be reimbursed for the cost of this training.Free camping will be provided on Thursday September 11 and Friday September 12.  Please bring your own food and water to this training.

 

For questions or concerns please reach out to Benjamin Kromash at ben@voc.org

Where You’ll Be: 

Strawberry Lake Trail, located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area, is a popular hike in Grand County. Its proximity to the Monarch Lake Trailhead, Indian Peaks Wilderness trails, and Lake Granby makes it a common alternative for visitors when nearby parking lots fill up.   The trail leads to a fragile sub-alpine lake surrounded by a wetland fen ecosystem that supports rare plants, insects, and small mammals. It also connects to the larger, remote Strawberry Creek trail system.  The campsite overlooks Lake Granby, which is just a brief 5-minute walk away and offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more. A port-a-john will be available, and the towns of Granby and Grand Lake are only a 10-minute drive in either direction. 

This project is made possible with support from the Rendezvous Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to strengthening the Grand County community.

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will construct a turnpike, rock/timber steps, and drainage improvements to enhance the trail and protect the surrounding ecosystem. Tasks include debarking logs, collecting fill materials (rock and dirt), and constructing the steps and turnpike (turnpikes are used to elevate a trail above wet ground).  

Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend. Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving 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: 

Increased use of the Strawberry Lake Trail has caused significant erosion, creation of social trails, and damage to the fragile wetland ecosystem and watershed. This project will restore the trail, improve access, and protect the surrounding environment for future visitors. 

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 rated moderate to difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.   

Physical Considerations:  

Volunteers will hike about 1.5 miles 

Constructing an estimated 100 feet of turnpike structures 

Building two 10-foot planked bridge spans 

Clearing up to 50 existing water drainage dips 

If time allows, constructing 10 to 15 rock or timber check steps 

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible – no vehicle restrictions.

Where You’ll Be: 

Spend the weekend caring for the Blanca Wetlands, a critical wildlife habitat in the San Luis Valley. These wetlands are among Colorado’s most important areas for birds, providing vital habitat for migrating waterbirds and shorebirds. As part of this project, you’ll join other volunteers in removing Russian Olive, a noxious weed, to support wetland and native plant restoration efforts. 

The BLM will allow the group to camp onsite, offering a rare opportunity to stay overnight at this beautiful and ecologically significant area. The weekend will include an educational presentation about the wetlands, opportunities for pond fishing, and excellent birding (when not operating chainsaws!). You might even spot some porcupines, who made an appearance during last year’s project.

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will help remove Russian Olive trees, an invasive species threatening the Blanca Wetlands. The project has roles for both certified sawyers and general volunteers.  

Chainsaw-certified volunteers will cut the trees into manageable pieces, while other volunteers will help move the cut material to a designated area for later collection by BLM staff. Please note that only certified sawyers are permitted to operate chainsaws. 

Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday.

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

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving 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: 

Russian Olive is designated as a “List B” species in the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, meaning we need to actively stop the spread of this species. Russian olive trees displace native flora and fauna and prevent them from re-establishing. And critically, a single Russian olive tree can consume up to 75 gallons of water per day—water that is essential for maintaining the wetlands and supporting the wildlife that depends on them. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 18+ 

On this project, we need five B-certified Chainsaw Sawyers. A-certified Sawyers will be able to work under the supervision of B 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.

Interested in getting 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 plant materials and working on uneven terrain. For volunteers not operating chainsaws, there may be lifting cut plant debris overhead at times, carrying logs, piling plant debris in one place, and using loppers.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible  

Other Notes: Car and van camping are fine. Small trailers may be accommodated; please contact Katie (katie@voc.org) to confirm availability. The campsite is at an elevation of 7,500 feet.

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 constructing new steps, 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 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.

Where You’ll Be:  

This project takes place at Heartland Ranch, a 43,000-acre wildlife reserve managed by the Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT) in Bent County, near Lamar, Colorado. The preserve provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and coyotes, as well as endangered species like the black-footed ferret. The work site is located about 10 miles from SPLT’s main office, in an open landscape with intermittent streams that play a vital role in the region’s ecosystem. 

What You’ll Do:  

Volunteers will build erosion control structures to prevent further erosion of the stream beds, which will help the watershed flourish again and improve habitat quality. Using only natural materials such as rocks and logs, volunteers will construct One Rock Dams, log jams, and beaver dam analogs to stabilize stream beds, slow erosion, and create conditions for vegetation to recover. Tasks will include collecting and placing rocks, logs, and tree trunks, leveling stream beds with shovels, and working together to build sustainable structures that support long-term water retention. 

Volunteers will also work with certified sawyers to remove tamarisk. By helping to remove the tamarisk, you will be taking part in an  effort to encourage native plant growth and ultimately return the habitat to its natural state

Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend. Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving 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:  

Healthy streams are essential for sustaining wildlife, preserving vegetation, and improving water retention in this arid region. Past land use, which included cattle grazing, contributed to erosion and habitat degradation. By restoring the natural flow of water, this project will support riparian plant growth, increase carbon sequestration, and enhance the availability of water—a scarce and valuable resource in the prairie.

Also, we'll the Tamarisk removal will help native plants thrive and support the wildlife that depend on them.

Eligibility Requirements:   

Ages 16+ 

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

On this project, we need 2 B or C certified Chainsaw Sawyers. A-certified Sawyers will be able to work under the supervision of B 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.

Project Difficulty:

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

Physical Considerations: On this project you can expect to lift, carry, and place large rocks, dig holes, carry tools, bend down, and pick up heavy objects.

The area has significant sun exposure. VOC staff will set up a tent for volunteers to take breaks in the shade.

Access Factors:

Vehicle Accessibility: Volunteers should expect to drive multiple miles on maintained dirt roads. Please follow all maps closely and directions will be provided closer to the project dateOther notes: Limited to no cell service.

Where You’ll Be: 

Bordered by the State Capitol, the City and County Building, and the Denver Art Museum, Civic Center Park is the centerpiece of Denver's green space. The park blooms with 25,000 square feet of flower beds each summer and serves as a popular event site. 

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 clearing the beds of remaining plant debris to winterize the beds.  

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 over/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!

Where You’ll Be: 

Located in the south Denver neighborhood of Platt Park, Harvard Gulch Park spans multiple blocks and is popular with residents for running and volleyball. The park is also home to the Harvard Gulch Recreation Center, which includes an outdoor pool and 9-hole golf course. 

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 Harvard Gulch 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.

Physical Considerations: Specific tasks include bending over/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!

Other Notes: Please park on the east side of the park, along S Emerson St. The garden plot (and where we will meet for the project) will be in the northeastern corner of Harvard Gulch Park.

Where You’ll Be: 

Celebrate National Public Lands day by joining us for this three-day volunteer event, hosted in partnership with the BLM San Luis Valley Field Office. This project will focus on improving habitat and breeding conditions for the Gunnison Sage-Grouse, an endangered species found in the San Luis Valley. This year, we’ll work in a new location near Villa Grove, building on the success of similar efforts in previous years. 

Volunteers will camp on BLM land near the project site, enjoying meals prepared by our Crew Chefs, a volunteer appreciation raffle, and a fun and social camp setting. After one of the workdays, you’ll also have the opportunity learn more about the Gunnison Sage-Grouse and the nearby satellite population through an educational presentation. 

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will build Zeedyk structures, one rock dams, and/or zuni bowls to improve habitat conditions and breeding grounds for the Gunnison Sage Grouse population in the area. Tasks will include digging and moving large amounts of rock to construct these structures. For those seeking less physically demanding tasks, there will be opportunities to tag wildlife fences. 

Because you're joining us on National Public Lands Day, you'll receive a voucher for one free entry into a national public land area as a token of appreciation, along with a NPLD t-shirt.

Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend. Free campsites are available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving at base camp before 8 pm on the evening before the work day.

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 Gunnison Sage-Grouse is a threatened species in Colorado, with a small satellite population on BLM land near Poncha Pass. These populations face growing threats from habitat fragmentation and increased off-highway vehicle activity on BLM lands. This project will be focused on wet meadow restoration by installing Zeedyk structures to improve habitat conditions and breeding grounds for the Gunnison Sage Grouse population in the area. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 16+ 

Sawyers must be 18+

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

On this project, we need one B-certified Chainsaw Sawyers. A-certified Sawyers will be able to work under the supervision of B 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 has a range of tasks from easy and moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations:  

Tasks include lifting, carrying, and placing heavy rocks, bending down and kneeling on the ground, digging in the dirt, carrying tools, and walking across steep terrain while carrying rocks. There will also be tasks like walking along wildlife fences and placing tags periodically on the fence.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: 2WD vehicles can access the campsite, but 4WD vehicles will be required for carpooling to the worksite. 

Other Notes: Tent, car, and small trailer camping are allowed.

Where You’ll Be: 

This project takes place at Arroyos del Sol, Greeley’s newest natural area, which more than doubles the city’s protected natural lands. Formerly known as the Shur View Property, this 938-acre site surrounds Missile Site Park, a Cold War relic, and features prairie landscapes, dramatic bluffs, and winding arroyos. The area offers opportunities for recreation, wildlife viewing, and stunning vistas. Volunteers will work at the trailhead and in areas about 10-20 meters from it, focusing on improving infrastructure to support this growing natural area.

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will stain the existing fence to refresh and protect it for years to come, creating a warmer, more welcoming space for visitors and encouraging more people to enjoy the park. Early in the morning, you may catch views of rising hot air balloons and spot local wildlife, making this project a rewarding way to connect with the outdoors. 

Please bring your own lunch for the day. 

Why It Matters: 

As Greeley’s newest natural area, Arroyos del Sol will double the amount of protected natural area the public has access to. Improving the trailhead infrastructure is a critical first step in making this space more welcoming and accessible to visitors. By participating in this project, you’ll make a tangible impact, ensuring people’s experience starts off on the right foot! 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 12+ 

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

 Project Difficulty: 

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

Physical Considerations: 

Tasks may include painting, lifting heavy objects, removing weeds, and working on barbed-wire fence removal. 

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible

Other Notes: Bathrooms, ample parking, and a picnic area are available.

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: 

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.

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 is available within a 5-10 minute walk to the project site. This project is accessible via RTD public transit or bike! 

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: 

The Dolores River stretches 241 miles from its headwaters in the San Juan National Forest through Colorado and into Utah, where it joins the Colorado River. This project takes place in a cottonwood gallery along the Dolores River between Gateway and Naturita. 

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will help protect cottonwood trees by installing protective cages. This involves carrying materials—including T-posts, fencing, and tools—to designated sites, securing up to four posts per tree, and wrapping them with fencing. These efforts will safeguard young and mature cottonwoods from increased beaver activity, particularly following recent flooding events that have allowed beavers to access previously protected trees. 

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. 

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

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving 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: 

Cottonwood galleries are vital to the Dolores River ecosystem, providing shade that helps regulate water temperatures and contributing large woody debris that enhances fish habitat. By protecting these trees, we help sustain a healthy riparian corridor. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 18+ 

Project Difficulty: 

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

Physical Considerations:

Volunteers can expect to carry tools and fencing materials, bend down, squat or kneel, and use their hands to secure fencing. We have the privilege of working within beaver habitat! We can expect dense brush, muddy and uneven terrain and some bugs.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible with the ability to drive up to the worksite.  

Other Notes: Expect limited cell service and a ~30-minute drive to the nearest town for amenities.

Where You’ll Be: 

The Colorado Governor's Mansion, located in the heart of Denver's Capitol Hill neighborhood, is a member of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Originally built as a private residence in 1908, it was given to the State of Colorado as an executive residence in 1959. In 2011, Governor Hickenlooper donated the plants that would become the First Family's Giving Garden, planted by Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado with Grow Local Colorado. 

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 prepping it for winter at the Governor's Mansion. 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.  

**Background checks will be required for all volunteers and staff in attendance. The checks will need to be completed about two weeks in advance of the event date, and they must be hand-signed with black pen and then emailed to the VOC Project Manager. No electronic signatures will be accepted.**

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 is available within a 5-10 minute walk to the project site. This project is accessible via RTD public transit or bike!

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:

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; 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 stretch.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible  Other Notes: Cell service may be spotty in this area.

Where You’ll Be:  

Known as the "Switzerland of America" and the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado," Ouray is a breathtaking destination nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. This unique volunteer opportunity not only allows you to give back but also offers a chance to explore one of Colorado’s most stunning landscapes.

As a special perk, volunteers will receive free passes to Ouray’s famous hot springs—so don’t forget to pack a swimsuit! We’ll be camping at Rotary Park, a beautiful city park that is normally closed to overnight stays, making this a rare and special experience. For those who enjoy climbing, the park features excellent bolted routes, so feel free to bring your gear.

For those who want to extend their adventure, camping will also be available Sunday night, providing a great opportunity to relax and avoid a long drive home after the workday.

What You’ll Do:

The goal of this trail maintenance project is to improve two sections of trail that connect the Perimeter Trail to the base of Cascade Falls. One section on the south side of Cascade Creek has become overly wide, leading to unnecessary trampling of the creekside habitat and unstable footing.

To address this, volunteers will help define a clear, single pathway by incorporating natural landscape features to guide hikers. Work will include installing rock steps, building small retaining walls for stability, and improving the trail surface with native or imported stone. Additionally, we’ll create level areas where visitors can safely gather to enjoy the falls without causing further erosion.

Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend. Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving 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:

This trail maintenance is critical for preventing erosion, minimizing human impacts on the surrounding ecosystem, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of recreation in the region. 

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 moderate to difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. 

Physical Considerations:

Volunteers can expect to carry tools, swing heavy tools, dig, bend down, and carry and place rocks.

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access:   2WD Accessible – no vehicle restrictions

Where You’ll Be: 

You don’t have to travel far to connect with nature! The Greenway Trail is located in the heart of Denver county, following the Platte River through some of the city’s most historic areas. This urban trail is a favorite for walkers, cyclists, skaters, and longboarders of all skill levels and is enjoyed year-round. Its central location makes it an important resource supporting the physical, mental, and social health of the Denver community.     

What You’ll Do: 

This project is designed specifically to engage teens and their families in meaningful outdoor stewardship!

Volunteers will work together to maintain and improve the Greenway Trail by rebuilding the trail tread along a 1-mile stretch, spreading new crusher fine, clearing overgrown plants from the trail corridor, and constructing drainage structures to support better water flow and reduce erosion.

You’ll get the chance to meet other teens, learn trail maintenance skills, and make a visible impact on a trail used by thousands of Denver residents.

Please bring your own lunch for the day! 

Why It Matters: 

The Greenway Trail is an essential part of Denver’s urban landscape, serving as a vital pathway for recreation, exercise, and even commuting. Thousands of people use this trail to walk, jog, bike, or travel to school and work. By participating in this project, you’ll help ensure that this well-loved community resource remains safe, accessible, and sustainable for years to come. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Ages 13+  

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

Bringing a youth group, or signing up as a family?

Please follow this step-by-step guide to register as a team. It’s quick and helps us get all the info we need!

Project 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. 

Physical Considerations: 

Volunteers will engage in physical tasks such as pushing heavy wheelbarrows, clearing plants, and constructing drainage structures. Be prepared for lifting, pushing, stretching, and rotating throughout the day. 

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: 2WD Accessible  

Other Notes:  Restroom facilities will be available for volunteers.

Where You’ll Be: 

This project takes place along Forest Service Road 550, where a fuel break was created to help firefighters safely work during wildfires. A fuel break is an area where flammable vegetation has been reduced or cleared to slow the spread of fire. Over the past 20+ years, new growth has filled in this area, reducing its effectiveness. By restoring the fuel break, this project will protect nearby communities, improve conditions for future firefighting efforts, and promote healthier forests. 

What You’ll Do: 

Volunteers will thin and pile new-growth trees that have populated the fire retreat areas. The trees are less than 4 feet tall, and there are over 400 to be removed using chainsaws, handsaws, and loppers. 

Breakfast is provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. 

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

Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving 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: 

By helping to maintain this shaded fuel break, volunteers reduce wildfire risks and create a safe rest and work area for firefighters. This project directly supports fire mitigation efforts and helps protect nearby communities and natural resources. 

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. Interested in getting certified as sawyer? Visit our Training Calendar for upcoming training opportunities or reach out to ben@voc.org to learn more. 

Project Difficulty: 

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

Physical Considerations: 

This project is considered difficult due to full days of cutting, thinning, and piling branches, brush, and other woody debris (known as slash material). 

Access Factors: 

Vehicle Access: 2WD accessible – no vehicle restrictions.

Where You’ll Be: 

This half-day project is a great opportunity for those looking for less physically demanding 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. 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.

Where you'll be:

VOC's 5,000-square-foot Operations "Ops" Center in 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 is a great way to celebrate the successes of the season and prepare for the next one with fellow volunteers and VOC staff. Each year, we enlist the help of volunteers to help clean, sharpen, paint and repair tools clean, as well as organizing the VOC Operations Center in Lakewood. Spending a bit of time to winterize tools in the fall ensures that our tools are 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, moderate, to difficult.

Access Factors: 

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

Where You’ll Be:  

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

What You’ll Do:  

Join a small, dedicated group of 12 volunteers to help with important seasonal trail maintenance tasks. These include closing social trails, clearing drainage areas to prevent erosion, trimming overgrown plants, smoothing and repairing the trail surface, and trail sign maintenance. 

Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own dinner for Friday night and enough snacks for the weekend. Free campsites are available on Friday and Saturday nights, and we recommend arriving at base camp before 8 pm on Friday.Why It Matters:  

The Sand Canyon area within the monument is a treasure trove of cultural significance, home to a remarkable concentration of historical sites. As a designated Special Recreation Management Area, public off-trail access is restricted to protect the integrity of this fragile environment. By helping to close unofficial, user-created trails leading to sensitive cultural sites, volunteers play a critical role in preserving these unique locations. Your efforts will protect these sites from modern disturbances, allowing them to remain undisturbed and evolve naturally, ensuring their cultural and historical value is safeguarded for future generations to learn from and appreciate. 

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 moderate to difficult. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.  

Physical Considerations: 

Requires a hike of approximately 6-8 miles round trip. 

Conditions are expected to be hot. 

Tasks may include bending over and carrying natural materials to close social trails, clearing drains, and repairing signage.  

Access Factors:   

Vehicle Accessibility:    2WD Accessible – no vehicle restrictions   

Other notes:  There are no bathrooms available for this project. Please expect to use wag bags in our portable bathroom tent. Additionally, there will be no running water or electricity.