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September
Collect Native Seeds in the Mountains on Saturday, September 6
Discover a little known, but picturesque open space area while
helping collect nodding brome, a valuable native plant. We will work
at Grassy Top Open Space (off Peak-to-Peak Highway), wandering
through open meadows while carefully looking for seeds from this
beautiful mountain area. Locally collected seed is exceptionally
valuable because it is well adapted to local soils and climate and
often cannot be purchased. Collected seed will be used to complete
ecological restoration projects throughout Boulder County. If you
enjoy being outdoors and are interested in learning more about
native ecosystems and plants, seed collections are a great
opportunity for you. Collections are great family events with a
minimum age of eight with adult supervision. This project runs from
9:00am to 12:00pm. Please register by September 4 by e-mailing
WildWorkVolunteers@BoulderCounty.org or calling 303-678-6216.
Caribou Ranch Fence Removal on Sunday, September 14
Grab your camera and meet us at Caribou to enjoy the beautiful
fall color change. Work with a wildlife biologist to remove an old
fence that litters the forest and endangers wildlife. Volunteers
will work in Caribou Ranch’s backcountry an area normally closed to
the public. This is amazing wildlife habitat, often inhabited by elk
and moose. Expect to hike up to two miles off-trail. Minimum age is
14 with adult supervision. This project runs from 9:00am to 12:30pm.
Please register by September 11 by e-mailing
WildWorkVolunteers@BoulderCounty.org or calling 303-678-6216.
Aspen Habitat Enhancement on Saturday, September 27 (Free Lunch!)
Help celebrate National Public Lands Day and enjoy the
magnificent fall colors in the mountains of Boulder County. Learn
about montane forest ecology, while working with other volunteers to
improve quaking aspen stands on open space south of Nederland. Aspen
ecosystems are extremely valuable wildlife habitat, but have been
disappearing across Colorado for a variety of reasons, including
fire suppression, cattle and elk grazing, drought, and disease. As
volunteers, we cannot control all of these factors, but we can
improve our forests by mimicking natural disturbances. Your
assistance will help restore aspen forests at Reynolds Ranch by
using hand saws and loppers to clear small conifers. Bring your
camera to capture the remarkable views of the Indian Peaks. Minimum
age is 12 with adult supervision. This project runs from 9:00am to
3:00pm and free lunch will be provided! Please register by September
24 by e-mailing WildWorkVolunteers@BoulderCounty.org or calling
303-678-6216. Sign up today!
October
Backcountry Forest Restoration on Saturday, October 11 &
Saturday, November 8 (you can
volunteer one or both days)
Enjoy your time at beautiful Heil Valley Ranch, while helping
restore healthy forest and meadow ecosystems. We will use handsaws
and loppers to thin unhealthy ponderosa pine stands. The work we
will accomplish is part of a larger restoration plan that will
re-establish natural forest systems and improve wildlife habitat.
Minimum age is 12 with adult supervision. This project runs from
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Please register by October 9 or November 6 by
e-mailing WildWorkVolunteers@BoulderCounty.org or calling
303-678-6216.
Restore Native Plants at Bald Mountain Scenic Area
on Saturday, October 18 (Free Lunch!)
Boulder County forestry staff has worked hard at improving Bald
Mountain’s ponderosa pine forests. Over 35 acres have been treated
to improve wildlife habitat, decrease fire danger to neighboring
homes, and restore forest ecosystems. Now that the heavy work is
finished, we are looking for 30 volunteers to help us restore the
area with native grasses. Revegetation is a vital component of this
project, as it will increase habitat quality, prevent soil erosion,
and keep invasive weeds from taking over. Volunteers will use rakes,
shovels, and other hand tools to spread and rake native seed into
disturbed areas. Come back in the spring to watch your carefully
sowed seeds grow into healthy native plants. Minimum age is 12 with
adult supervision. This project runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and
free lunch will be provided! Please register by October 16 by
e-mailing WildWorkVolunteers@BoulderCounty.org or calling
303-678-6216.
Betasso Preserve Fence Removal on Saturday, October 25
Hop on up Boulder Canyon and volunteer at Betasso Preserve.
Betasso once was a working ranch with miles of cattle fences
crisscrossing the property. These old fences no longer serve a
useful purpose, and they are dangerous for foxes, deer, and other
wildlife. Your work will help improve valuable wildlife habitat at
the park. Minimum age is 14 with adult supervision. This project
runs from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Please register by October 23 by
e-mailing WildWorkVolunteers@BoulderCounty.org or calling
303-678-6216. Space is limited so register early!
Improve Fish Habitat on Sunday, October 26
A small group of volunteers is needed to help build fish
structures at Braly Open Space near Longmont. Work alongside a
wildlife biologist to improve fish habitat at local fishing holes.
Volunteers will work on shore and in a boat, constructing and
sinking artificial fish homes. This is a special opportunity to be
part of this unique and fun event. The project runs 9:00am to
12:00pm. Minimum age is 14 with adult supervision. Please register
by October 23 by e-mailing WildWorkVolunteers@BoulderCounty.org or
calling 303-678-6216.
November
Help Clean Native Seed on Sunday, November 15
Every year Boulder County Parks and Open Space volunteers help
collect millions of native grass and flower seeds, that are later
used in restoration projects on Open Space lands. Before some of
these seeds can be planted, they must be sorted and cleaned.
Volunteers will learn to identify native seeds and how to prepare
them for use. This project runs from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Minimum age
is 12 with adult supervision. Please register by November 14 by
e-mailing WildWorkVolunteers@BoulderCounty.org or calling
303-678-6216.
Fall Project
Summary
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