Friday, January 11, 2013

Spring Volunteer Opportunities with Larimer County

As I mentioned just the other day, I have collaborated with Larimer County to help complete some early volunteer projects on two different County properties.  These projects do not involve trail maintenance but instead they address issues on the land near the trails.  This is what I call the "trail system" - the greater landscape around a trail.  Both projects are meant to address concerns around watercourses by planting riparian plants in strategic locations to improve streambank stability.  These projects should be a lot of fun because they get you off the trail and into the water (if you so choose)!

As an avid trail user I often find myself stopping along a trail and staring at the surrounding landscape, soaking it all in.  I use more than just the 18" tread of trail, I use the entire landscape.  It is important to appreciate and respect the surrounding landscape because it can ultimately have an effect on your enjoyment of the trail.  Improving riparian areas near a trail may bring additional wildlife or help stop erosion that may otherwise close a section of trail.  Similarly, treating invasive plants near trails can improve the quality of your experience by keeping your shoes free of seeds or, more importantly, by restoring the native vegetation that is much more beautiful than that of an exotic monoculture and better for the ecology of the land as a whole.

The first project will take place at the River Bluffs Open Space on March 23rd.  Here is the project release:


Larimer County is hosting a Volunteer Habitat Improvement Project at River Bluffs Open Space on Saturday, March 23. The project will run from 9-5. The makeup date is Saturday March 30. The purpose of the project is to restore the riparian corridors of Fossil Creek and the Poudre River by planting trees and shrubs. Over 1,200 plants will be installed, mulched and watered. 

Volunteers are asked to register before the event and must be at least 18 years old or 12-17 years old and accompanied by an adult. A pizza lunch and beverages will be provided. Volunteers will need to wear warm, hardy clothing as they will be outside and on their feet for the entire day. Work gloves and waders are recommended, but not required. Contact Jeffrey Boring at jboring@larimer.org to register.

Even though this Open Space is not as heavily used as many other sites, I still feel that this is a great opportunity for trail users to get out early in 2013 and help make a difference on our public lands.  This is a rather large project and a great chance to meet new people!

The second project will take place in Devil's Backbone along the Blue Sky Trail on the Indian Creek drainage on April 13th.  Here is the project release:

The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources is hosting another Volunteer Habitat Improvement Project at the Devil's Backbone Open Space along the Blue Sky Trail on Saturday, April 13. The project will run from 9-5. The purpose of the project is to restore sections of the riparian corridor of Indian Creek by planting trees and shrubs. Previous to Larimer County taking on management of the valley, key shrub and tree communities along the stream channel had been removed. This project is aimed at assisting the recovery of plant communities in those disturbed areas that support a wide array of wildlife in the area. 

This project will require 12 volunteers - first come, first serve. Volunteers are asked to register before the event and must be at least 18 years old or 12-17 years old and accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact Casey Cisneros through e-mail at  cisnerct@larimer.org.

This is an excellent opportunity for trail users to lend a hand on the land where one of our favorite trails lies.  While this project is not as large, it is still a great opportunity for trail users to get together and help restore some riparian habitat along a great trail.

To register for either of these events, please send the project leader (see release statements above for projects' leader) and I an email with your information and we will get you all setup.  Feel free to email us with any questions or concerns that you may have.  Additionally, please share this information with your trail-loving friends as well!

I can't even begin to explain how excited I am to have these two projects coming up and I hope to see you there!

Happy trails,

Chris
Trailcology@gmail.com

1 comment:

  1. Good luck with your volunteers. Perhaps I can plan on a trip to Fort Collins to help with the trail system. What a way to enjoy the trail as well as the surrounding scenery and to learn about the nature that prevails in that area.

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