Overview
We will be working outside and enjoying the (hopefully) beautiful Spring weather in Colorado while making a difference in Boulder County's open space. Projects will include forestry and painting and might include seed collection, trail work, or building picnic areas. Be prepared for hard, but rewarding work with immediate results. Participants should be prepared with a good attitude, some clothes that can get dirty and are appropriate for the weather, and a mode of transportation that could take you to different county open space sites each day.
Pre-meeting 1-April 8th
Ice Breaker-Name, something awesome about you, why you chose Boulder County Parks and Open Space
Collect Names, numbers, emails
Possible Projects:
Roster and Carpooling Setups
HW-Sign the Boulder County Open Space Waiver
Pre-meeting 2-Thursday April 11
Review the information handout
Service Forms for Cheryl
What do you think about GMOs on Boulder County Open Space? Daily Camera Article
Service Day 1-Monday April 15 Rock Creek Farm Carolyn Holmberg Preserve
Overview – we will be begin painting and continue scraping some barns and buildings that are scheduled to be painted. This entire effort is to be done with volunteers so thanks in advance!
Schedule - Meet at the parking lot (off 287) between 8:15 – 8:30am.
Directions to the Goodhue House at Rock Creek Farm:
From North Boulder County. Travel south on 287 towards Broomfield. Head south across the Northwest Parkway/Dillon Rd. and look for traffic light. Take your first right near the railroad tracks (at traffic light). Look for Carolyn Holmberg Preserve sign on right.
From South: travel on US-36 E/28th St towards Denver. Follow for 11.5 miles. Take the CO-121 exit toward US-287/Broomfield/Arvada. Turn left onto CO-121 N/Interlocken Loop. Follow this road as CO-121 N becomes U.S. 287 N for 2.5 miles. Look for the Carolyn Holmberg Preserve signs and make a left at the traffic light. Park in the main parking lot and look for county staff. Click here for a map.
Weather - Weather in April is usually nice, but can be unpredictable. Although we will be relatively close to the trailhead it is important that you bring warm and waterproof clothing, we will try to complete the work in slightly inclement weather (cold, light rain, wind). Dressing in removable layers of non-cotton clothing will help you stay dry and comfortable. I would suggest checking the forecast before the project at www.noaa.org and search Broomfield, CO. Even if the forecast predicts bad weather, please plan on attending. If we do decide to postpone or cancel this project, I will let you know as soon as possible.
What You Bring: Work clothes, Drinking water/bottle (1-2 liters), Sturdy shoes/boots, Sunscreen, Work gloves (if you have them), Layers of clothes, Rain gear, Binoculars or camera (optional)
We will provide: Water, Snacks, Work Gloves, First Aid Kit, Tools
Commitment - Your participation is greatly appreciated; it is also the most important component of a volunteer project. Please plan on attending. If something comes up and you cannot make this event, please let me know as soon as possible.
Service Day 2-Tuesday April 16 Heil Valley Ranch Forestry
Overview: This work is part of a larger restoration plan that will re-establish natural forest systems and improve wildlife habitat. Over the past few years, several volunteer groups have been working to restore a small forested stand in an area of Heil closed to the public. All of the thinning has been done but there are quite a few finishing touches that need to be made in order to meet our project objectives. On our short hike to the work site, we will take a quick look at some of the work that has already been accomplished and then get to work. With your help we will be able to call this project complete. For more information about Heil Valley Ranch please visit: http://www.bouldercounty.org/play/recreation/pages/heilranch.aspx
Schedule: We’ll meet at the Heil Valley Ranch picnic shelter between 8:15 and 8:30am. After getting waivers and checking in, Boulder County staff will drive volunteers to the work project site...a 15 minute drive up a bumpy road. We will work until approximately 1:30, and return to the picnic shelter no later than 2:00. Due to the nature and location of this project, it will not be easy for volunteers to arrive late or leave the project early.
Weather: Weather in April is usually excellent for working outdoors but can be unpredictable. We will be working around 6,500 feet in elevation, where it may be ten degrees cooler than the temperature in Boulder. Dressing in removable layers of non-cotton clothing will help you stay dry and comfortable. I would suggest checking the forecast before the project at www.noaa.org and search Lyons, CO. Even if the forecast predicts bad weather, please plan on attending. We will try to work in slightly inclement weather (cold, light rain, wind). If we do decide to postpone this project, I will let you know as soon as possible.
What You Should Bring: Small Pack, Drinking water (1-2 liters in refillable bottles), Snack, Sunscreen, Work gloves (if you have them), Hiking shoes/boots, Long pants, Layers of clothes, Rain gear, Binoculars or camera (optional)
Provided: Work gloves, first aid kit, tools, water for refils
Service Day 3-Wednesday April 17 Heil Valley Ranch Forestry
Overview: This work is part of a larger restoration plan that will re-establish natural forest systems and improve wildlife habitat. Over the past few years, several volunteer groups have been working to restore a small forested stand in an area of Heil closed to the public. All of the thinning has been done but there are quite a few finishing touches that need to be made in order to meet our project objectives. On our short hike to the work site, we will take a quick look at some of the work that has already been accomplished and then get to work. With your help we will be able to call this project complete. For more information about Heil Valley Ranch please visit: http://www.bouldercounty.org/play/recreation/pages/heilranch.aspx
Schedule: We’ll meet at the Heil Valley Ranch picnic shelter between 8:15 and 8:30am. After getting waivers and checking in, Boulder County staff will drive volunteers to the work project site...a 15 minute drive up a bumpy road. We will work until approximately 1:30, and return to the picnic shelter no later than 2:00. Due to the nature and location of this project, it will not be easy for volunteers to arrive late or leave the project early.
Weather: Weather in April is usually excellent for working outdoors but can be unpredictable. We will be working around 6,500 feet in elevation, where it may be ten degrees cooler than the temperature in Boulder. Dressing in removable layers of non-cotton clothing will help you stay dry and comfortable. I would suggest checking the forecast before the project at www.noaa.org and search Lyons, CO. Even if the forecast predicts bad weather, please plan on attending. We will try to work in slightly inclement weather (cold, light rain, wind). If we do decide to postpone this project, I will let you know as soon as possible.
What You Should Bring: Small Pack, Drinking water (1-2 liters in refillable bottles), Snack, Sunscreen, Work gloves (if you have them), Hiking shoes/boots, Long pants, Layers of clothes, Rain gear, Binoculars or camera (optional)
Provided: Work gloves, first aid kit, tools, water for refils
Service Day 4-Thursday April 18 Celebratory Hike and Picnic
Overview: Meet at school in room 210 at 8:45 and we will walk to Chautaqua for a hike and picnic. Bring some food to share and we will finish at 12:05PM.