Title: Come Restore Wet Meadows in California Park!

Short Description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to construct rock structures in stream beds to restore wet meadows.

Difficulty: Medium (lifting and carrying rocks, using tools, working alongside streambanks)

Project Details: Come help restore wet meadows in beautiful California Park! These ecosystems promote climate-resiliency by storing water on the landscape, and are vital for wildlife habitat including Sandhill cranes, Greater-Sage grouse, elk, deer, and more. However, erosion has disconnected these wet meadows from the floodplain, resulting in decreased water retention and loss of vegetation. They are at further risk of deterioration in coming years from drought and intense rainstorms due to a changing climate. To address these challenges we will use innovative restoration techniques called one rock dams to raise the water table, decrease erosion, and re-establish wet meadows in California Park.

Camping is encouraged if you plan to attend multiple days!

Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.

Title: Come help conduct reforestation surveys near Rabbit Ears Pass!

Short description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to conduct surveys on post-fire seedling regeneration, which will help inform future reforestation efforts.

Difficulty: Medium (up to 5 miles of walking through forested terrain)

Project details: The Routt National Forest in Buffalo Park was ravaged by the Silver Creek fire in 2018. Conifer forests are vitally important in the fight against climate change, as they both sequester carbon and store moisture in our watersheds. The US Forest Service is planning to reforest the area in spring 2023, but must first determine priority sites. To help in this effort, we will be measuring seedling regeneration and mapping future reforestation sites to determine where tree planting will be necessary. This project will occur over three days, so please sign up for whichever days work best for you!

Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.

Title: Come help conduct reforestation surveys near Rabbit Ears Pass!

Short description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to conduct surveys on post-fire seedling regeneration, which will help inform future reforestation efforts.

Difficulty: Medium (up to 5 miles of walking through forested terrain)

Project details: The Routt National Forest in Buffalo Park was ravaged by the Silver Creek fire in 2018. Conifer forests are vitally important in the fight against climate change, as they both sequester carbon and store moisture in our watersheds. The US Forest Service is planning to reforest the area in spring 2023, but must first determine priority sites. To help in this effort, we will be measuring seedling regeneration and mapping future reforestation sites to determine where tree planting will be necessary. This project will occur over three days, so please sign up for whichever days work best for you!

Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.

Title: Come help conduct reforestation surveys near Rabbit Ears Pass!

Short description: Join us, alongside the US Forest Service, to conduct surveys on post-fire seedling regeneration, which will help inform future reforestation efforts.

Difficulty: Medium (up to 5 miles of walking through forested terrain)

Project details: The Routt National Forest in Buffalo Park was ravaged by the Silver Creek fire in 2018. Conifer forests are vitally important in the fight against climate change, as they both sequester carbon and store moisture in our watersheds. The US Forest Service is planning to reforest the area in spring 2023, but must first determine priority sites. To help in this effort, we will be measuring seedling regeneration and mapping future reforestation sites to determine where tree planting will be necessary. This project will occur over three days, so please sign up for whichever days work best for you!

Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.

Title: Help promote tree growth at a USFS seed plantation!

Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to help promote tree growth at their seed plantation for future reforestation efforts

Difficulty: Hard (dragging brush through a forested area)

Project Details: As wildfires increase in frequency due to a changing climate, it is more important than ever to reseed and replant our lost forests. 30 years ago, the US Forest Service implemented a Greater lodgepole pine seed plantation to service the needs of future reforestation efforts. To promote the growth of this “seed factory,” Yampa Valley Climate Crew volunteers will be clearing slash (downed tree material) from the site. By opening spaces for these trees to grow, we will be ensuring a successful seed harvest from this plantation that will reforest up to 200 acres per year. The regeneration of our forests will lead to increased carbon sequestration, improved water retention in our watersheds, and a more climate resilient Yampa Valley.

Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.

Title: Help promote tree growth at a USFS seed plantation!

Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to help promote tree growth at their seed plantation for future reforestation efforts

Difficulty: Hard (dragging brush through a forested area)

Project Details: As wildfires increase in frequency due to a changing climate, it is more important than ever to reseed and replant our lost forests. 30 years ago, the US Forest Service implemented a Greater lodgepole pine seed plantation to service the needs of future reforestation efforts. To promote the growth of this “seed factory,” Yampa Valley Climate Crew volunteers will be clearing slash (downed tree material) from the site. By opening spaces for these trees to grow, we will be ensuring a successful seed harvest from this plantation that will reforest up to 200 acres per year. The regeneration of our forests will lead to increased carbon sequestration, improved water retention in our watersheds, and a more climate resilient Yampa Valley.

Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.

Title: Help promote tree growth at a USFS seed plantation!

Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to help promote tree growth at their seed plantation for future reforestation efforts

Difficulty: Hard (dragging brush through a forested area)

Project Details: As wildfires increase in frequency due to a changing climate, it is more important than ever to reseed and replant our lost forests. 30 years ago, the US Forest Service implemented a Greater lodgepole pine seed plantation to service the needs of future reforestation efforts. To promote the growth of this “seed factory,” Yampa Valley Climate Crew volunteers will be clearing slash (downed tree material) from the site. By opening spaces for these trees to grow, we will be ensuring a successful seed harvest from this plantation that will reforest up to 200 acres per year. The regeneration of our forests will lead to increased carbon sequestration, improved water retention in our watersheds, and a more climate resilient Yampa Valley.

Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.

Title: Come plant willows along First Creek in California Park!

Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to help restore First Creek by planting willows along its bank.

Difficulty: Easy (working along a steep embankment)

Project Details: California Park is an ecologically important area in Northwest Colorado. It serves as part of the Upper Yampa River Basin and provides miles of stream habitat for native fish populations. However, vegetation loss and erosion threaten some of California Park’s waterways. Currently, First Creek is undergoing a restoration process that will create a more climate-resistant ecosystem by reconnecting the stream to the floodplain. As part of this process, we will be planting approximately 300-500 willows along 5 miles of First Creek to provide bank stabilization and more resilient native fish habitat. 

Please contact ryan@yvsc.org with any questions.