Title: ReTree Site Preparation

Short Description: Come work with the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council to prepare for this year’s ReTree event.

Easy: Carrying heavy loads, walking through hayfields

Project Details: ReTree is an annual event run by YVSC that engages dozens of community volunteers in tree planting along the Yampa River. These cottonwoods and alders will not only sequester carbon as they grow, but they will also help shade, and thereby cool, the river. The site, which lies on the west side of the river in Rotary Park, must be prepared before volunteers show up for the ReTree event (Saturday, October 2nd). We will be ensuring a successful tree planting day by hauling equipment, digging the tree plots, and setting up fencing. 

Title: Willow Planting at California Park (Camping Optional!)

Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to plant willows along First Creek in California Park.

Easy: Working along a steep embankment.

Project Details: California Park is an ecologically important area in Northwest Colorado that forms the headwaters of Elkhead Creek, and provides miles of stream habitat for native fish populations. 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 4000 willows along 5 miles of First Creek to provide bank stabilization and more resilient native habitat. 

Because this is a two day project, CAMPING is encouraged for Saturday night in California Park!

Title: Willow Planting at California Park (Camping Optional!)

Short Description: Come work with the US Forest Service to plant willows along First Creek in California Park.

Easy: Working along a steep embankment.

Project Details: California Park is an ecologically important area in Northwest Colorado that forms the headwaters of Elkhead Creek, and provides miles of stream habitat for native fish populations. 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 4000 willows along 5 miles of First Creek to provide bank stabilization and more resilient native habitat. 

Title: Tree Planting at Elkhead Creek

Short Description: Come plant trees with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at Elkhead Creek near Craig.

Easy: Working along a steep embankment.

Project Details: Lower Elkhead Creek is a nine-mile stretch of creek below Elkhead Reservoir, and over the years, has experienced significant bank erosion, channel incision and riparian habitat degradation. Many landowners on Lower Elkhead Creek have been participating in a collaborative effort to restore the Elkhead Creek ecosystem, and Phase 1 of the restoration project currently includes a five-mile stretch of Elkhead Creek directly below Elkhead Reservoir. Working with private landowners, NRCS is teaming with the Yampa Valley Climate Crew to plant native trees and shrubs that will help stabilize the banks and revitalize the riparian area. We will be working within a 1.5-mile stretch of the creek and planting cottonwoods, alders, willows, and chokecherries.