Summit County Citizens Voice

Outdoors group plans 40 projects this summer

Help out with a trail project this summer!

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — If you’re starting to make some plans for summer vacation, consider giving something back to Colorado’s natural resources by volunteering to help plant trees Denver, restore the popular Hanging Lake trail in Glenwood Springs, re-forest campgrounds hit by pine beetles in Summit County, or preserve an historic cabin on National Forest land in Durango.

These are just a few of the more than 40 upcoming volunteer opportunities offered by Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado in 2011. The group’s 2011 offers a variety of opportunities for thousands of volunteers of all skill levels to get involved, from late March through October, in locations throughout the State.

“If you’re looking for … a rewarding way to get outside with your family, we have plenty of exciting opportunities available this season. said VOC director Ann Baker Easley. “There’s something for everyone — families and youth, outdoor enthusiasts, and even history buffs and preservationists. VOC volunteer projects are a terrific way to get involved in outdoor stewardship in Colorado; not to mention explore some of Colorado’s most beautiful outdoor locations,” she added.

Some projects are just for one day, while others are multi-day events, with most projects taking place on weekends. Volunteer activities range from easy to strenuous, and include planting, trail building and maintenance, urban path construction, invasive weed removal, and preservation work on historic structures.

During each project, volunteers are led in small teams, and instructions, food, and tools are provided.  Many projects offer camping opportunities, as well as outdoor activities, education, and entertainment.  Volunteers must pre-register for projects.

To learn more or get involved, visit the project calendar or call 303-715-1010.  Volunteers can also learn more at upcoming open houses: April 7 in Denver, and in July in Summit County.

About Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is a statewide nonprofit volunteer organization whose mission is to motivate and enable citizens to be active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. Since 1984, VOC’s award-winning volunteer, youth, and training programs have engaged more than 63000 youth and adults in caring for Colorado’s outdoors – a total donated labor value of over $16.5 million.

Filed under: Colorado, recreation Tagged: | outdoor recreation, outdoors volunteers, Summit County News, Trail project volunteers, Volunteers for Outdoors Colorado