Wild Connections Events

The gravel pit needs something besdies, well ... gravel and Canada thistle

Eagle Creek gully

Massive erosion in Eagle Creek

Come Celebrate the first day of spring at the Reclaiming Wildways Restoration Day
Saturday March 20th 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Bring the family (10 and older)

Help reclaim the gravel pit along the edge of Trout Creek – a gaping wound in the beautiful streamside area along the creek. The gravel pit is sending tons of gravel right into the creek and supporting a huge expanse of Canada thistle, an invasive non-native weed. Rehabbing this area will reduce water pollution, reduce the thistle, and stabilize the banks of Trout Creek in this critical occupied habitat for the threatened Preble’s meadow jumping mouse.

The Forest Service will pull gravel back out of the creek and prepare the whole area for restoration. Volunteers will rake, seed with native grasses and install erosion control matting. Willow wands will be gathered on site and planted along the edge of the creek. This early spring event will avoid any disturbance to the resident Preble’s because they are still hibernating.
Bagels and hot drinks will be served when you check in. Following a general orientation, crew leaders will help each team with their assigned sections. Lunch is provided, but please bring your own water. March weather is unpredictable, so dress for sun or rain, wear work gloves and heavy shoes.

The project is located south of Deckers, off of Highway 67 about an hour’s drive from Colorado Springs or Denver. The project will finish no later than 3:00 pm. This is a physically easy project, with no hiking involved and generally non-strenuous restoration activity.

Pre-registration is required. Our partners at Rocky Mountain Field Institute are coordinating this work day. Please call the RMFI office at (719) 471-7736 for more information or to register. Once you have registered, detailed instructions and directions to the staging area will be sent to you.

This project is supported by generous donations from the Hayman Restoration Partnership (Vail Resorts and the National Forest Foundation), and in partnership with the South Platte Ranger District of the Forest Service.

Trout and Eagle Creeks need your help!

More workdays coming in May and June.

Can’t come for the gravel pit day? There will be other workdays in late May and June. Go to http://www.wildconnections.org/volunteerorsubscribe.html and sign up to receive email notification of the next work days.

Reclaiming Wildways Partners

Reclaiming Wildways is a multiyear restoration program initiated by Wild Connections in 2009. It is carried out by a coalition of partners who contribute expertise, tools, volunteers and financial support. You can find out more about them by clicking on their logos.