Two Opportunities to Give Back to Buena Vista’s Outdoors

Posted by Citizen Team on May 15, 2012

BUENA VISTA, Colo., May 14, 2012 – Two of Buena Vista’s most popular outdoor resources will soon get some much-needed care and maintenance during two organized volunteer efforts planned for the weekends of May 19-20 and June 9-10. Both projects are being led by Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Volunteers are invited to join one or both efforts.

In addition to rewarding volunteer work, both projects offer free camping and meals for registered volunteers.

Ruby Mountain Campground Amphitheater Construction

Saturday, May 19 to Sunday May 20, 8 am – 4 pm, 25 volunteer spots

Ruby Mountain Campground, located in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, is a highly popular campground that is consistently full from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A new outdoor amphitheater will be constructed from the ground up to replace the old one. The new amphitheater will have better and more seating and will be built for access by people with disabilities.

Midland Hill Trail Restoration

Saturday, June 9 to Sunday, June 10, 8 am – 4pm, 75 volunteer spots

With views of the Collegiate Peaks and its proximity to town, Midland Hill Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Arkansas River Valley. The trail has also seen heavy erosion over the years.

Significant restoration work will take place to make the trail more safe and sustainable, and will involve repairing trail drains, constructing rock retaining walls, and installing new rock steps.

To Volunteer: Volunteers are asked to register in advance to ensure adequate quantities of tools, supplies, and food. Register via the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado website at www.voc.org or call Tracy Dierking, volunteer coordinator,at 719-530-3977. No experience is necessary to volunteer, however on both projects, work will be physically demanding and involves working with heavy rocks.

About Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC)

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 63,000 youth and adults in caring for Colorado’s outdoors – a total donated labor value of over $16.5 million. Throughout the year, volunteers are invited to participate in volunteer projects around the state, such as building and restoring trails, planting trees, and preserving historic structures on public lands. For more information, visit www.voc.org.

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Tracy Dierking

Volunteer & Partnership Coordinator

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado

USFS – Salida & Leadville Ranger Districts

tracy@voc.org

719-530-3977