In 2016, Governor Hickenlooper signed a bill that made Colorado the first state in the country to establish a holiday in honor of the state's public lands. From now on, the third Saturday in May will be recognized as Colorado Public Lands Day and Coloradans are encouraged to enjoy all that our state's parks, forests and monuments have to offer.

Of course, our public lands can only be enjoyed if they are taken care of. Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) invites you to show your appreciation for our public lands by taking part in one of three outdoor stewardship projects on the inaugural Colorado Public Lands Day, Saturday, May 20.

The projects offer something for everyone, young and old, from the Front Range to the Southern Mountains. Volunteers will get to explore the beauty of Colorado's public lands while learning what it takes to keep them beautiful for generations to come.

Volunteers will reroute the existing Dedisse Trail, creating a sustainable route that will provide a more enjoyable and safer connection to Alderfer-Three Sisters. Work will involve basic new trail construction, along with some restoration and possible closure work. This project is perfect for volunteers of all shapes, sizes and skill levels! Register now.

This project is designed just for families with children ages 6-12! Participants will help with some native grass planting, learn about what it means to be a good steward, and go on a fun nature hike! This project will be a fantastic way to introduce your child to volunteering while enjoying fun outdoor activities and family bonding experiences. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Register now.

This two-day project offers something for everyone, no matter your level of experience. The relatively loose soil in the area makes for easy digging, but may require additional structures and rock armoring in places to ensure the sustainability of the trail. There will be duties that range from light shovel work and raking, to moving large rocks and building rock monowalls and armored drains - and you'll all learn what those are! Register now.

Show your love for the Colorado outdoors on the very first Colorado Public Lands Day, Saturday, May 20, 2017.

Contact

Kellie Flowers, kellie@voc.org, 303-715-1010 ext. 130