Where you’ll be:
Located about an hour southwest of Denver, Colorado, you’ll work near Kelsey Campground - one of Buffalo Creek Recreation Area’s two campsites. With 17 campsites, the area offers access to a 40+ mile trail system, including popular trails like Little Scraggy, Shinglemill, Buffalo Creek Loop, and the Colorado Trail. The campground is a hub for hikers and bikers looking for a weekend getaway.
This area experiences medium to heavy usage during the prime visitation in the summer months.
What you'll do:
Following the completion of the Kelsey Gun fuels reduction project in the fall of 2021, the area has seen a surge in noxious weeds, particularly Common Mullein and Canadian Thistle. This project involves pulling these weeds in the treatment unit nearest to Kelsey Campground and bagging them for removal.
Why it's important:
This effort is crucial for enhancing landscape resiliency, forest health, and restoring native species. The current infestation is somewhat contained, allowing for eradication. With limited USFS staff available for this project, volunteer support is vital for its completion. Immediate removal of invasives provides a visual improvement; over time, native plants will have the opportunity to reestablish, revitalizing the natural balance. Join us in preserving the beauty and health of this scenic area.
