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Website Information and FAQs

Opportunity Search Instructions:   The search form uses an OR relationship between items in the same category and an AND relationship between each category. For example, checking "Construction" and "Trail " under "Type of Volunteer Opportunities" and "Southeast" and "Southwest" under "Locations" will find all opportunities categorized under either "construction" or "trail work" in the either "southeast" or "southwest" regions. In this case, the query would look like: (construction OR trail work) AND (southeast OR southwest).  In general, the more specific your request, the fewer results you will get back.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities:  Each available opportunity is sorted into one category. Opportunity managers select the category based on the primary activity volunteers may expect to participate in. A Trail  opportunity that also includes some weed removal will be in the “Trail” category, whereas a “Weed Removal” opportunity that also includes some trail work will be in the “Weed/Invasive Species Management” category. If you wish to search all categories, do not check any of the boxes.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities?

Backcountry/Wilderness Use Monitoring

Measure public use of resources and/or evaluate impacts of use in a backcountry setting.

 

Forestry and Timber Management

Participate in field operations related to forestry and timber management, including vegetation data collection, timber marking, tree measurement and data management.

 

Computers/Technology Assistance

Assist with advanced computer operations like web site design, database design and troubleshooting. General data entry/management opportunities may also be included in this category.

Construction

Assist with light construction (e.g. small to moderate scale carpentry and structure work).

 

Grounds/Facilities Maintenance

Assist with maintenance and upkeep of areas and structures under the management of agency personnel. General handy-person skills typically desired.

 

Environmental Education and Interpretation

Teach people of various ages about stewardship related topics in a classroom or field setting.

 

Gardening/Horticulture/Landscaping

Maintain habitat gardens and/or municipal flower beds on a one-time or on-going basis.

 

GIS/GPS/Mapping

Create natural resource related maps. Work may involve the use of professional grade Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to map resource areas and integrate that data with a Geographic Information System (GIS). This does not include recreational GPS (navigation only).

 

Fish and Wildlife: Research/Monitoring/Rehab

Study fish and wildlife species and their habitat health in a field setting, or care for injured species for the purposes of re-release and/or education.

 

Habitat and Wetland Restoration/Cleanup

Help restore damaged or disturbed habitat back to a functional status. Typically involves clean up, stabilizing eroded areas and planting native vegetation.

 

Hosts: Campground/Site/Trail

Serve as a residential volunteer who provides information to visitors and assists with light maintenance. Typically requires a commitment of several months. Trailer or tent sites are often provided.

 

Project Coordination and Planning

Participate in the planning, coordination and implementation of programs or projects. Typically some training and/or prior experience is desired.

 

Office/Clerical and Library

Support the day to day administration of a public lands management agency. Typical tasks include data entry, collating materials for mailing, filing and visitor reception.

 

Parks and Open Space Management Assistance

Assist recreation staff with the numerous tasks involved in the day to day operation of their lands.

 

Trail Work

Construct new trail, maintain or reroute existing trail, or build or repair structures comprising a trail (e.g. water erosion structures, steps, retaining walls, etc).

Planting/Revegetation/Seed Collection

Re-plant eroded or disturbed land with native vegetation or collect seeds from native plants for reseeding and growing efforts.

 

Research and Fieldwork

investigate topics related to outdoor stewardship in a library/office setting or out in the field.

 

Visitor Information

Provide information to visitors about public lands resources and facilities.

 

Weed/Invasive Species Management

Assist with the removal or treatment of plant and tree species that are not native to Colorado and threaten the successful growth and sustainability of native species.

 

Wildfire: Education/Prevention/Rehabilitation

Assist with fuel reduction (vegetation removal, etc.), burn area rehabilitation (scarification and seeding, etc.), or public education and community outreach.

 

Writing/Design/Photography

Assist with copy writing, graphic design, layout and/or photography for agency publications, promotional materials and archiving.

Locations:  You can search for opportunities in Colorado by any of 12 geographic regions. You can view a map of these regions. The opportunity description will provide more specific details about the opportunity's location. To search the entire state, you need to select all locations in the list.

Quick Search:  If you prefer, you can use a "quick search" to help narrow your search.

Appropriate For? 

Groups

Managing large groups generally requires additional park or program resources, so groups (corporate teams, scout troops, church groups, etc.) are not accepted at all opportunities. If you want to be able to have a group of people larger than 8-10 participate in the same opportunity, check the "Groups" box.

Seniors

While it's difficult to generalize, opportunities that have some roles that are not especially physical will show up under "Senior Friendly". For example, an opportunity at Cherry Creek State Park that includes gardening may be "Senior Friendly", while an opportunity doing trail work at State Forest State Park probably will not be. The park or program managers have discretion in determining this -- if you consider yourself "senior" (in age and experience!), read the opportunity description carefully and contact the manager with any questions.

Youth

Opportunities designated as youth friendly are appropriate for volunteers under the age of 18. Typically these opportunities are less technically demanding in type of work than adult only opportunities. Youth friendly opportunities will not always include all ages under 18. Agencies may specify a minimum age requirement for any opportunity.  If you check "Youth", the search results will display a minimum age for each opportunity, if that has been specified.

When all else fails: If you need help with the website and information above does not help.  You can email Vicki Leigh and she can help you with technical problems and website support. vicki.leigh@state.co.us Vicki may also be reached by telephone at 303 866-3203 X4355.  Please try contacting her by email first.

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