Meeting location:

Please park and meet RMFI staff at Lot 2/Main Lot in Garden of the Gods. If entering the park from the East/Gateway and 30th, pass through the roundabout into the park, pass the first dirt lot on your left, and continue into the park once the road splits into a one-way to the right, you'll continue around the bend and Lot 2 will be the first large paved lot on your left. Please use the following map link to navigate to the Garden of the Gods Lot 2 (Main Lot).

Time: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Online registration will close Friday, September 26 at noon. We ask that all volunteers register online. If you missed online registration, a paper waiver can be filled out on-site. We do ask that all volunteers be available for the entire workday, if you need any other accommodations please contact us prior to registering.

Activity: This City of Colorado Springs Parks property sees over 4 million visitors annually; this trail project in Garden of the Gods will address issues caused by erosion and high-use impacts. Project tasks may include decompacting hardened soils, moving materials such as rock, dirt, and timbers, and potentially constructing trail structures at the guidance of RMFI staff. This is moderately strenuous work using tools in the outdoors. Be prepared for a rewarding day of trail work! If you have concerns about accessibility on this stewardship day, please reach out to us.

For more information about what to bring for the stewardship day, visit our FAQ page.

How to be prepared and what to expect on a volunteer day:

A hike to the work site from the trailhead.

• For this project, please expect a hike of 0.5-0.75 miles one way with a mixture of paved and natural surface trails without significant elevation gain. 

What to wear:

• Wear long pants and sturdy shoes (This is required. NO open-toed shoes or shorts!)
• Work gloves - a pair to borrow will be provided if you do not have your own
• Eye protection (work eyewear, sunglasses or RX glasses)
• Weather appropriate clothing (e.g. rain jacket, layers, etc.)

What to pack:

• Backpack to carry your water and personal belongings - you will need free hands while hiking to and from the worksite for tools.
• Water bottle(s) or hydration system with plenty of water (2+ liters)
• Sack lunch and snacks - RMFI will provide a small snack. Please note we may not be able to accommodate all allergies or dietary needs.
• Sunscreen
• Any other personal needs e.g. medication, hat, extra snacks, electrolytes, etc.

RMFI will provide all the needed tools for this volunteer day.

Land Acknowledgment

This is a community stewardship day, which we acknowledge takes place on the traditional unceded territory of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Cheyenne, and Jicarilla Apache Nations*. We acknowledge the painful history of genocide and forced occupation of their territory, and we honor and respect the many diverse indigenous people connected to this land on which our stewardship days take place.