youthDIRT's goal is to foster awareness and understanding of the ecological needs of natural areas by engaging a broad spectrum of youth in the hands-on restoration of public lands in the Pikes Peak region. In 2012, youthDIRT will provide environmental stewardship opportunities for middle and high school youth throughout the region. Stewardship efforts will focus on landscape and trail restoration in the Garden of the Gods Park. Through trail reconstruction and revegetation activities, youth will learn about the ecology of the park and the critical importance of stewardship, one bucket of dirt and one blue grama grass seed at a time.

What's better than playing in the dirt AND restoring the environment....AT THE SAME TIME!? youthDIRT connects youth with our most treasured natural areas in a capacity more exciting than just hiking. Through programs with local middle and high schools, and through our youth-specific workdays, hundreds of energetic youth join us every year. Throughout the spring and fall we designate youth-friendly workdays where the projects are geared towards middle and high school students (mom, dad, and guardians welcome too!). These days are great for youth needing service hours, wanting to experience something new, or just wanting to meet other kids with outdoor interests. Come learn to build trails, harvest blue grama grass, and fight erosion!