Meeting location:

We will be utilizing a neighborhood access point for Austin Bluffs Open Space for the Spine Trail at Rockhurt Blvd and Whistler Point. Please utilize street parking along Rockhurst Blvd while being mindful of driveways. Please use the map link provided to ensure you are navigating to the correct location.

Rockhurt Blvd Spine Trail Access - Map Link

Time:

8:30 am -12:30 pm

Online registration will close Tuesday, April 21 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 is popular with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. The project may address issues caused by erosion and habitat fragmentation. Project tasks may include decompacting hardened soils, spreading native grass seed and mulch, transplanting small plants, moving materials such as rock, dirt, and timbers, and potentially constructing trail structures at the direction 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 around 1 mile one-way.

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)
• 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.  

*If you would like to learn about the native territories that each of our projects are located on, please follow this link: https://www.rmfi.org/projects.