Manitou - Black Canyon Open Space New Trail Construction Volunteer Day

Manitou - Black Canyon Open Space New Trail Construction Volunteer Day

Saturday, May 30, 2026
8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
11+, minors 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
Moderately Strenuous
Join RMFI at the new Manitou Springs Parks property, Black Canyon Open Space. RMFI will be working on building new sustainable trails in this new open space!

This is a community stewardship opportunity that welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and communities

We ask that all volunteers register online by Noon on Friday, May 29.

Calla Balliett, Community Engagement Coordinator calla@rmfi.org

We do ask that all volunteers be available for the entire workday. If you need any other accommodations, please contact us prior to registering. If you missed online registration, a paper waiver can be filled out on-site.

Meeting location:

For this volunteer day, we will be utilizing street parking along El Paso Blvd. Street parking is located on the South side of the road. Registrants will receive a more detailed map of parking and meeting locations closer to the volunteer day.

El Paso Blvd Street Parking - Map Link

Activity: This project will focus on new trail tread construction. Project tasks will include decompacting hardened soils, moving materials such as rock, dirt, and soil, clearing small brush, branches and plants, and potentially constructing trail structures at the direction of RMFI staff. The alignment of this trail has been predetermined by the City of Manitou Springs. 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 2 miles. 

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.  

*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.