This year, on September 27, VOC volunteers came together for four projects across Colorado, spanning from the San Luis Valley, out to Glenwood Springs, to Denver, and Greeley. Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado joined the National Environmental Education Foundation and thousands of volunteers nationwide to improve and engage with our public lands. After a restorative (but tiring!) day spent in nature, participants at our Gunnison Sage Grouse Habitat Restoration project in Villa Grove enjoyed ice-cold NA Brews thanks to Athletic Brewing.

50 volunteers camped out for a three-day Gunnison Sage Grouse Habitat Restoration project and crews accomplished a variety of work. Volunteers were able to construct over 30 low-tech process-based restoration structures (LTPBR) to improve lekking habitat for the Gunnison Sage Grouse. The fence work also turned out great and will keep wildlife out of the area, allowing baby aspen trees a chance to thrive. The amount of work accomplished, as well as the dedication and creativity in designing each structure, was truly impressive and neat to witness over the course of the weekend. These efforts are part of a larger, long-term initiative to protect one of Colorado’s most threatened species and the fragile habitat on which it depends.

VOC also partnered with our friends at Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) to celebrate their 30th Anniversary with a major project at Hanging Lake Trail. This iconic trail has faced massive challenges in recent years, including wildfire and mudslides that forced long-term closure. Nearly 55 volunteers tackled critical reconstruction work by hand, completing tasks that couldn’t be done with machinery. This hard work and dedication are a true testament to the commitment of the Colorado community to keep this beautiful Colorado landmark accessible while ensuring safety to visitors and protection of the land itself.

Meanwhile, in Greeley, volunteers, half of which were brand new to VOC, rolled up their sleeves at Arroyos del Sol Natural Area. Together, they stained fences to protect park infrastructure and improve this natural and valued green space. Special thanks to the Colorado State University students who joined in!

Closer to Denver, our Cairn students and mentors launched their 2025-26 season at Bluff Lake Nature Center. Braving the late-summer sun, Cairn students restored about 170 feet of Bluff Lake’s main trail by installing drainage areas, filling eroded ruts, and laying permeable paver material to protect against future washouts. In the afternoon, they cleared and seeded an area off-trail with native grasses and milkweed, creating new habitat for pollinators. Wildlife sightings, including a deer and a set of bones(!), reminded everyone just how unique this 123-acre urban refuge is. Thanks to the Bluff Lake staff for hosting, to Phil Demosthenes for the photos, and to Kikkerland and the Parks Project for providing camp utensils and stewardship kits to keep the spirit of NPLD alive beyond the single volunteer day.

Together, VOC volunteers demonstrated that public lands of every type thrive when communities show up to care for them. Thank you to everyone who celebrated National Public Lands Day with us. We’re proud to work alongside you to protect Colorado’s landscapes and natural spaces.

Thank you to our volunteer photographers. Photos by Jay Poules, Sue Daniels Photography, and Phil Demosthenes.