SUNDAY, JUNE 18 - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21
Join RMFI for a challenging and rewarding high altitude project in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains! RMFI will continue our multi-year project to construct a safe and sustainable trail system from the Willow Lake Basin to the summits of Kit Carson Peak and Challenger Point and we are seeking volunteer assistance over a 4-day, 3-night camping and working event to kick off our 2017 work objectives and get us ready for the season.
Throughout the summer season, RMFI staff, along with participants of our Earth Corps Program and members of the Southwest Conservation Corps will be working multi-week hitches throughout the summer on the realignment of the summit trail to Kit Carson and Challenger Point. The Willow Lake Basin will serve as our basecamp for these future hitches.
In preparation and to support these efforts, volunteers on the Willow Creek Trail Maintenance project will assist with making necessary improvements to the approach trail into the basin, making it more durable and sustainable for all users and ensuring it is safe for our mule team to pack in our large basecamp equipment in preparation for our long season in the basin.
BASECAMP AND EQUIPMENT
Our campsite will be located 2 to 3 miles from the Willow Creek Trailhead. Our workdays will take place on areas of the trail between camp and Willow Lake, another 2 to 3 miles up the steep, and swithcbacked trail and at elevations as high as 11,500 feet above sea level. Camp will be fully equipped – all group equipment, including base tent, stoves, and kitchen supplies, as well as all meals will be provided by RMFI. RMFI prides itself on providing volunteers with hearty, nutritious, and delicious meals to fuel tough trail work at high altitute. Vegetarians are easily accommodated. Participants will be asked to help cook and partake in camp chores. Volunteers must supply their own personal outdoor gear. Loaner tents, sleeping bags, and pads are available upon request, on a first-come first-served basis. Volunteers may be asked to buddy-up in tents to make best use of available space. There are no restroom facilities nor shower facilities at this site. There will be sufficient water on-site for normal requirements of drinking, cleaning dishes, light personal hygiene - but not necessarily for supporting any field showers. Volunteers will make use of the RMFI-provided carry-in/carry-out solid waste (WAG) system.
DATES AND SCHEDULE - June 18th through 21st
Sunday, June 18: Meet at RMFI office. The group will carpool from here to the Willow Creek Trailhead near the town of Crestone, CO, a drive of approximately 3.5 hours. Alternatively, volunteers may meet at the trailhead if more convenient. We will hike 2 to 3 miles up the trail to our basecamp at Willow Lake. Volunteers will help set up camp, get an orientation to the worksite, and begin project objectives.
June 19 and 20: Complete project objectives: Each day will involve a 2 to 3 mile hike to our worksite at and around Willow Lake Basin at 11,500 feet where we will perform trail improvement and stabilization work. This will be strenuous work involving rock work and heavy lifting at altitude. Evenings back at camp will involve cooking delicious meals and relaxing in the crisp mountain air.
Wednesday, June 21: Finish project objectives, pack up camp, and head home.
Maximum enrollment in this program is ten (10) participants. Sign up early!
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
- This is a very strenuous program. Participants must complete the online application which includes questions pertaining to medical history, outdoor experience, and physical conditioning. (See link to apply above.) If you have trouble with, or questions about, the online application form, email molly@rmfi.org for assistance.
- There is a nonrefundable $25 application fee to assist with covering costs of this program, including all meals which will be provided for volunteers.
- Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
- No prior experience is necessary. However, participants must be in excellent physical condition and comfortable living and doing manual labor at elevations of up to 11,500 feet in a remote mountain setting.
- Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the RMFI office in Colorado Springs OR to the Willow Creek Trailhead.
Questions? Contact Molly Mazel, Volunteer Coordinator, molly@rmfi.org, (719) 471-7736 ext. 4#
Photo courtesy Justin Peterson.
| Registration fee | $25.00 |
Work Project Requirements
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