Never been to a project? No problem!
Roughly 50% of RFOV volunteers are first-timers.
New to the valley?
You'll meet some cool new folks who also love trails.
New to stewardship? Don't worry!
Our Crew Leaders will answer all your questions.
Before the project
Please ensure you’ve registered and completed your waiver. If you feel unwell, or have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms prior to the project, please do not come!
What to Bring
Layers: Prepare for a chilly morning and a warmer afternoon (or vice versa for evening projects). Wearing several layers of clothing makes it easy to adapt to changing temperatures.
Pants: Shorts are not recommended. Long pants are most practical for trail work where you may be kneeling or working your way through thick brush.
Shoes: A sturdy pair of closed-toe shoes will help negotiate steep or rocky terrain and protect your feet.
Hat & Sunglasses: A hat will keep the sun off your face in exposed environments. Sunglasses protect your eyes from dirt and flying debris.
Rain gear: You never know with Colorado weather!
Gloves: Please bring comfortable gardening or work gloves.
Water & Snacks: Bring along at least two 32-oz containers (we will refill).
Sunscreen: Wearing 30+ SPF is highly recommended.
When you arrive
It is important you arrive at your scheduled time and sign in at the registration tent.
While you register, the Crew Leaders will be assembling the tools you’ll need for the day. Your Crew Leader will help you choose the right job, and will demonstrate how to safely use, carry, and store the tools. Then it’s off to the project site!
Project Expectations & Reminders
In an effort to provide a positive and high quality volunteer experience, volunteers at RFOV volunteer projects are expected to:
Follow directions from their Crew Leader, land management partners, and RFOV project staff, including adhering to risk management policies and proper tool use.
Uphold our values of treating everyone with empathy, respect, and kindness.
Come prepared for the conditions of the day, which may include adverse weather conditions, physically strenuous activities, and multiple hours outside.
Communicate to Crew Leaders and RFOV staff any pertinent information that may impact your ability to perform volunteer work tasks and maintain personal health and safety throughout the project.
Your physical ability and experience are less important than your enthusiasm — jobs range from using a pick-axe or rock bar, to trimming back vegetation.
Volunteers are free to take a break at any point. Volunteers and crew leaders will break as a group in order to each lunch together. We are out to help the trails, give back and have a great time, not to work non-stop throughout the project day.
If you need to leave the project early, that’s fine, but you must advise your Crew Leader of your departure time before the project starts and before you leave.
In cases of extreme heat or inclement weather, we will adjourn the project.
After the Project
Not only will you feel proud of what you've accomplished, but you'll also receive dinner and beverages at every project!
Consider it our welcome to the RFOV community.
We also always welcome feedback with our evaluation surveys — tell us what you thought of your first project experience! Your insights help us develop future programs and opportunities to further our mission and strengthen our community.
Everyone who completes the survey will be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Bristlecone Mountain Sports each month. Thank you!
