Volunteer with CFI this summer!

Our list of 2008 volunteer opportunities is now available online! Visit www.14ers.org/volunteer to find out about our programs and register for a trail or restoration project, sign up to become a Peak Steward, find out about our Adopt-a-Peak program, or put your advanced trail/leadership skills to use as a Volunteer Crew Leader! You can also download our 2008 Spring Newsletter and Volunteer Application to find out more about each program and register!

Chris Davenport Releases Book

Ski mountaineer Chris Davenport’s book detailing his recent successful ski descent of all 54 Fourteeners will soon be available! Ski the 14ers: A Visual Tribute to Colorado’s 14,000 Peaks from the Eyes of a Ski Mountaineer, from Capitol Peak Publishing, features over 400 color photos, a forward by legendary mountaineer Lou Dawson, and inspiring writing on Davenport’s Ski the 14ers project. The book is available now through Wolverine Publishing.

A portion of proceeds from the sale of Ski the 14ers will go toward the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. CFI would like to extend a huge thanks to Chris for his support of our efforts to protect and preserve Colorado’s Fourteeners!

New Route Information

We have added detailed route descriptions to our website thanks to a generous partnership with Bill Middlebrook of www.14ers.com. The new content can be accessed through links found in the “Recommended Route” section of each peak page. Click here to see an example. Check out your favorite Fourteener for new, interactive content!

We’ve Moved

We moved our offices! Our new address and phone number is:

607 10th Street, Suite 306
Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303-278-7650
Fax: 303-278-7365

Please update your contact information if you haven’t already!

Home : Volunteer : Volunteer Programs : Current Projects

Do you enjoy Colorado's Fourteeners and want to help preserve them while spending time in the magnificent backcountry? Volunteers assist CFI’s field staff in repairing existing environmental damage and constructing sustainable routes on the Fourteeners. CFI's projects are small and personable (usually 10 people or less per project).

In 2008, CFI will offer projects ranging from one-day trail maintenance projects to five-day backcountry Volunteer Vacations.  Our projects are challenging, fun, and provide something for everyone: rockwork, trail construction or maintenance, revegetation, restoration, seed collection or seeding.

 

If you would like to participate in a volunteer project, are over the age of 18 (ages 14-17 accepted when accompanied by a parent or guardian), and are in reasonably good shape, we encourage you to register now. For project descriptions/registration information, you can either scroll down below, download our 2008 Spring Newsletter and 2008 Volunteer Application, check out our Online Project Calendar, or visit our online registration page at VOutdoors. We look forward to seeing you on the peaks this summer!

For more information, please contact Jessica Evett at jessica@14ers.org or at 303-278-7650 ext. 115.

Weekend Peak Projects - 2008

Mount Massive Fourth of July Weekend

In 2007, CFI finished the majority of the east slopes approach on Mt. Massive. Whilemost of the work is complete,sections of the “Main Massive” ascent route must be re-routed around wet or steep fall-line areas. Restoration will be needed to close and restore portions of the existing trail that are eroding and unsustainable. Join the CFI crew at base camp for a Fourth of July weekend away from the crowd! Volunteer projects may include new trail construction, restoration, or trail maintenance.

July 3-6, construction/restoration (maximum 6 volunteers)

-Opportunities at Mt. Massive also available on July 11-15 and Aug. 22-24. See restoration section below for more information.

Uncompahgre Peak

One of the most recognizable and scenic Fourteeners in Colorado, Uncompahgre Peak (14,309 feet) is the highest peak in the San Juan Mountains. Located within the Uncompahgre Wilderness, the majestic and rugged peak’s unique summit soars high above the lush green alpine meadows below. Its towering, 700-foot vertical volcanic scarp on its north side is a local landmark and a natural wonder.

In 2007, CFI completed approximately half of the work needed to reconstruct the Uncompahgre ascent route. Remaining portions must be re-routed around wet or steep fall-line areas and further restoration efforts are needed to fill in badly eroded gullies and social trails. Volunteer projects may include new trail construction, restoration, or trail maintenance.

2008 Project Dates:

July 25-27, construction/restoration (maximum 8 volunteers)

Aug. 15-17, construction/restoration (maximum 8 volunteers)

August 22-24, construction/restoration (maximum 8 volunteers)

 

Volunteer Vacations at Mount Yale

Mt. Yale, Colorado’s 21st highest peak, is a natural wonder and a magnet for climbers located within the 167,994 acre Collegiate Peaks Wilderness near Buena Vista. Named by Professor Josiah Dwight Whitney, of Mt Whitney fame, after his alma mater, Mt. Yale rises dramatically from the surrounding valleys and offers a stunning view of 30 Fourteeners from its summit.  Kicking off its 14th year on Fourteeners, CFI will begin working to establish a sustainable approach to the summit on the Denny Creek/Mt. Yale trail.

 Volunteers will work alongside CFI crews to delineate a single route above treeline, reconstruct switchbacks, and help restore numerous descent paths descending from the summit ridgeline.  One day of the project will be a “free day” for volunteers to explore this beautiful area and summit Yale or neighboring Fourteeners.

 2008 Project Dates:

July 3-7, construction/restoration (maximum 7 volunteers)

July 17-21, construction/restoration (maximum 7 volunteers)

Volunteer Vacations at Windom Peak

In 2008, CFI will continue working on an ambitious multi-year project to stabilize the eroding climbers’ route in Chicago Basin. Because of the difficulty in accessing Windom Peak, CFI is planning several Volunteer Vacations to complete stabilization work on one of the most remote and scenic Fourteeners in Colorado, Windom Peak. This Fourteener rises high among the Needle Mountains, a spectacular mass of spiny ridges, broken slopes, and craggy summits. Hidden deep in the Weminuche Wilderness, the majestic and rugged Windom Peak is far from any roads – the long but rewarding trip to Chicago Basin is accessible via the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and an 8-mile hike.

Complimentary train tickets on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and free camping near Durango on the night prior to the trip may be provided to volunteers pending availability.

2008 Project Dates:

August 21-25, construction/restoration (maximum 7 volunteers)

August 28-September 1, construction/restoration (maximum 7 volunteers)

September 4-8, restoration (maximum 7 volunteers)

 

One-Day Trail Maintenance Projects - 2008

These projects are a fun opportunity to help maintain Fourteener ascent routes in small group projects. Volunteers will work closely with CFI project leaders on building rock steps, repairing waterbars, and restoring impacted areas. On weekends with two scheduled projects, sign up for either Saturday or Sunday or make a weekend of it and camp overnight for both project days!

Grays & Torreys National Trails Day Project

In partnership with the American Hiking Society, CFI will host a National Trails Day project on Saturday, June 21 on Grays and Torreys Peaks. This annual project is our largest volunteer day of the year! Although construction work on these two Front Range peaks was finished in 2001, our 2008 National Trails Day project will focus on addressing some of the maintenance work needed to ensure that this popular trail will remain asustainable one. We’ll clean andrebuild water bars, build and repair check dams, install signs, and close off new trail braiding. Music, dinner, and prizeswill follow the event. Come on out and show your continued support for Grays and Torreys on the summer solstice!

A special thanks to CLIF Bar for their support of our 2008 National Trails Day Project!

June 21 (maximum 30 volunteers)

Mt. Bierstadt

Volunteers will help maintain the main Guanella Pass ascent route to Mt. Bierstadt to help keep this popular peak in good shape during the busy climbing season!

July 12 (maximum 8 volunteers)

July 13 (maximum 8 volunteers)

Grays and Torreys

August 2 (maximum 8 volunteers)

August 3 (maximum 8 volunteers)

Mts. Lincoln, Democrat, & Bross

Volunteers will help with trail construction, restoration efforts, and post signs needed to help reestablish legal access to these popular Fourteeners. CFI is working closely with the US Forest Service and landowners to design a trail route that reaches these beautiful summits while mitigating recreation impacts and respecting the needs of the local land owners.

August 16 (maximum 8 volunteers)

August 17 (maximum 8 volunteers)

RESTORATION PROJECTS - 2008

Botany Workshop

Get excited about Colorado plants at a joint Colorado Native Plant Society, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, and CFI-led training in the Boulder foothills.

June 7 (maximum 20 participants) 

Alpine Seed Collection and Seeding Training on Mt. Evans

Learn how to collect seeds needed for CFI's high-altitude alpine restoration work on the Fourteeners. This training is required for those interested in becoming Volunteer Crew Leaders for seed collection projects in 2009.

September 13 (maximum 12 participants)

Seed Collection and Restoration on Mt. Evans

Collect seeds needed for restoration work at Mt. Evans. Fun, light-duty work!

September 14 (maximum 12 volunteers) 

Restoration on Mt. Massive (in partnership with  the CDTA)

In 2007, CFI finished the majority of the east slopes approach on Mt. Massive. While most of the work is complete, sections of the “Main Massive” ascent route must be re-routed around wet or steep fall-line areas. Restoration will be needed to close and restore portions of the existing trail that are eroding and unsustainable. Participants will backpack in and will need to provide their own meals. This project offers a true backcountry experience without a CFI basecamp.

July 11-15 (maximum 8-10 volunteers)

August 22-24 (maximum 8-10 volunteers) 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Know a Store With Space for Brochures?

Help us get the word out about CFI and its programs! CFI has a variety of print materials for display at outdoor stores, nonprofit offices, visitors centers, or other public places. If you know of a place that could use CFI brochures related to volunteering and our peak preservation work, contact Jessica Evett at Jessica@14ers.org and we’ll send you display materials. Please include location information and what type of display is available within your e-mail, and thanks for helping us reach more people in 2008!  

Tool Maintenance Project

Help CFI with the end-of-season maintenance and repair of trail tools, constructing toolboxes, and organizing tool inventory. Tools include rock bars, pick axes, hammers, pulaskis, shovels, pick mattocks, McLeods, buckets, ropes, saws, and hatchets. The project will take place on September 27 in Leadville, CO. For more information, contact Jessica Evett (jessica@14ers.org) or check the appropriate box on the enclosed volunteer application. 

Volunteers needed at ORIC

Volunteers at the Outdoor Recreation Information Center in the REI Denver Flagship Store provide information about outdoor recreation trip planning, land use ethics, and stewardship. Volunteers can receive an REI discount! Contact the ORIC Manager at 303.433.0845 or stop by the REI Flagship Store.

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