Volunteer Event - Invasive Species Removal

You are invited to spend the day helping preserve Rocky's native plants by removing invasive plant species by hand!

Rocky Mountain National Park needs your help! Join us this summer to help remove invasive plant species and to help restore native vegetation in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Invasive plants are a persistent threat, crowding out native species and disrupting the wildlife that depends on them for food and habitat. What is the most effective tool we have against them? People willing to get their hands dirty! Your physical effort directly translates into healthier ecosystems and biodiversity that will help protect the park for generations to come.

Working alongside park staff, you'll learn to identify invasive species and master proper removal techniques, skills you can carry with you long after the day ends. Expect a full, active day outdoors on varied terrain. Every plant pulled is a genuine, measurable difference made for the landscape you're helping protect.

This is demanding, rewarding work, and it matters. Be part of the effort to preserve the natural beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Advanced registration is required. To sign up, visit https://rmconservancy.org/ and look for "Upcoming Events."

Minimum age: 18 years old

Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm. Volunteers should plan to stay for the full duration of this event.

Parking/meeting location: Please meet in the outdoor plaza in front of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.

Volunteers will be driven into the park via shuttle vans.

Work site: Sites to be determined based on conditions.

Nearest Restroom: Restrooms may be inaccessible for most of the event period. Be prepared to answer nature’s call in nature.

What to bring: Layers for rapidly changing weather, rain gear, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), long sleeve shirt and long pants, sturdy close-toed shoes, lunch and snacks, at least 2 liters of water per person, gloves (if you prefer your own), and a day pack to hold everything.

Physical expectations: Manual removal of invasive species is moderately strenuous, with the entire workday spent on-foot, and potentially walking distances that can add up to several miles in montane meadows, forests, and other front country locations. Plant removal will utilize hand tools such as shovels and pruners to dig out plants and remove seed heads.

Participants should expect to be out for the entire time in variable weather conditions, from hot temperatures in direct sunlight to cold and windy conditions. Events may be cancelled or shortened if weather conditions become a risk to human health and safety.

More information

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Parking/meeting location: Please meet in the outdoor plaza in front of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.

Latitude and Longitude 40.366231, -105.560969

Schedule

This volunteer event will take place from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Volunteers should plan to stay for the full duration of this event.

Event Type

• Volunteer Event