Social Distancing Friendly Volunteer Opportunities
New Ways to Volunteer This Summer While Following Social Distancing Guidelines
Here at FDRD we’ve been hard at work brainstorming and coordinating some outdoor volunteer opportunities for our amazing community, that are safe to do during a global pandemic. Because we all know that giving back is good for the heart and soul! We understand that we are living in unprecedented times, and we feel that these opportunities allow volunteers to give back to their public lands while staying socially distanced from others, to mitigate risks of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
Adopt-a-Trailhead
Each spring season, the winter snow slowly recedes back into the ground revealing all the treasures left behind by trail users from the fall and winter seasons. This year is no different. We are seeing increased use at the trailheads as locals and visitors alike begin to relieve their “cabin fever” by getting outside and enjoying the beautiful weather we’ve been having here in Summit County.
As you are probably aware, the USFS personnel is focused heavily on clearing trails all over the county so users can enjoy the forest experience, free of climbing over downed trees that winter storms deliver. Additionally, much of the USFS resources are devoted to planning projects for the summer and maintaining our public land to the highest standard possible so the masses are able to recreate.
Because of this, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District would like to offer the opportunity to volunteers to “Adopt-a-Trailhead” this summer. We’re currently looking for volunteers that want to take an extra step in helping FDRD and the USFS keep our trailheads clean over the summer months.
The Duties:
FDRD will be providing the opportunity to pick your trailhead from a list but be advised, we would like one (1) individual or household to adopt each trailhead. There are plenty to pick from out there so check with us to see if your favorite trailhead is taken.
Adopt-a-Bin
The Forest Service has provided over 30 fishing line recycling bins throughout Summit County. The bins are positioned in specific locations for convenient line disposal for anglers. When the line is not properly disposed of, local birds will often find and use the material in their nests. Bins need to be emptied and kept up, so anglers are able to utilize them for their intended purpose. Our hope is to keep these bins clean and keep the line out of our shores, waterways, and wildlife!
The Duties:
Sign Restoration
**We have currently filled all sign restoration volunteer spots for the summer. Please check back at a later date.**
The Dillon Ranger District boasts some of the most scenic campgrounds in the country, and they’re constantly full of visitors and locals for that reason! Signage understandably aids campers in finding their mountain destination. Over time our local campground signs begin to see the typical wear and tear of the high country environment, and they are now getting faded. The Forest Service has requested volunteers to help with restoring various signs around the Dillon Ranger District this summer season. Each sign will be prepped for restoration at the Dillon Work Center located on CR 51 in Dillon, and volunteers will be doing the restoration work at that location. It is important that this volunteer has a steady hand, because if the volunteer’s hand is shaky, they will end up painting outside the letters.
The Duties:
A person or a couple people (from the same household) who could be dedicated to painting one day a week or so until the work is finished, would be ideal. After the current list of faded signs are restored, there will be a potential for the volunteer(s) to continue forward with more sign restoration work.