Trail Projects
Supporting the National Forest, in your backyard.
With Over 430 Miles of Trail in Summit County, There is Constant Need for Maintenance
The US Forest Service does an amazing job prioritizing work and allocating funds to the most pressing needs in our district. However, their resources are limited. This is where you come in! Each season FDRD recruits volunteers through local businesses, organizations, schools, churches/synagogues, social groups and other dedicated individuals, to help pick up some slack. Throughout any given season, we engage over 40 entities to help us execute 35+ projects devoted to the care and sustainability of our beloved, mountain trail system.
Our Trail Project Season runs from the beginning of June through the end of September.
Types of Structures Built and Why
Summit County visitors are increasing annually which, unfortunately, takes a toll on our trails. Much of the work we tackle includes:
Trail Tread Maintenance
Controls Erosion
Bridge and “Turnpike” Construction
To elevate the tread over sensitive, wet areas
Installation of Drainage Features
To encourage sustainable water flow
Retaining Wall Construction
To ensure long-term tread integrity
Frequently Asked Questions
We are happy to offer projects all over Summit County, CO. While we do try and align our projects with the needs of the US Forest Service, we attempt to hold projects in all corners of our beautiful county.
Our projects typically begin promptly at 9 AM. The length of the day will depend on our volunteers, the weather and the designated work for that day. Workdays will typically last at least 3 hours (until noon) but will depend greatly on the requests of our partners. Full day projects will usually wrap up by 3 or 4 PM.
At FDRD, we make every attempt to create opportunities for anyone that wants to join us for a trail project. While some projects are more physically demanding than others, we aim to find jobs for people of all ages and abilities. No experience required!
We’d love to have you for the duration of the project but certainly, understand that sometimes schedules won’t allow that. If you can provide your own transportation, there shouldn’t be an issue. Please let staff know as soon as you’re aware of potential schedule conflicts and we’ll plan accordingly.
Once you have registered for the project, you will receive an email notification with all the pertinent information you’ll need for your volunteer day. Here are some important items for your day in the field: Work or hiking boots (NO sandals, flip flops or minimalist shoes), long pants, long-sleeved shirt, warm layers, rain gear, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, allergy medications, day pack, lunch, and snacks. Bring enough drinking water, (at least 2 liters per person).
From a planning and coordination standpoint, it is HUGELY helpful for you to sign up ahead of time. Click here (link) to fill out your waiver (only once per season) and to register for your desired project. However, if you wake up motivated on the morning of a project and didn’t get a chance to sign up, come on out! We’ll be happy to have you.
Absolutely! We love working with new people. Please contact Doozie Martin at doozie@fdrd.org or call (970) 262-3449 to brainstorm large-group ideas. If your group is less than 5 volunteers, register your crew for an available project and come on out–we just need those waivers signed.
Bring the kiddos! We encourage volunteers to bring their kids but need you to be responsible for their safety and well-being at the worksite. We believe the next generation will be crucial to carry the torch of land stewardship into the future but we won’t be able to keep a close eye on them during projects. And, we love dogs! Unfortunately, we need them to stay at home or in the car until after our project is over.
