Interested in digging into some more hands-on stewardship work? In collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, the Conservation Center puts on trail work days every summer in the GMUG Forest. The work done at these events is highly varied – every project is different! Past projects have included installing low bridges over wet areas, creating turnpikes, fixing tread, removing brush that is encroaching on the trail, and more. Every work day is an opportunity to learn about trail management, the GMUG Forest, have fun, and give back!

This summer, the Conservation Center is focusing its stewardship efforts on the West Elk Wilderness. Hiking in the West Elk Wilderness, volunteers will be helping the Forest Service collect critical solitude monitoring data. In order for the Forest Service to accurately manage it’s Wilderness, it needs to know how much use it is getting! This shared information will then be used to prioritize and plan work and management of Wilderness Areas. For Solitude Monitoring trips, funds can be provided for gas to and from the trailheads. For more information, please contact Ben Katz or Karley O’Connor!

Here are some helpful links for conducting solitude monitoring in the West Elks:

Map of Coal Mesa Trail

Map of Throughline Trail

USFS Protocols for Solitude Monitoring

Solitude Monitoring Form

West Elk Wilderness Solitude Monitoring Plan

Beckwith Pass Map

Solitude Monitoring Powerpoint