Weekday: Kayak Trip & Habitat Restoration @ South Platte River

Where You’ll Be:
The South Platte River flows 380 miles through Colorado from its headwaters near South Park to the Nebraska border, and eventually drains into the Gulf of Mexico via a series of tributaries. From various Native American tribes and European settlers to modern-day wildlife, recreationists, and urban dwellers, the South Platte River has long been a critical resource for agriculture, drinking water, industry, and numerous other activities. On this project, you’ll get up close and personal with this important river as you kayak up a stretch from Brighton to Evans.

What You’ll Do:
Spend a Monday exploring nature in the urban Front Range! On this small project, you’ll spend the day kayaking up the South Platte River from Brighton to Evans covering about 14 miles, and stopping along the way to remove the harmful plant purple loosestrife. This project is a great opportunity to experience the river in a new way while making a significant contribution to the health of the river and surrounding plants and animals who rely on it. Breakfast, lunch, and shuttles back to cars at the end of the day will be provided.

Why It Matters:
While beautiful, purple loosestrife is an aggressive plant that can rapidly degrade wetlands, diminishing their value for wildlife habitat. When purple loosestrife gets a foothold in an area, the habitat where fish and wildlife feed, seek shelter, reproduce and rear young, quickly deteriorates and can no longer support the number or diversity of living things. Your efforts will be a significant help to the Weld County Weed Department in mitigating this weed and helping wildlife thrive!

Need-to-Know Details:

• Minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older on single-day projects.
• VOC will provide all equipment including tools and work gloves.
• Cancellation: Our partners rely on VOC volunteers to accomplish critical stewardship needs, and our projects often have wait lists. If you need to cancel, please email Kendall Cox or call 303-715-1010 ext. 116 as soon as possible so we can free your spot for another volunteer and have a full workforce.