On May 2, a dedicated group of volunteers took over O’Fallon Park in Morrison, Colorado, about 20 minutes from DU— to help the community. 

Over the course of the day, helpers from Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) took on the project of rerouting one of O’Fallon Park’s trails in order to prevent future erosion, prevent negative effects on the environment and provide a better overall experience for the plethora of hikers who have the opportunity to experience the area. The volunteers helping with the project pulled the trail off a dirt road and onto a single-track trail. 

The project at O’Fallon State Park was submitted by the land managers, who contact the organization with their highest priority needs.

 O’Fallon Park includes a varied environment with hills, meadows, ponderosa pines and mountain views. 115 volunteers ages 12 and up participated in the volunteer opportunity through VOC in partnership with Denver Parks and Recreation—Denver Mountain Parks Division.

 VOC has been giving Coloradans an opportunity to give back to their beloved state through enhancing, protecting and sustaining its natural resources since 1984, according to project manager for the O’Fallon State Park project Steve Wall. Wall said over 100,000 volunteers have worked for VOC projects since it began, with a value of over $20 million in donated labor.

 VOC partners with state and federal agencies, urban and county parks and various nonprofit organizations. It focuses on using nature volunteer projects as a way for youth, as well as adults, to experience the satisfaction of making a difference in their environment. 

Through various small projects, they have made a significant difference to a variety of small environments and communities throughout Colorado. They operate with a 14-member board, 12 employees, interns, a seasonal staff and a group of about 140 regular volunteers. They are passionate about promoting the idea of individuals taking a hands-on role in caring for and giving back to their environment. 

 VOC has many upcoming events that may interest DU students and could be great summer activities, including two in the DU area that you can get on the waitlist for (as the registration list is currently full). They are planning an Evening Garden planting at Observatory Park and another at nearby Harvard Gulch Park, according to the VOC website. You can either volunteer as an individual or as a group. Students can find answers to frequently asked questions, see a complete project calendar and get involved with the upcoming events with VOC ontheir website.

 If you can’t participate in one of the organized volunteer projects, VOC also encourages Coloradans to practice stewardship by using “leave no trace” ethics, staying on the trail or re-planting wildlife damaged areas.

 O’Fallon Park has seen a lot of action from hikers and was suffering the negative effects of overuse, but after this combined volunteer effort from community members of Denver and the surrounding area through VOC, it will be ready for the summer enjoyment of many more nature-lovers in Colorado.