Wire Wednesday: barbed wire removal at Dakota Ridge
Cut and haul out old barbed wire fencing along the Dakota Ridge trail system — hands-on habitat restoration that clears a hazard for wildlife and hikers.
Why we picked this
Old barbed wire left over from ranching days still snags wildlife and hikers along Dakota Ridge — this crew spends a morning cutting it out with pliers and fence cutters.
Meet at the Stegosaurus Park & Ride for a four-hour session removing old barbed wire fencing from the Dakota Ridge trail system. Volunteers hike in as a group, then work in pairs using pliers and fence cutters to cut, coil, and haul out abandoned wire — the kind of leftover ranch infrastructure that snags deer, coyotes, and the occasional hiker.
Wear long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, and bring eye protection if you have it (extra work gloves are provided). Pack a lunch, snacks, and at least two liters of water — this is an outdoor, exposed-terrain project with a midday break built in. A day pack helps for carrying gear on the hike. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Jeffco asks that you confirm attendance ahead of time so they can plan crew size accordingly, and to check email the morning of in case of a weather cancellation. Questions go to Volunteer Services Specialist Shelby Johnson at 303-271-5917.