Invasive species removal in Rocky Mountain National Park's Kawuneeche Valley

Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Kawuneeche Valley stewardship day focuses on manual removal of invasive plant species from the meadows and forests on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Volunteers work in small groups under staff guidance, learning to identify target species before digging them out by hand with shovels and pruners. The full six-hour shift covers multiple sites near the visitor center, and the work is categorized as moderately strenuous — expect several miles of walking across variable terrain and mountain weather that can shift from hot and sunny to cold and windy within the same afternoon.

The Kawuneeche Valley sits along the upper Colorado River corridor, a landscape that looks and feels different from the busier Estes Park side of the park. You’re working in one of RMNP’s quieter zones, where restoration work directly benefits elk, moose, and riparian habitat that has been impacted by non-native plant spread. Volunteers must stay for the full duration, and all work sites are within walking distance of the meeting point — no shuttle required.

Meet at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center parking lot at 9:00 AM. Bring layered clothing and rain gear (mountain weather changes fast), long sleeves, long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sun protection, a packed lunch, snacks, and at least two liters of water. Gloves are optional — the conservancy may have extras on site. Grand Lake is approximately 2 hours from Denver via US-34 over Trail Ridge Road (check road conditions before you go, as Trail Ridge can close without notice early in the season).