Trail construction at Cherry Creek State Park
Build a new crushed gravel trail at Cherry Creek State Park to redirect foot traffic from sensitive wetlands and beaver habitat. Physical digging and shoveling work.
Why we picked this
Digging and shoveling to build a trail that routes two million annual visitors away from a wetland — the kind of project where the need is obvious once you've seen the informal paths cutting through it.
The project at Cherry Creek State Park involves constructing a new crushed gravel trail to redirect heavy foot traffic away from wetlands and beaver habitat being degraded by off-trail use. Volunteers will also close informal social trails and install fencing around a wetland viewing area. Cherry Creek receives around two million visitors annually, which means the vegetation near informal paths doesn’t have time to recover without intervention.
The work is physical — digging, shoveling, and hauling material. Bring water, snacks, and sturdy boots. Gloves are helpful. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; otherwise all ages are welcome. VOC provides training, tools, and leadership. Check in at the park entrance for current parking fees.
Wetland habitat in the Denver metro is limited and fragmented. This kind of trail engineering — putting the path where it needs to go instead of where people wander — is one of the most effective tools parks have for protecting high-value habitat without restricting access.