Russian olive removal at Blanca Wetlands near Alamosa
Cut and clear invasive Russian olive trees at Blanca Wetlands near Great Sand Dunes. Chainsaw-certified sawyers and haulers needed. Overnight camping, meals included.
Why we picked this
A weekend clearing water-hogging Russian olive trees from a high-desert wetland near Great Sand Dunes, with a BLM biologist on site to talk through what's actually at stake for the water table.
Help clear invasive Russian olive trees from Blanca Wetlands, a high-desert wetland about 30 minutes from Great Sand Dunes National Park that’s been overtaken by the water-thirsty species. Chainsaw-certified volunteers cut trees into manageable pieces while the rest of the crew hauls and stacks the cut material for removal. A BLM biologist joins the group to talk through the wetland’s history and the water resource challenges the removal is meant to address.
This is a two-day, overnight project at 7,500 feet — Saturday runs 8 hours, Sunday wraps by 2pm. VOC provides camping Friday and Saturday nights plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Vault toilets and potable water are on site, but there’s no substitute for sun protection and sturdy boots given the exposed terrain. Chainsaw operators need current first aid/CPR certification; non-sawyers are welcome and needed for hauling.
Only 2 spots remain per day, so this one’s filling up. It’s a solid pick for volunteers who want to combine physical outdoor work with a real look at how water scarcity plays out on the ground in the San Luis Valley.