What we’re about
This meetup is for people who are interested in conservation of wild public lands, hiking, and volunteer projects such as restoration.
Wild Connections protects and restores wild nature and public lands across the watersheds of the Arkansas and South Platte Rivers in central Colorado. We recognize these as the ancestral lands of the Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho and other indigenous peoples.
Connecting Wildernesses and roadless areas in a landscape-wide wildlands network across the central Rockies benefits migratory animals, rare plant communities, clean water resources for urban and mountain communities , local economies, quiet recreation, historic and cultural locations, scenic vistas and spiritual values.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Indian Creek Trail Climate Hike (near Denver)Needs location
Note, this hike has limited space and is posted on multiple forums so you MUST contact the hike coordinator, Claude, directly by phone or e-mail to register.
Join Wild Connections for a hike along lovely Bear Creek on the Indian Creek trail, located southwest of Roxborough Park. Wildflowers are peaking and recent moisture has the forest lush and green. A description of the full loop may be found at: Indian Creek Loop Hike - Day Hikes Near Denver.
This will be a moderate hike of about 6 miles and 900 ft elevation gain, starting at 7,400 ft. At a fairly casual pace, environmental scientist and author Dr Karl Ford will explain why this area may qualify in this changing climate as a good area for climate refugia – a place where plants and animals will have a better chance for survival as our climate warms. These places are part of the Wild Connections Climate Corridor and Refugia Analysis.
We will also talk about the threats to our mountain environment facing Colorado due to climate change. Wild Connections is a 30 year old conservation organization of staff and volunteers dedicated to preservation of our natural habitat.
We will meet at the park and ride at Mineral and Santa Fe at 8:00 am and car pool for those wishing to or provide directions to the trailhead for those wishing to drive on their own. A Colorado Springs carpool will be available as well.
Hikers should bring sturdy boots, raingear, an extra layer for warmth and a sack lunch. Also plenty of water suitable for conditions. You must register with the organizer, Claude Neumann, beforehand as this hike is published on multiple lists. For information and to register, Claude can be reached at 720-231-3039 or claudeneumann@earthlink.net.
- Volunteer Seeding Restoration Project at the FS 39 Mile Mountain Roadless AreaNeeds location
Note, this project is posted on multiple forums so you must contact the project leader, John, directly by phone or e-mail to register.
Wild Connections in partnership with the Forest Service South Park Ranger District will be hosting a volunteer restoration project to reclaim over two miles of decommissioned and illegal routes at the FS 39 Mile Mountain Roadless Area, just south of Elevenmile Canyon Reservoir in South Park.
In reclaiming this route, we will open up an additional 1,300 FS acres contiguous with the current 11,800 acre Thirtynine Mile Mountain Roadless Area! This roadless area is a winter refuge for elk, pronghorn and mule deer and is an important production area for elk calving.
The Forest Service will be prepping the project site for us. Wild Connections and volunteers will be responsible for seeding and raking in the the decommissioned and closed routes, including using erosion matting for steep eroded sections. The FS will follow-up the project by rewiring the boundary fence and installing signs to keep out illegal motorized use in the future.
Volunteers should bring a lunch, water and clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring work gloves if you have them. Wild Connections will provide tools, snacks, drinks, and a much deserved post-work day treat!
Sorry, no dogs allowed. Maximum 15 participants. A carpool or caravan from Colorado Springs will be arranged.
For details or to sign up, contact John Sztukowski at 817-939-4239 or john@wildconnections.org.
