Become a CNAP Volunteer Steward – Monitor a Colorado Natural Area

Opportunity
The Colorado Natural Area Program is currently looking for volunteers to monitor some of the most spectacular and sensitive areas in the state! There are approximately 100 areas in the State of Colorado that have been designated or registered as Natural Areas because of rare plants, rare animals, unique geology or a combination of these features. The Natural Areas Program needs help from volunteers to get out and visit these sites regularly to ensure the rare and sensitive elements on these sites are being preserved for future generations. You can help – you can ‘adopt a Natural Area’ !

Required Background / Skills
We need volunteers who are willing and able to get to these sites, some of which are difficult to access, however some are also close to urban areas. Many of our volunteers have graduate degrees; some are experts in either botany, geology or are expert birders. However some are just dedicated to getting outside and learning as much as they can. We welcome both and are willing to provide in-the-field training to get a volunteer ‘up to speed’ on their site. People who would consider themselves ‘naturalists’ would be ideal, but again a desire to learn goes a long way.

Responsibilities
We ask that volunteers be willing to visit their site at least once a year and fill out a generalized form on the condition and attributes of the site. We also ask volunteers to take photos (preferably digital) from the same locations each year so we have a photo record of changes over time. We give volunteers a journal where they can record their field trips and observations and we give them a login to a website where they can report their findings.

Benefits
The most obvious benefit is that you get to see firsthand some of the most special, sensitive and scenic sites in the state of Colorado. By being a Volunteer Steward, you will become an ‘expert’ in protecting a special area that you will know better than most people. You can also get recognition and gifts from Colorado State Parks based on hours of participation per year. A Colorado State Parks pass can be obtained after 48 hours. Additionally, you will get to interact with other stewards at meetings once or twice a year where you can exchanges stories and slideshows of your area.

Contact: 

If you are interested, please contact Brian Kurzel at the Colorado Natural Areas Program

See an example of the Volunteer Steward Field Form.

Colorado Natural Areas Program website

Colorado Natural Areas Program Volunteer Opportunities website

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