Volunteers needed for National Public Lands Day trail work near Meeker

Organization:

BLM

Media Contact:

David Boyd, Public Affairs Specialist

MEEKER, Colo. – Volunteers are needed Sept. 19 to help expand the popular hiking and biking trail system adjacent to Meeker, Colo.

This National Public Lands Day event will include maintaining the popular China Wall Trail above Meeker and constructing the new East Ridge Trail.

Participants will meet at the Hill Street Trailhead at the end of Hill Street in Meeker at 9 a.m. 

“From the trailhead we will hike two miles of the moderately steep China Wall Trail while working on maintaining trail drainage features, removing invasive weeds, and spreading native seeds,” said BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner Aaron Grimes. “From the top of the China Wall Trail, participants will have an opportunity to either return to the trailhead for a shorter volunteer day or continue to work on constructing a portion of the new East Ridge Trail.”

Participants should bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a sun hat, work gloves, snacks and a lunch.  The BLM will provide tools, work gloves if needed, and native seed. All participants will receive a 2015 National Public Lands Day t-shirt and a fee-free day pass to participating public lands sites such as National Parks. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of expanding the popular Meeker Trail System,” Grimes said.

National Public Lands Day is the largest hands-on volunteer effort on public lands in Colorado and across the country. With 8.3 million acres of public lands in Colorado, the BLM relies on and celebrates the help of volunteers to accomplish many important projects. Each year, more than 4,000 volunteers contribute more than 200,000 hours to the BLM in Colorado.

For more information, contact Aaron Grimes, (970) 878-3800.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.