03-22-2011, 11:10 AM
STERLING, Colo. - North Sterling State Park invites you and your family, friends, or coworkers to put down roots and help plant and care for trees at your local state park! Our first annual springtime "Put Down Roots" tree-planting volunteer day will be held on Saturday, April 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with projects and workshops for the whole family.
We'll spend the morning removing dead trees and planting seedlings and nursery-grown trees throughout the park. A free barbecue lunch at the Cottonwood Cove Swim Beach will follow, where we'll hand out t-shirt door prizes and honor our 2010 park volunteers and Volunteer of the Year. During the last half of the lunch hour, kids and parents can finish their meals during story time with the park staff!<br />
In the afternoon, guest speakers and volunteers from local businesses, the Colorado State University Extension office, and Colorado State Parks will host several hands-on demonstrations and talks on tree-related topics throughout the park. You can learn about tree-trimming, planting techniques and basic care, long-term tree health, drip irrigation systems, creating a backyard habitat, and how to choose trees for planting. A detailed schedule of workshops and speakers will be available one week before the event.<br />
Sound like too much work? The trees we'll be working with are all small, and the heaviest labor will be digging the new holes - and what kid doesn't like to dig holes? Bad back? We'll also need volunteers to help with the registration desk, the barbecue, taking pictures throughout the day, and other light duties. Just let us know, and we'll find a way for you to help!<br />
Since funds are limited, North Sterling State Park is accepting donations until April 6 for event t-shirts and nursery trees, including western hackberry trees, ponderosa pines, and smooth sumac, which grow particularly well in the difficult growing conditions in northeastern Colorado. If you are interested in sponsoring a tree, bench, or plaque in memory of a loved one, please contact the park as soon as possible for more information and details.<br />
Event volunteers are asked to register by Monday, April 11 to help park staff plan for the barbecue. Registration forms are available at the park office or online at www.parks.state.co.us/parks/NorthSterling under the "Publications" section. Late registrations may need to provide their own lunch. Don't worry, volunteers won't need to purchase park passes to plant trees - when you check in that morning, you'll be given a temporary volunteer tag for your dashboard for the day. Other visitors who only wish to attend the afternoon workshops will need a valid park pass. And, don't forget that volunteers who contribute 48 hours of service to the state park earn a free annual pass! Why not get started with this fun and free event?<br />
North Sterling State Park is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for outdoor recreation, and with your help, we can build and improve our park's scenery, shade, and wildlife habitat for you and your family to enjoy for years to come!<br />
Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
We'll spend the morning removing dead trees and planting seedlings and nursery-grown trees throughout the park. A free barbecue lunch at the Cottonwood Cove Swim Beach will follow, where we'll hand out t-shirt door prizes and honor our 2010 park volunteers and Volunteer of the Year. During the last half of the lunch hour, kids and parents can finish their meals during story time with the park staff!<br />
In the afternoon, guest speakers and volunteers from local businesses, the Colorado State University Extension office, and Colorado State Parks will host several hands-on demonstrations and talks on tree-related topics throughout the park. You can learn about tree-trimming, planting techniques and basic care, long-term tree health, drip irrigation systems, creating a backyard habitat, and how to choose trees for planting. A detailed schedule of workshops and speakers will be available one week before the event.<br />
Sound like too much work? The trees we'll be working with are all small, and the heaviest labor will be digging the new holes - and what kid doesn't like to dig holes? Bad back? We'll also need volunteers to help with the registration desk, the barbecue, taking pictures throughout the day, and other light duties. Just let us know, and we'll find a way for you to help!<br />
Since funds are limited, North Sterling State Park is accepting donations until April 6 for event t-shirts and nursery trees, including western hackberry trees, ponderosa pines, and smooth sumac, which grow particularly well in the difficult growing conditions in northeastern Colorado. If you are interested in sponsoring a tree, bench, or plaque in memory of a loved one, please contact the park as soon as possible for more information and details.<br />
Event volunteers are asked to register by Monday, April 11 to help park staff plan for the barbecue. Registration forms are available at the park office or online at www.parks.state.co.us/parks/NorthSterling under the "Publications" section. Late registrations may need to provide their own lunch. Don't worry, volunteers won't need to purchase park passes to plant trees - when you check in that morning, you'll be given a temporary volunteer tag for your dashboard for the day. Other visitors who only wish to attend the afternoon workshops will need a valid park pass. And, don't forget that volunteers who contribute 48 hours of service to the state park earn a free annual pass! Why not get started with this fun and free event?<br />
North Sterling State Park is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for outdoor recreation, and with your help, we can build and improve our park's scenery, shade, and wildlife habitat for you and your family to enjoy for years to come!<br />
Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.