Weed Surveys

ODLT needs 2-4 volunteers to assist Brooke Gray, our Trout Creek Ranch Restoration Manager, with surveying or removing noxious weeds at Trout Creek Ranch Headquarters, as well as taking solo trips into the Pueblo and Trout Creek Mountains. Noxious weeds are plants considered to be harmful to the environment or animals. Identifying and removing them can help with our restoration plans, particularly along Trout Creek. Removal can include hand-pulling and weed eating. The most common weeds found at Trout Creek Ranch include perennial pepperweed, Scotch thistle, Russian knapweed, Russian olive and whitetop.

Skills and equipment needed/most helpful: Ability to identify plants (especially noxious weeds) at various stages of the plant life cycle. Willingness and ability to hike long distances on uneven terrain and for extended periods of time. Ability to hike in various weather conditions. We recommend carrying insect repellent and a mosquito net, since there will be bugs in the headquarter meadows. Data will be collected using an app called QuickCapture, which will require a smartphone. We also recommend having a phone app for navigation (Avenza, Gaia GPS, OnX, etc.) as well as a camera for taking pictures of unknown plants. Much could be accomplished hiking in the lowlands of Trout Creek Ranch Headquarters, while navigating to the more remote parcels of the ranch will require the use of a UTV, ATV, or high clearance vehicle.

WHEN:
A variety of days between May and July, or October and November depending on your schedule and activity at the ranch. This time will be most important since weeds will be in the rosette or flowering stage, making them easier to identify. Brandon Palmer, our Regional Stewardship Lead, will lead an orientation session on using the QuickCapture app. 

WHERE:
Trout Creek Ranch headquarters (about  15 min south of Fields), and within the Pueblo and Trout Creek Mountains.

Google Maps Directions.  (Additional directions will be provided).