Get Involved: Open Space & Natural Resources

Douglas County Astronomy Volunteers, working in partnership with the Denver Astronomical Society, promote the enjoyment and understanding of astronomical phenomena, history, and lore by providing educational and observing opportunities for visiting guests.   

 Astronomy Volunteer Responsibilities  

• To instill a sense of enthusiasm, wonderment, and understanding of astronomical phenomena in the night sky. 
• Help others understand the issues that diminish the ability to view the night sky. Instill the sense of stewardship and conservation values to help protect the sensitive night sky as an important natural resource. Share the connections of elements in the universe that help with varying tides, life cycles, migration ability for birds, navigation, and other phenomena.   
• Assist in gathering resources that can be used for interpretive and educational programs and displays and provide assistance for viewing the night sky.   
• Must be at least 18 years of age. 
• Desire and the ability to work in the outdoors are required for field astronomers.  
• Complete First Aid and CPR Certification and a background check with Douglas County.  

 Training 

• Indoor and outdoor training at various sites may be followed by astronomy mentors.  
• A variety of naturalist interpreters and astronomical scientists and volunteers and Douglas County Open Space staff members will contribute a wealth of interesting knowledge and connections to the sky and the Douglas County Open Space and NR program.  
• Get to know the Open Space resources, helpful contacts, dark sky properties, and function of the Denver Astronomical Society as a partner.         

 

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Douglas County Astronomy Volunteers, working in partnership with the Denver Astronomical Society, promote the enjoyment and understanding of astronomical phenomena, history, and lore by providing educational and observing opportunities for visiting guests.   

 Astronomy Volunteer Responsibilities  

• To instill a sense of enthusiasm, wonderment, and understanding of astronomical phenomena in the night sky. 
• Help others understand the issues that diminish the ability to view the night sky. Instill the sense of stewardship and conservation values to help protect the sensitive night sky as an important natural resource. Share the connections of elements in the universe that help with varying tides, life cycles, migration ability for birds, navigation, and other phenomena.   
• Assist in gathering resources that can be used for interpretive and educational programs and displays and provide assistance for viewing the night sky.   
• Must be at least 18 years of age. 
• Desire and the ability to work in the outdoors are required for field astronomers.  
• Complete First Aid and CPR Certification and a background check with Douglas County.  

 Training 

• Indoor and outdoor training at various sites may be followed by astronomy mentors.  
• A variety of naturalist interpreters and astronomical scientists and volunteers and Douglas County Open Space staff members will contribute a wealth of interesting knowledge and connections to the sky and the Douglas County Open Space and NR program.  
• Get to know the Open Space resources, helpful contacts, dark sky properties, and function of the Denver Astronomical Society as a partner.     

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Douglas County Mounted Patrol Mission Statement 

As Ambassadors of Douglas County, Mounted Patrol Volunteers are dedicated to public safety and protecting the county's land and resources. The Mounted Patrol educates and assists visitors in need and promotes the values and ideals of Douglas County Open Space.

The Volunteer Mounted Patrol assists Open Space staff by providing an additional presence on the trail systems and at some special events.  Occasionally, they lead guided rides for approved special events.  Finally, they may be asked to assist Search and Rescue.

Participation in the Mounted Patrol requires additional screening and verification of the rider's skill and ability, along with the horse's temperament and skills.  

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Position Description: We need volunteers to help at the Research and Demonstration Orchard at Hidden Mesa Open Space.  General categories of work include: 

• Developing growing protocols for food crops to be successful in our Front Range climate
• Growing vegetable crops for donation into local food banks
• Planting and maintaining demonstration beds of native and pollinator plants
• General orchard and garden development and maintenance
• Operation and upkeep of various types of high tunnel greenhouses and various row cover systems
• Propagation of fruiting and native plants

The facility is located on the picturesque 1,200-acre Hidden Mesa Open Space with trails, historic buildings and recreational opportunities.  Camaraderie develops between the various teams of volunteers.  Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about fruit, nut, vegetable, native and pollinator plants adapted to the Front Range.  They will have the opportunity to learn or even develop innovative growing systems and protocols to increase the cropping success on the Front Range.  Many of the volunteers are certified Master Gardeners or have knowledge and experience with various crops and agricultural systems; they love to discuss myriad agricultural and horticultural topics.  Many volunteers increase the productivity of their own gardens and edible landscapes with the knowledge and experience they gain at Hidden Mesa.  

 

 

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Become the friendly, welcoming face of Douglas County Open Space. Greet visitors and provide them with advice and information to ensure they have safe and enjoyable outdoor experience while also protecting our lands and resources.  You can also have the option to work in a group of two to four volunteers at the trailhead or on the trail, sharing information about  good trail etiquette while also providing friendly reminders to hikers, bikers and riders about how they can best respect the Open Space properties.  

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The Volunteer Trail Crew Member will assist in Increasing community involvement with Douglas County Open Space and Natural Resources (DCOSNR) and its trail users through active participation in trail maintenance while increasing trail safety and sustainability. 

The volunteer Trail Crew Team Member will work with DCOSNR staff at various open space locations such as Dawson Butte Open Space, Spruce Mountain Open Space, Lincoln Mountain Open Space, and Columbine Open Space. Trails will wind through scenic meadows, breathtaking vistas, and forested landscapes.

Primary Activities:

• Works under the direction of DCOSNR Staff.
• Follows safety guidelines and practices provided by DCOSNR Staff.  
• Represent DCOSNR by being a positive visible presence within DCOSNR properties. 
• Assist DCOSNR Staff with Trail Maintenance work, including but not limited to:
  • Corridor Clearing
  • Tread Work
  • Installation and repair of water diversions structures
  • Trail development and improvement

Requirements:

• Must complete a background check with Douglas County. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Desire and ability to work in the outdoors.
• Good physical condition is recommended but not required.
• Must be willing and able to work in various outdoor conditions and elements.
• First Aid and CPR Certification.

Training:

• On the Trail Training and Mentoring including but not limited to: 
  • Proper use of trail tools 
  • Proper storage of trail tools on and off the trail
  • Trail safety 
  • Trail development and improvement training  

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Volunteer Mountain Bike Patrol

As Ambassadors of Douglas County, Volunteer Mountain Bike Patrol are dedicated to public safety and protecting the county's land and resources. The Volunteer Mountain Bike Patrol educates and assists visitors in need and promotes the values and ideals of Douglas County Open Space.

The Volunteer Mountain Bike Patrol assists Open Space staff by providing an additional presence on the trail systems and at some special events.  Occasionally, they lead guided rides for approved special events.  Finally, they may be asked to assist Search and Rescue.

Participation in the Volunteer Mountain Bike Patrol requires additional screening and verification of the rider's skill and ability.  

Do you enjoy watching wildlife and listening to birds while hiking through picturesque landscapes?    If so, by joining the Weed Warriors, you will help to create experiences like this! In addition, we will teach you about noxious weeds and how to remove them.

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