The Carbondale-based stewardship nonprofit Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) invites volunteers of all ages and abilities to the pinnacle of the Crystal River Valley this weekend, June 29 and 30, for the Fourth Annual Marble Stewardship Extravaganza: a family-friendly campout spent caring for public lands, learning and relaxing in the beautiful scenery that Marble has to offer.
Participants can choose to just drive up for the day to lend a hand with various restoration projects. Those who opt to camp with the RFOV crew will enjoy complimentary meals provided by Marble-staple Slow Groovin’ BBQ.
For the past several years, RFOV has been hosting the Marble Stewardship Extravaganza to help maintain and preserve one of Colorado’s historic areas.
According to RFOV’s marketing director, Sophie Ahava, over 40 volunteers came to last year’s Extravaganza.
“It’s awesome to see just how much reach we have in the community and how many people want to join us for an event like this,” Ahava shared.
Various volunteer options are on the table, and participants can choose the difficulty level that’s best for them. Each opportunity caters to RFOV’s three specialties: sustainable recreation, healthy landscapes and fire mitigation.
Volunteers will work at three different sites. Those interested in breaking a sweat can take a steep hike up to Raspberry Creek for some good old-fashioned trail work.
Others looking for a more relaxing time in open scenery can help pluck invasive plants in the Marble Wetlands and scatter seeds native to Colorado. Families are especially encouraged to join in on this portion of the project.
Finally, volunteers can choose to help with fire mitigation work around the historic Marble Mill Site. Much of the latter work will be performed with chainsaws, which can only be operated by people previously trained by RFOV, but extra hands are always welcome to haul away debris.
“There’s 20 years of work that could be done there, so we work on this site every year,” Ahava said of the Mill Site.
Fire mitigation volunteers will also be working with the Town of Marble, Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District and the Roaring Fork Valley Wildfire Collaborative.
In terms of camping, folks can either roll into town on Friday night to pitch a tent before the volunteering begins, or just stay Saturday night to wake up bright and early for Sunday’s schedule.
RFOV has reserved nine campsites which are available free of cost to those who register in time. Water and restrooms are available at the campsite. People in need of a tent can contact RFOV ahead of time to reserve a loaner, courtesy of the organization.
While lunches will not be provided over the weekend, RFOV will dish up breakfast as well as dinner on Friday night. Those who hang around on Saturday and Sunday nights will receive comped dinners from Slow Groovin BBQ.
After each workday is over, campers are invited to chill at the site, chat with the always-friendly RFOV staff, or go for a quick jaunt to nearby Treasure Falls. Campfire musicians are especially welcome to bring their best singalongs.
In a nutshell
What: Marble Stewardship Extravaganza
When: June 29 & 30
Where: Marble, Colorado
More info: www.rfov.org