Greenhouse Volunteer Day: Willow Up-potting

Project Description:

The RMNP vegetation crew works in many ways to restore degraded landscapes – one of these ways is propagating and growing plants in our greenhouse and nursery which will be used in restoration projects throughout the park. For this volunteer day, you will be helping plant willow stakes in “cone-tainers” so they can grow roots and thrive in their future habitat!

Dates (weather permitting): Thursday, September 17, 2026 or Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Choose your preferred date.

Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm. Volunteers should plan to stay for the full time period.

Where to Meet: We will meet in the outdoor plaza in front of Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. From there we will walk to the greenhouse about ¼ mile away down a paved path on a gentle to moderate hillside. The greenhouse is located at an elevation of around 7,600 ft.

What to Expect:

Tasks include using hand clippers to cut willows into stakes, planting stakes in soil, loading/moving wheelbarrows of soil, and lifting heavy trays. These tasks will be divided among volunteers and staff – you will not have to do them all.

Expect the unexpected with fall weather in the mountains – it could be sunny, windy, hot, cold, snowing, and/or raining in the same day, so prepare accordingly.

Water will be available onsite for refills. Restrooms are a short walk away in the natural resources building.

What’s Provided: Work gloves, sunscreen, water for refills, electrolyte mix, kneeling pads

What to Bring: Layers, rain gear, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), gloves (if you prefer your own), day pack, bag lunch and snacks, water.

Minimum age: 18 years