Phantom Canyon: August 2008 Stewardship Projects

Volunteers are vital partners in the stewardship of our preserves. Join us for a rewarding day of restoration and management. Stewardship days will be advertised each month and are designed to meet the land management goals of the area. Each stewardship day will involve a brief orientation about the Laramie Foothills and Phantom Canyon Preserve, followed by a hands-on project. These are great opportunities to visit more remote parts of Phantom Canyon and see other conservation properties in the Laramie Foothills.

Stewardship days are also good opportunities to give back to the land and learn skills of natural resource management. And what a magnificent setting to learn in!  Please be sure to bring:

• work gloves
• sturdy shoes
• durable clothing that affords protection from sun/wind/rain
• sack lunch and water 

Also note the specific stewardship day descriptions for other requirements. For more information or to sign up, e-mail us at phantomcanyonevents@tnc.org and leave your name, address/phone/e-mail, number of participants, and trip name, or call Phantom Canyon Preserve office at (970) 416-8620 extension 2#.

Each stewardship day will involve a brief orientation about the Laramie Foothills and Phantom Canyon Preserve, followed by a work project. These are great opportunities to visit more remote parts of Phantom Canyon and see other conservation properties in the Laramie Foothills. 

Waterfall Ranch House Maintenance: Livermore Office
Saturday, August 23, 2008   8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Help maintain and restore the old Waterfall Ranch House in Livermore which provides the Conservancy with a year-round facility for education and outreach. Tasks include yard work and building repairs/maintenance. Bring general handyman tools and yard tools (saws, hammers, tape measures, fence tools, painting materials, rakes, pruners). Have lunch near the waterfall that gave the house its name. Meet at the Conservancy office in Livermore (1235 Cherokee Park Road, Livermore).

WEED MANAGEMENT  

Phantom Canyon River Weed Management

• Saturday, August 16, 2008    8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Sunday, August 17, 2008    8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Sunday, August 31, 2008    8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

TJ Mac Springs Weed Management

• Sunday, August 24, 2008     8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Phantom Canyon East Rim Weed Management

• Friday, August 22, 2008    8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Help control the impacts of non-native plant species in prairie, shrubland and riparian systems.  Learn how to identify exotic species and practice effective management techniques. Volunteers will hand cut and hand pull exotic species such as Canada thistle, Dalmatian toadflax and mullein. We will also be mowing grassy areas along the west rim fence as the fence is prepared for fall grazing. In addition we will be working on the canyon trail-clearing out and rebuilding trail water bars. Bring gloves, long-handled shears/pruners, weed whackers, machetes, shovels. Wear long sleeves and long pants. Meet at Phantom Canyon Preserve gate on N. US Hwy 287 (approx. 7.7 miles north of the juncture of Red Feather Lakes Road and N. US Hwy 287).

Weed Management and Fence Repair/Maintenance (Antelope Canyon, West Rim, and Five Card Draw):

• Five Card Draw Weed Management: Monday, August 18; 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• West Rim Weed Management: Tuesday, August 19; 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Volunteers will hand cut and hand pull exotic species such as Canada thistle, Dalmatian toadflax and mullein.  In addition to weed management we check and repair any fences on the location. Fences are important for quality grazing management. The barbed wire fence on Antelope Canyon is in need of serious repair.  We will be repairing and rebuilding sections of fence on this property.  Bring gloves and fence tools.  Be prepared to hike rough country off-trail. For weed management bring gloves, long-handled shears/pruners, weed whackers, machetes, shovels.  Wear long sleeves and long pants are a must.  Meet at TNC office in Livermore (1235 Cherokee Park Road Livermore).