Laramie: Get Outside, Get Your Hands Dirty, and Give Back

Get outside before it snows and enjoy Laramie’s brief fall foliage…and get some volunteer hours in, too. And a free lunch!

The US Forest Service is hosting multiple events this Saturday, Sept. 23 for National and Wyoming Public Lands Day, and they’re looking for volunteers for a variety of projects.

Saturday, according to the USFS, is the “largest single-day volunteer effort for America’s public lands,” stated in their news release. The Gem City is known for its great outdoor opportunities, so Public Lands Day provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the crisp mountain air and also show appreciation for the many uses of our public lands. 

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This year’s event is the sixth year the USFS has partnered with several groups, including the University of Wyoming, to nurture our public lands. Skill level varies from each project; volunteers can sign up for what they’re most comfortable with. 

Painting and brushing at recreation sites, trail maintenance, and buck/rail fencing are on the chore list, so wear appropriate clothing and close-toed shoes, and bring a backpack with water and room for your provided lunch, and an extra layer because…Wyoming weather. All materials and tools necessary to help are provided, along with gloves and instructions. 

Four of the projects will be on National Forest land. Painting and brushing will be done at Yellow Pine and Tie City campgrounds near Happy Jack. USFS will be working with Laramie BikeNet on rock armoring and drainage on a few sections of Happy Jack trails, and the Wyoming Conservation Corps will be working at East Headquarters Trailhead.

Registration for events is available in advance online or day of the event.

Check-in begins at 8:30 at the Wyoming Union Ballroom. Enjoy coffee and donuts while getting a short debriefing on each project from the partner organizations involved. Select your project, get your necessary materials, and head to your work site. 

If you’re a UW student, transportation will be provided via the UW Outdoor Program.

For questions about volunteer registration, visit uwyo.edu/slce or contact slce@uwyo.edu.

Partners for the Laramie area projects include the University of Wyoming Service, Leadership, and Community Engagement (SLCE) Office, UW Outdoor Program, Laramie Bikenet, Common Outdoor Ground, Pilot Hill Project, USDA Forest Service, Wyoming Conservation Corps, and Wyoming State Parks.