In an effort to celebrate the resiliency of the Hermosa Creek watershed following the 416 fire, local non-profit organizations and the San Juan National Forest are hosting a Hermosa Resiliency Event, aimed at providing the community with opportunities to engage in restoration efforts and to learn how the fire affected local forests.
San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA), Trails 2000, Mountain Studies Institute (MSI),Durango Nature Studies, and the San Juan National Forest are hosting a half-day event on August 10, 2019 at the Lower Hermosa Campground to provide the public an opportunity to restore the Hermosa Creek trail, plant native seeds, and enjoy interpretive and stewardship-oriented hikes through the burn area. Durango Nature Studies will provide educational children’s activities. All activities will begin at 9:00 am on August 10th.
“Hermosa Creek is a special place that is near and dear to the hearts of the local community. We want to provide the public with an opportunity to directly engage in restoration efforts and to learn how the 416 Fire affected local forests. It’s going to be a great day and I hope we see great participation from the community.” stated Brent Schoradt, executive director of SJMA.
“The outdoor recreation economy is of growing interest in the Southwest. Trails, jobs, and conservation are all pillars of the economy and area nonprofits play a big role in bringing those goals to fruition in the Durango area. The collaborative efforts on the Hermosa are just an example of our area nonprofits’ dedication to conservation in our community,” stated Mary Monroe Brown, Director of Trails 2000.
“Forest Service land managers across the country rely on the support of our area partners. This is a great effort by our partners to encourage the community to participate on these efforts on the Hermosa. We have a big workload ahead and the Hermosa Restoration Project is just the beginning,” stated Kara Chadwick, San Juan National Forest Supervisor.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the following projects:
Trail Restoration:
Trailwork on Hermosa Creek trail. This project will improve the backslope of the tread which sloughed off in several areas of the trail after the fire left the soils unstable. Led by Trails 2000, trail users should plan to mountain bike to the worksite. No experience is necessary, and Trails 2000 will provide the necessary instruction and safety tool talk, all tools, gloves, and water and lunch for the entire crew. Volunteers are required to sign up at www.trails2000.org
Interpretive and Stewardship Hikes:
Interpretive hikes to the old-growth stands affected by the 416 Fire led by SJMA and MSI: 1.5 hour long (~2.5 miles) departing at 9:30 and 10:30 for those 8 years and older. Kids carried and packs accepted.
A 2.5 mile stewardship hike up the Jones Creek trail led by MSI where participants will learn about the importance of native plants and contribute to forest recovery by pulling weeds and planting native seeds.
Children’s Activities:
For children ages 6 to 12 will make seedballs comprised of sand, dirt and native seed. The balls dry out and are thrown into areas of intensive burn to help native plants recover. Led by MSI.
Children under 6 can participate in educational activities led by Durango Nature Studies.
Those interested in attending must sign up at sjma.org or trails2000.org.
Hermosa Restoration Project
When: Saturday, August 10 9a-12noon
Where/Directions: Please plan to carpool. North on 550 to FS Road 576, head up road to the campground
What to wear: Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes or boots, long pants, shirt (long or short sleeved), sun hat, sunscreen, and bring a lunch, water bottle, and a rain jacket (optional). Trails 2000 will provide all tools, instruction, water and lunch for trail work volunteers.
RSVP: Please sign up at:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094da9ad2caaf58-hermosa1
