Invasive Plant Volunteer Day with The Landmark Project at RMNP

Within the expansive Rocky Mountain National Park grows invasive plants that threaten the unique biodiversity, outcompeting native species that wildlife rely on. That's why we partnered with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy to help remove various invasive species of plants to encourage the return of the park's natural flora and wildlife.

The Landmark Project teamed up with park staff and Colorado locals for a volunteer day in Rocky Mountain National Park to help tackle the growing issue of invasive plants. These aggressive species, such as Musk Thistle and Houndstongue, have been pushing out native vegetation and disrupting vital habitats for local wildlife. Through hands-on removal efforts, we learned how to identify these invasive species and used manual techniques to safely clear them from the open meadows at Moraine Park.

Under the guidance of Bethany Balstad, Biological Science Technician and VIP Groups Lead from RMNP as well as Jessica Barnes, Director of Philanthropy, we learned about the history of Moraine Park and the constant restoration efforts present within the valley. Our group of volunteers were taught how to safely remove the invasive Musk Thistle (carduus nutans) and Houndstongue (cynoglossum officinale). One half of our crew tackled the removal of seeds, clipping off the flowering heads to prevent the plants from naturally reseeding later in the season. The other half of our group followed behind using shovels to sever the plants at the root, eliminating any opportunity for regrowth. While the stem of the plants were left to naturally biodegrade back into the soil, we gathered all of the seeds in multiple large paper bags for proper disposal.

Our team at The Landmark Project was proud to lend a hand in restoring part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Not only did we get to learn more about the history and restoration of the land, but connecting with like-minded volunteers and friends was an experience we all cherished. We are committed to leaving a positive impact, a value that has been ingrained in our mission since the beginning. Thank you for supporting The Landmark Project and joining us in protecting nature together!

If you're interested in volunteering with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, there are numerous opportunities to get involved in conservation efforts within Rocky Mountain National Park. The Conservancy hosts a variety of volunteer events throughout the year, including invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, and habitat restoration projects. These events are open to individuals and groups of all ages and skill levels.

To stay updated on upcoming volunteer opportunities, you can visit the Rocky Mountain Conservancy's event page on Eventbrite. Additionally, the National Park Service provides a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities in the park, which includes projects supported by the Conservancy.