Contact: Thea Rock, Communications Manager

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Explore Volunteering for Jeffco Open Space at Open Houses
From observing wildlife and assisting visitors to bringing history to life, volunteers find many ways to contribute to Jeffco Open Space (JCOS). Learn about all the opportunities at two Volunteer Recruitment Open Houses drop-in events on Saturday, February 8 or on Saturday, February 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February 8 Lookout Mountain Nature Center
910 Colorow Road, Golden, CO


February 15 Jeffco Open Space Offices
700 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 100, Golden, CO


Staff members and volunteers will be on hand to help potential volunteers find positions that best suit their interests and schedules. JCOS accepts applications for a limited time before spring from potential volunteers who wish to join our ongoing programs.

“When you volunteer for Jeffco Open Space, you encounter the best of all worlds,” said Teddy Newman, 2012 Volunteer of the Year. “The public is very appreciative of your knowledge and service. And the other volunteers become like family. I can’t think of any place I’d rather volunteer.”

The hard work and vision of grassroots volunteers resulted in the creation of JCOS in 1972. JCOS has prized volunteer contributions ever since.

This year, Hiwan Homestead Museum volunteers, Park Hosts and natural resource volunteers are particularly needed to support new and existing programs.

Butterfly Monitors will observe and record native butterflies as part of a joint effort with the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster.

Nextbox Monitors observe and record bird box nest attempts, from nest building through fledging. This data is reported to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for a nationwide monitoring study.

FrogWatch Volunteers assist in identifying and monitoring the breeding locations of frog species. Data will be used to help monitor and manage wetland habitats on Open Space properties. The information is also recorded in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums FrogWatch USA national database on frog breeding to help develop amphibian conservation efforts.

Project BudBurst Volunteers monitor and record stages in plant lifecycle. This data is used to develop management strategies for plants, animals and habitat on Open Space lands. The data is also shared with Project BudBurst, a national ecological monitoring program designed to study plant responses to changes in climates and ecosystems.

Cliff-Nesting Raptor Observers identify and monitor the use of cliffs by such raptors as golden eagles, red-tail hawks, prairie falcons, peregrine falcons and great horned owls. Monitors help us to determine the success of nests and develop plans to protect habitat.

Bird Catalog Survey Volunteers identify and record bird species and habitat while hiking.
Park Hosts greet visitors near the trailhead, answer questions and assist at special events, festivals and summer parades.

Park Patrollers travel the trails on foot, bike and horseback, assisting visitors and promoting good conduct.

Trail Builders join the cause at Thursday evening MiniCrew events from May to September, during the week alongside our Trails crew or at our Saturday trail building events.

Administrative Support Volunteers serve the public at the JCOS headquarters.

Jeffco Open Space welcomes your natural gifts and the skills you’d like to develop. For more information, go to the Volunteer webpage of jeffco.us/parks or call Volunteer Services Administrator Jana Johns, 303-271-5925.



Jeffco Open Space was founded as a land conservation organization in 1972 and preserves natural and cultural resources, provides quality outdoor recreation experiences and promotes sound environmental stewardship. We are funded with a one-half cent sales tax that has protected over 52,000 acres and created 28 regional parks and 227 miles of trails throughout Jefferson County.