Wildlands Restoration Volunteers

If you don’t find an answer in our Frequently Asked Questions below, please email info@wrv.org or call us at (303) 543-1411 x1 weekdays.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – FAQ

VOLUNTEERING

What do I need to know about volunteering with WRV?

PREPARING FOR YOUR EVENT

Let us know if you can’t come: Every person counts! If you don’t show up, that has a negative impact on our work. Please cancel under My Schedule with as much notice as possible, or email info@wrv.org if the online cancellation window has closed.
Bring work gloves, or we have gloves to share if you don’t have some.
Bring lunch & snacks. We’ll also have some snacks on hand and provide drinking water for refills. On overnight camping projects we usually provide breakfast & dinner – check your Project Details email.
Have everyone in your party register individually so they can receive all notices and sign the annual waiver online instead of a paper copy. Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; please print and bring a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
Read your Project Details email (sent 4-10 days in advance) for directions and a list of items to bring.
Update your emergency contact in your profile. It is important that we can reach someone in the event of an emergency.
Don’t come if you are sick: If you have any symptoms (fever, dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath) or have not been fever-free without medication for 72 hours, do not come. If you have been exposed to someone with symptoms in the past 10 days and are not vaccinated, do not come. Volunteers are asked to perform a self-health check before participating.

WHAT TO BRING

For ONE-DAY events, download this checklist or watch this short video on what to bring:

For OVERNIGHT events, download the camping checklist or watch this short video on what to bring. Important points are to bring your own lunches, snacks, and camping equipment. We encourage volunteers to review these Leave No Trace camping principles. If you need to borrow camping equipment, please contact us at info@wrv.org at least one week prior (supplies limited).

DURING YOUR EVENT

Wash your hands at our minimal touch handwashing stations.
Wear gloves anytime when handling tools.
Have fun, enjoy the fresh air, learn something new, and get to know your fellow volunteers!

AFTER YOUR EVENT

Fill out your online survey to help us continue to provide safe & rewarding volunteer experiences.
Share with others about your experience with WRV!
If you experience COVID-19 symptoms within 10 days, please notify us at info@wrv.org or 303-543-1411 x1.

Volunteer Openings Donate

How do I register for an event?

Visit the WRV Calendar to find an event that interests you. You can use the Slots Remaining filter to display only those events that currently have openings. Use the colored buttons to explore all our restoration program areas and training opportunities. Use the lower search tags to view events by region or physical effort, or to view overnight camping trips and social events. Switch between list and monthly views using the icons at lower right. Find an event and click “Sign Up,” after which you’ll need to create an account or be signed in. If your event allows registration by more than one person at a time it will prompt you for the number of volunteers. You’ll also need to sign an annual waiver. Need more help? View step-by-step instructions on registering. After you register, you will receive a confirmation email. Full details about what to bring and where to meet are sent 5-7 days prior to each event.

Should I join a WAITLIST?

WRV events are in high demand, but we encourage you to join waitlists for projects you are interested in. Some spots are held for groups or volunteer leader trainees, which if not filled are released 1-3 weeks before each event. We also ask everyone to cancel ASAP if plans change under My Schedule. The next person on the waitlist instantly gets their registration confirmation (cut-off is 12 hrs before day projects & 24 hrs before overnights). For this reason, we ask that you please stay on top of your waitlist sign-ups and cancel if you make other plans so we can skip right to the next person in line!

You can also qualify to access reserved spots and skip the waitlist by training to be a volunteer leader to fill Leader Openings. Volunteers with first aid training are always needed (email your WFA, WFR, EMT or higher certification to info@wrv.org). Note: if you have qualified for a skilled or leadership role, you have to be signed in in order to view those openings on the calendar.

What skills do I need to volunteer?

We provide any orientation and training you will need, unless we advertise for specific skills. We take special pride in helping newcomers learn the ropes so they can make a real contribution from the get-go.

How physically challenging is the project work?

The level of effort required varies, but most events can accommodate a range of abilities. Project descriptions will include this kind of information. Generally, the high country trail projects are the most strenuous and our seed collection projects are least strenuous. And, there is plenty in between. We need people to help with event management and cooking, which might suit you if you like to get out but prefer not to do too much physical labor.

Easier Activities – Typically require shorter walks on relatively flat but uneven ground. Activities may include bending, stooping, planting, and spreading seed and mulch. Example events include Seeds & Family-Friendly projects, as well as indoor support activities such as seed cleanings and kitchen shifts.
Moderate Activities – Typically require short to medium walks on potentially rocky or steep ground. Activities may include digging, planting, or hauling. Example events include Rivers, Habitats & Weeds projects.
Strenuous Activities – A good degree of fitness and stamina is required. Example events include Trails, Forests, Habitats & Weeds projects (myrtle spurge).
Very Strenuous Activities – May involve long hikes, steep elevation changes, and heavy physical labor. A high degree of fitness and stamina is required. Examples include some Trails, Forests & Habitats projects, particularly those at high elevations or in backcountry settings.

Are WRV projects ADA accessible?

We understand many of our projects are not accessible to everyone, and we do our best to make reasonable accommodations for volunteers who need them. Most WRV projects are not ADA accessible, but we do have some opportunities for volunteers who live with disabilities to participate, both in the office and in the field. If you want to learn more, please reach out to jess@wrv.org. If you have concerns about whether a specific project is accessible to you, please reach out to a staff member or your WSL.

How do I sign my waiver?

Volunteers need to sign an annual waiver. When you register for a project, you will have to agree to the waiver electronically before you can complete your registration. You can also download your waiver, print, sign and bring it with you. You can view your signed waivers in your account.

When will I receive project details?

You should receive project details five to seven days before the start date of your project. If you have not received details within five days of your project, check the spam or junk folder of your inbox. If you still cannot find your project details, email the WRV Staff Liaison (WSL) for your project, or email info@wrv.org or call 303-543-1411 ext. 1 during business hours.

Is transportation provided?

Generally, we do not provide transportation to projects. However, when you sign up for a project, you will have the option to sign up to carpool. If you do, we’ll share your basic contact information with other volunteers on your project who also want to carpool. You are responsible for contacting them to arrange a ride. Even better, invite a friend with wheels to register!

Can a volunteer use public transportation to get to a project site?

Yes, depending on the location of the project and its proximity to the city. Some of our projects are indeed accessible via public transportation and will include walking to and from a bus stop or station.

Who will I be working with?

As a volunteer crew member, you will work as part of a group of 4-8 other people. Volunteers are a mix of veterans and first-timers with a variety of ages and backgrounds, all coming together with a common interest in making a difference. Your crew will be led be a trained Crew Leader. Depending on the project, your Crew Leader will be assisted by various other volunteer leader roles, as well as a WRV staff liaison (WSL or “whistle”) to make sure you have everything you need.

At the beginning of the day, Crew Leaders are introduced and information shared on any differences in the type of work crews will be doing. We then leave it to volunteers to self-select into crews. In some cases, we may ask volunteers to re-distribute between crews in order to even out numbers or to match the tasks at hand. You can always volunteer alongside others you came with, and if for any reason you do not want to volunteer with certain individuals or a particular crew you always have the right to switch to another crew — just let a volunteer leader or your WSL know and we’ll facilitate that for you!

Can I leave a volunteer project early?

When you sign up for a project, we ask that you please plan to participate for the entire time listed. If there is a possibility to participate for only part of the time (for example, attending only one day on certain multi-day projects), then that option will be clearly listed. Otherwise, please understand that leaving early can negatively impact group morale as well as our ability to accomplish our scope of work for the day. Therefore we highly discourage leaving early for reasons other than health or safety. We do sometimes end a bit early, either because all the work has been accomplished or due to weather conditions, but otherwise please do plan to attend the entire time.

Are bilingual staff or volunteer leaders present on each project?

We cannot guarantee that each project will have bilingual staff, but we do offer designated bilingual projects that are led in both English and Spanish. Or in some cases, only Spanish, those can be found on our Spanish-language calendar

I don’t have all the necessary gear for an overnight project, do you loan any gear to volunteers?

WRV does not want lack of gear to be a barrier to participation, and we think that many of our projects are great ways to gain comfort in a camping environment! We have some gear that we can loan out if needed on overnight projects, including a limited supply of extra sleeping bags and pads, tents, and personal stoves. If you are missing something else on your project packing list, please reach out to the WSL of the project to request additional support. For a more comprehensive list of items to bring on our overnight projects, click here.

Can I bring my dog?

Unfortunately, no. We have nothing against pets. It’s just that pets can become a safety risk as well as a negative impact to wildlife and vegetation in the areas where we work.

Can I complete community service hours with WRV?

Yes, we are happy to sign off on your community service hours. If your community service hours are court-mandated, please bring your community service log, a government issued ID, and the contact information of your court supervisor and your WRV Staff Liaison will sign your form.

What does it cost to volunteer on a project?

There are no fees to volunteer.

I’m injured or otherwise unable to work on a project crew. Are there other ways to volunteer with WRV?

Yes. Depending on your capabilities, there are often roles such as greeter, photographer, cook, etc. that are less physically demanding on a project. We also have in-office opportunities for volunteers. Please email us info@wrv.org and we can let you know what opportunities are available.

Can I volunteer in the office?

Yes, there is plenty to do in the office to support our projects and programs. Email us at info@wrv.org or call 303-543-1411 ext. 1. We’d love to discuss these opportunities with you!

Do you offer internships?

Yes. For more information on internships, please visit our Staff and Jobs page.

How does WRV keep volunteers safe during wildfires?

WRV monitors all wildfire activity in season on a daily basis. Any modifications will be shared with those registered for each event. You can view maps of current fire activity and current air quality and smoke. In general, WRV events will continue to run as scheduled when air quality is Good (Green), Moderate (Yellow), or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange). WRV events will be cancelled when air quality becomes Unhealthy (Red), Very Unhealthy (Purple), or Hazardous (Dark Purple). We recognize that individual tolerance to smoke varies, therefore if you decide not to come due to conditions please just let us know with as much notice as possible by cancelling under My Schedule, emailing info@wrv.org or calling (303) 543-1411 x1. Thank you!

GROUPS

Can my group/corporate group participate in a WRV Project?

Yes. Please see Corporate Groups for details and fill our our group project form.

How do I register a group for a project?

We welcome groups to attend most projects. If you wish to bring family members, just bump up the “number attending” when you register. If you wish to bring friends or organize a group of colleagues, please contact Amy Ansari at 303-543-1411 ext. 104 or e-mail her at amy@wrv.org. We will add a group registration, and you can have your individual group members then sign up under that group name.

YOUTH

Are children welcome?

We try whenever possible to include children. The minimum age varies from project to project according to the difficulty and safety issues. On most projects, children in small numbers can be accommodated. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an authorized adult whose primary responsibility is their supervision.

What is a ‘Family-Friendly’ project?

The Family-Friendly designation is used to indicate projects where children under the age of 12 are permitted to participate in the restoration work along with a parent or guardian. These projects tend to be safer and easier than other projects, but may still involve camping or full-day events. However, project days can be long for young children, so “tag-teaming” is always recommended when bringing children ages 8 and under. “Tag-teaming” means that children come with two parents/adults that can take turns supervising the children and participating in the restoration work. We find that this creates the best project experience for both children and adults. If you have questions or concerns about bringing a child to a particular Family-Friendly project, please call the WRV office at 303-543-1411 x1.

My child is below the minimum age. Can they still come?

Most WRV projects have a stated minimum age. This indicates approximately the youngest child we anticipate can readily complete the work tasks involved in this project. This minimum age also takes into account other factors such as weather exposure and difficulty of access to the work site. Every child is unique, with different propensities for outdoor work and general hardiness out in the elements. If parents are willing to tag team, so at least one person can focus on the needs of the child, and the parents are comfortable in the outdoor setting of the project, then there is a very good chance you can bring a child who is younger than our stated minimum age and have a fantastic experience. Please call the WRV office at 303-543-1411 x109 to discuss how we can accommodate the needs of your family. We love having family participation! For more information, see the FAQ above about “Family-Friendly projects.”

What is a Youth Service Learning Day Camp?

Youth educational day camps are sometimes, but not always, held in conjunction with family-friendly projects, and if so, will be listed at the bottom of the project description with an age-range on the WRV website. Day camps provide opportunities for children to participate in age-appropriate environmental activities and service while adults and teens volunteer on the larger project at the same location. Participation in these camps requires separate registration from the larger volunteer project, so check the project description for specific instructions on who to contact.

TRAINING

Do you offer training?

Yes, WRV offers a wide variety of leadership and skill trainings. View our full training calendar.

Are there training fees?

Some trainings are free while others have fees. We offer a discounted price to current members and current volunteers.

What do the training fees cover?

Our training fees cover materials, food (if provided), professional trainers’ time and often rental of space. We have worked hard to make these fees bare bones so that all may attend.

How do I qualify for a discount?

To qualify for a discount on a WRV event, you need to be a “current” volunteer or member. This means you have either made a membership contribution in the last 12 months or you have volunteered on two projects in the past two years. If you don’t currently meet either criteria, you can become a member now, or you can attend two projects this year, after which you can contact WRV for a refund of the difference between the price you paid and the discounted price.

Do you offer scholarships?

Limited scholarships are available for WRV volunteers. Contact WRV at 303-543-1411 x1 or info@wrv.org for more information.

What is your cancellation policy for fee-based trainings and other events?

If you need to cancel a registration for a fee-based event, please call the WRV office at 303-543-1411 x1.

Our standard cancellation policy is as follows:

If you cancel more than 14 days prior to an event, 50% of the fee will be refunded to you.
If you cancel within the 14 day period prior to an event, we cannot provide a refund.
If you register WITHIN the the two weeks prior to the event, and then cancel, we cannot provide a refund.

Any amount not refunded will be considered a tax-deductible donation.

ABOUT WRV

How did WRV get started?

Please see our Milestones section under About Us.

What’s with all the acronyms?

We use a variety of acronyms for many of our leadership roles on projects:

WSL: WRV Staff Liaison (pronounced “whistle”) – The staff lead on any given project or training
PL: Project Leader – Volunteer or staff responsible for managing a project
CL: Crew Leader – Volunteers trained in leading crews of volunteers on projects
TA: Technical Advisor – Volunteer or staff responsible for the technical planning of a restoration or trails project
TM: Tool Manager – Volunteer or staff who manages the tools, kitchen gear, and vehicles associated with a project
CTM: Cook Team Member – Volunteer or staff responsible for meal planning and preparation on a project

For leadership training information, check out our training schedule.

Why do we provide land acknowledgements?

We begin our projects with a land acknowledgement to recognize and honor the history of the land and of the Indigenous people who have long lived here and who continue to live here today. We utilize this time to recognize the Indigenous people that were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands – lands that we work and play on today – and to resist their continued erasure from the stories we tell about these places.

Why do we state our pronouns?

We state our pronouns to let others know how to address us, reducing the need to make assumptions about someone’s gender based on their appearance or name. Click here to learn more about pronouns and why they matter.

Can I purchase WRV merchandise?

Yes. You can stop by our Boulder or Fort Collins offices for official WRV merchandise, please call ahead to make an appointment. We also try to bring merchandise to all social events, and some project events.

When does the project schedule for next season come out?

We build our project schedule during the winter. Check in early March for the completed schedule and the opportunity to register. If you are a volunteer who receives emails, check your inbox around that time. If you are a member, we will send you our complete project schedule and registration links a week before we send out to the general public.

I have a potential project idea for WRV. How can I let WRV know?

We send out project forms to agency contacts, partners, etc. every fall. If you would like to receive a project form, let us know and we will send one to you. Check Tell Us About Your Project for details.

FINANCES

How do you fund your projects?

WRV obtains funding from a wide variety of sources, including foundation and government grants, fees for services, corporate donations, individual donations, and memberships. WRV appreciates our many Sponsors and Partners.

How does WRV solicit funds for its mission?

WRV mails and emails fundraising letters to existing stakeholders, such as volunteers, former donors, and people who have requested to join our mailing list. WRV writes grants to government agencies, corporations, and private foundations. WRV requests donations via social media and through our website donation page. WRV requests at least a partial fee for service from training attendees, land management agencies, and private landowners. WRV welcomes gifts of cash, stock, property, and more. WRV promotes legacy gifts from estates, charitable annuities and charitable remainder trusts. WRV occasionally holds fundraising events and auctions. And, WRV asks individuals for gifts in person. WRV’s Executive Director reserves the right to decline a gift based on our gift acceptance policy. WRV may soon request donations via phone or text message.

What is WRV’s employer identification number (Federal Tax ID)?

46-0505155. This number is needed for some donations such as putting WRV in a will.

POLICIES

Smoking Policy

Smoking is discouraged at all WRV activities. WRV shall affirmatively enforce smoking restrictions where smoking is not permitted by law, or restricted by fire bans. WRV project smokers should exercise due care to extinguish smoking materials safely and should avoid annoying other participants with second hand smoke.

Alcohol Policy

Alcohol may be provided on some projects by WRV. On overnight projects, participants are allowed to bring their own alcohol, contingent on this being acceptable to the applicable land management agency. If alcohol is going to be served at a project, other non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. Drinking is allowed only after work is complete for the day. If project participants consume alcohol, they are requested to drink moderately and responsibly to avoid illness and injury, and as a courtesy to other volunteers.
WRV project participants are reminded that under section 12-47-901(1) Colorado Revised Statutes, it is unlawful for any person: (a) To sell, serve, give away, dispose of, exchange, or deliver, or permit the sale, serving, giving, or procuring of, any alcohol beverage to a visibly intoxicated person or to a known habitual drunkard; (a.5) (I) To sell, serve, give away, dispose of, exchange, or deliver or permit the sale, serving, giving, or procuring of any alcohol beverage to or for any person under the age of twenty-one years.
Underage drinking is not permitted. If alcohol is going to be served at a project, to the extent possible, notice will be given to any youth groups planning to attend the project. WRV leadership shall take affirmative actions to prevent consumption of alcohol by minors on WRV activities.
If WRV holds a function at which it intends to sell alcohol by the drink, it will procure an appropriate license as required by applicable law.

Illegal Substances Policy

Illegal substances are not permitted on WRV projects. Marijuana is an illegal substance under federal law.

Quiet Hours

Overnight projects are a treasured opportunity to socialize with new and old friends in a beautiful outdoor environment. Many volunteers, however, want to go to bed early to be ready for the next day’s hard work. WRV asks that all project participants be considerate of other project participants and keep noise levels down in the evening and early morning. From 10:00 pm to 6:00 a.m., project participants are asked to avoid making any unnecessary noise that will carry to sleeping areas.

Harassment Policy

Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV) values all people and believes all people can become stewards of their natural environment. We believe the stewardship community is strengthened and improved by the participation and contributions of people with a diverse range of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.
Comments or jokes made about someone’s identity, and the intersections of one’s identity are not acceptable and will not be tolerated on any WRV project
In our dealings with volunteers, employees, applicants for employment and all other constituencies, WRV is committed to equal opportunity and equal treatment for all qualified individuals based on individual merit and capability. We do not discriminate against applicants, employees, volunteers or any other constituents on the basis of race, disability, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
This policy applies to all activities of WRV.

General Contest Guidelines

Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV) conducts its contests as described in these general contesting rules. By participating, each participant agrees as follows:

Prize(s). The prize(s) that may be awarded to the eligible winner(s) are not transferable, redeemable for cash or exchangeable for any other prize. All prizes must be redeemed within thirty (30) days of the contest end date unless otherwise stated in the contest’s official rules. If a winner cannot be contacted or is disqualified for any reason, the WRV reserves the right to determine an alternate winner or not to award that winner’s prize, in its sole discretion.
Eligibility and Limitations. Employees of WRV, WRV board members and members of the immediate family of any such persons are not eligible to participate and win. The term “immediate family” includes spouses, siblings, parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren, whether as “in-laws,” or by current or past marriage(s), remarriage(s), adoption, co-habitation or other family extension, and any other persons residing at the same household whether or not related.
Release. By participating in the Contest, each participant and winner waives any and all claims of liability against the WRV, its employees and agents, the Contest’s sponsors and their respective employees and agents, for any personal injury or loss which may occur from the conduct of, or participation in, the Contest, or from the use of any prize.

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