COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — The Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC) and the Keep it Clean COS initiative are inviting the community to help cleanup the area along Spring Creek formerly known as the Audubon Redwinged Blackbird Sanctuary.
The cleanup is happening Saturday from 9 a.m to noon. Volunteers will remove litter and debris from the area to do the following:
- help protect water quality
- protect sensitive habitats
- restore the beauty of the corridor
The parking and meeting area will be at 264 South Academy Boulevard, which is located near Airport Road.
If you plan on volunteering, you should do the following:
- bring plenty of water
- be prepared for sun, wind, or a possible afternoon shower
- wear closed-toe shoes and pants; shorts will not be permitted
- bring gloves if possible; gloves are required
- bring sunscreen, a hat and layers
To register to volunteer, click here.
The cleanup at Spring Creek is happening as the area is being considered for significant restoration work.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently released a Spring Creek Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration draft for the public to review. It covers the following:
- slope stabilization
- in-stream enhancements
- native vegetation plantings
“Our favorite wild places don't take care of themselves,” said Aaron Rogers, Program Coordinator for TOSC. “We can talk about restoration, we can plan for the future, and we can invest in these places, but there is also something incredibly powerful about simply showing up and taking care of the land. On Saturday, we're asking our community to come out, get a little dirty, and help give Spring Creek the care it deserves.”
According to TOSC, the larger restoration efforts could help strengthen Spring Creek's ecosystem and contribute to the health of the Fountain Creek watershed.
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