Willow collection and planting are used in river restoration to stabilize riverbanks, prevent erosion, improve water quality, and create habitat for wildlife because willows have strong root systems, grow rapidly in saturated areas, and can absorb and store pollutants. Willows collected at this event will be used in stream restoration projects in the Cameron Peak burn area.

Event Details:

• April 25, 2025 from 8:30am-4:00pm

• Meet at Ted's Place and carpool to the collection site at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus in Red Feather Lakes (approx. 30 min drive)

• Over the day we will collect 400+ 5ft. willow stakes which will be stored at the Colorado State Forest Service nursery's cold storage until later this summer and fall when we plant them at river restoration projects.

• Free and open to the public. Space limited and registration is required.

What you need to bring: Sunscreen, layers, hat, work gloves, sturdy shoes/boots, drinking water container (bottle/glass/jug), snacks, and a lunch

CPRW will provide: Gloves, tools, other safety equipment, and extra water

Questions? Please contact Megan Maiolo-Heath at megan@poudrewatershed.org for more info.

“In a number of Native American cultures, willows symbolize inner wisdom; an open mind with the stability and strength of age and experience. Willows represent flexibility and adaptation, surviving and thriving in challenging conditions.” - Willow Alliance for Graduate Education and Professoriate (AGEP), a collaboration between Salish Kootenai College, Sitting Bull College, and the University of Montana