Not all college students party for a week over spring break. Some volunteer their labor to maintain trails near Cortez and help the wild horses in Disappointment Valley.
For the last 16 years, the San Juan Mountains Association has been hosting an alternative spring break for college students from the University of Missouri.
Ten students are chosen each year to attend the program and assist with public land projects.
"We get the cream of the crop, and really put them to work," says SJMA organizer Kathe Hayes. "For many of them, it is their first experience in the West."
The working vacation takes students first to Disappointment Valley, then on to Sand Canyon and Mud Springs for trail work and land restoration.
"They helped build a lot of the boundary fence this year," said TJ Holmes, who monitors the Spring Creek Basin Herd.
"In the Wilderness study area, they have to use hand saws and walk the supplies in because motorized is not allowed."
Students get lessons on water issues, grazing, and public land management. Long-time local experts, including Al Heaton and Dan Fernandez, provide BBQ meals, and instruction on local land and water issues.
This year the students tackled trail maintenance at the Mud Springs trail. Trash was cleaned up, trees trimmed, and work was done to separate motorized areas from non-motorized areas.
Volunteer groups have been instrumental in helping the BLM create the trails and travel ways at Mud Springs. Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen, Conservation Legacy, San Juan Mountains Association, Kokopelli Bike Club, and students from the University of Missouri have contributed many hours installing signage, delineating trails, picking up trash and repairing fences.
After their hard work, the Mizzou students took a tour of the Spring Creek Basin Herd to view the animals they helped keep safe.
"To see the wild mustangs running with the wind was like a heartfelt thank you to the students," Holmes said.
For more information on how to volunteer with SJMA go to http://www.sjma.org/volunteer/volunteer/volunteer.htm
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com