The New Vista High School CAP Class class went out for their second and final trip this weekend, volunteering at the Columbia Cemetery, hiking near Allenspark, and day-hiking at NCAR in Boulder. Fortunately, the weather was excellent and the group got to enjoy some springtime sunshine and early wildflowers.

At the Columbia Cemetery, students helped the conservation volunteers there weed iris beds. The irises were budding and will soon be blooming, and the students made a it challenge to clean up the entire Southern fence line of the cemetery.

Next, the crew traveled up to the Allenspark trailhead. Students spent the afternoon hiking to a campsite, practicing plant identification, and taking photos. Once at the site, students set up camp quickly and explored the lake and rocky outcroppings. Due to some unexpected circumstances, students and instructors decided to return to New Vista that evening and day hike together the next day in the Boulder area. NCAR was chosen as the site for the day hike, and students played riddle games while exploring the trails at this beautiful spot.

CAP New Vista is headed into its final weeks of school, and students will be presenting sustainability-focused lessons at an education fair for elementary schoolers!

The CAP class also has a number of graduating seniors. Congratulations seniors and we look forward to continuing to explore nature with other CAP participants this fall!

Written by Cottonwood Institute Instructor Keiran Bissell

See more photos from the trip here!