Volunteers help restore habitat and expand tree canopy at Clifton Nature Park

Restoring land takes more than removing what doesn’t belong. It takes putting the right things back.

That work is underway at Clifton Nature Park.

Mesa County Noxious Weed and Pest partnered with local volunteers and community organizations to plant native trees and shrubs, helping restore habitat and improve the landscape.

Volunteers from the Grand Valley Disc Golf Club and River’s Edge West joined county staff to plant nine trees, including box elders and Fremont cottonwoods, along with about 20 shrubs.

The effort builds on ongoing work to remove invasive species. Native plants are now being added back to support long-term restoration.

About 16 volunteers contributed time, materials and expertise to the project.

River’s Edge West, a local nonprofit focused on river corridor restoration, partners with Mesa County and others to remove invasive plants and reestablish native vegetation, improving conditions along local waterways.

The new trees will provide shade and improve the experience for people using the park, including those visiting the nearby disc golf course.

Projects like this rely on continued community involvement. Volunteers help maintain restored areas, manage invasive species and support the long-term health of these spaces.

Interested in getting involved?

Explore volunteer opportunities with River’s Edge West.