The Urban Prairies Project (UPP) improves the ecological health of urban and suburban open spaces along the front range and beyond, by connecting members of the community with habitat conservation for pollinators and other wildlife. UPP understands the undeniable links between greenspace health and human health, and works with municipal and community partners to make nature that is close to home healthy for all!

Over the last century, the short grass prairie ecosystem that once dominated our Colorado Front Range has declined to less than one-fifth of its original area. Alongside this, we’ve witnessed a massive loss in important plant and animal species, integral ecosystem processes, and an availability of nature that is essential to human health! 

Urban Prairies Project provides opportunities to directly counteract the effects of these losses, whether through one-off projects close to home, or through resources that create long term, dedicated, and knowledgeable stewards – Restoration Master Volunteers!  

Restoration Master Volunteers (RMVs) undergo a core training in restoration principles and techniques, native ecosystems, crew leadership, and interpretation and community outreach. Following, these volunteers have the opportunity and the choice to participate in hands-on restoration (planting projects, weed mitigation, seed collection, etc.), monitoring and data collection (surrounding pollinators, plants, burrowing owls, soil quality, and more!), or outreach in the community (attending fairs, writing articles putting on nature walks, etc.!) – OR all of the above! 

No experience is necessary to participate! Everyone is welcome. There are opportunities year-round, with RMV trainings held twice a year in 2025: Spring and Fall.  

How to participate? 

1. Participate in an Urban Prairies Project community event!  

2. Become a Restoration Master Volunteer!

• • Submit a volunteer interest form 

  • Attend a Restoration Master Volunteer training session 

  • Become a part of the RMV community, receive updates about upcoming projects, monitoring programs and supplemental training throughout the year – sign up for what interests you the most. 

  • Begin participating in planting projects, invasive plant removal, seed collection, plant and animal monitoring, and outreach in the community!

For more information, email awhite@butterflies.org