The Ouray Ice Park is teaming up with the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership on Oct. 11 for the eighth annual “Love Your Gorge” volunteer event.

According to a press release, the two organizations are looking for climbers, river lovers, and anyone else who values local nature and outdoor recreation to do three hours of work. Volunteers will get a lunch, giveaways and tour at the park in exchange for their work.

“Whether you enjoy ice climbing, hiking, or vias you can’t beat the beauty of the Gorge, come out and help us maintain this beautiful spot,” said Corey Gera, Ice Park operations manager, in the press release. “It’s a great chance to get your hands city and meet some really amazing people.”

The Ouray Ice Park aims to make a world-class ice climbing park that “inspires and enhances” its community. The ice park is built and operated in a public park in and around the Uncompahgre Gorge at Ouray’s south end. Use of the park is free, and ice climbing season is normally between December and March.

The Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership’s mission is to protect and restore the Uncompahgre River and its tributaries to flow from Silverton to the northern Ouray County Line.

The press release explains that each fall, the organizations collaborate to clean up litter, downed trees, and non-native, invasive plants. This helps improve the environment and used safety. Volunteers even planted ten trees last year during the event. This year, volunteers will assist with repairing stairs that have been eroded by storms and snowmelt.

A grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will also help fund erosion control work on a slope between two roads that cross through the park. The release states that the goal of that project is to reduce sediment and rocks from sliding into the river, and establish healthy plants in the area. This is also helpful for the trail and user safety.

“Operating the park is a huge undertaking each season, ” said Gera. “My favorite part is seeing the community come together to help maintain such an integral part of out town.”