Yellow Creek Schoolhouse, CO 2023
Preservation Projects
Yellow Creek Schoolhouse, CO 2023
Preservation Projects

Yellow Creek Schoolhouse, CO 2023

Yellow Creek Schoolhouse, CO 2023

The wide open skies of Colorado await you at Yellow Creek Schoolhouse – Help rejuvenate this time capsule of western ranching history! 

PROJECT PARTNER: Bureau of Land Management 

SESSION DATES: April 23-28, April 30 – May 5, and May 7-12

PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Pete Specht!

CREW LEADER: TBD! 

Project Site Description & History

Welcome to the Yellow Creek Schoolhouse, a modest time capsule in need of your help. For decades, schoolhouses like the one at Yellow Creek were cultural centers for local ranching communities, educating the upcoming generations, and serving as crucial social spaces. Our partners at the Colorado’s White River Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management have set up a wonderful project involving roofing, log repair, and carpentry. We invite you to join in the process of saving this forgotten structure as we help preserve its legacy and keep the history of this area intact. Check out History Colorado’s webpage about the Yellow Creek Schoolhouse as well as the BLM’s blog post.You can also visit www.historymeeker.com to learn more about the times and tales of Meeker, CO.

It’s amazing to think that this schoolhouse was once a prominent social center for the locals.

The years have taken their toll on the Yellow Creek Schoolhouse.

Only time will tell how the Yellow Creek Schoolhouse is remembered and we’d like to see it flourish for future visitors.

Location and Logistics

SESSION DATES: April 23-28, April 30 – May 5, and May 7-12.

Please plan to arrive at the campsite no earlier than 5pm and no later than 7pm on the first day of your session.

LOCATION:  Located 40 minutes north of I-70 and close to Rifle Falls State Park.

Tents, truck campers, and campervans, trailers, and RVs will have access to our site. The ground may not be perfectly level, showers are not available, and unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at this project. (One exception has been made for our Project Supervisor’s best friend Bandit.)

WEATHER:  Anticipate highs in the upper 50s and lows in the 30s. Weather conditions may be rainy, cloudy, or sunny. Volunteers are responsible for checking weather conditions before their session begins, and packing appropriately.

ABOUT VOLUNTEERING: HistoriCorps projects are free for volunteers! HistoriCorps will provide all meals, tools, training, equipment, and a campsite. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to the campsite, sleeping equipment, work gloves, clothes and boots, and other personal gear.

Scope of Work

SCOPE OF WORK DIFFICULTY:

HistoriCorps is committed to educating and training volunteers in preservation skills, with an overarching mission of inspiring a preservation ethic in all those involved. Learning and working alongside expert HistoriCorps field staff, volunteers and applying the traditional skills necessary to restore the Yellow Creek Schoolhouse.

  • Repair the wood shingle roof (primary)
  • General carpentry repairs (secondary)
  • Log repair and replacement (secondary)

Please note: Tasks vary by day and by week, depending on a variety of factors including: weather, project priorities, previous groups’ work, and more. Though it is likely you will get to learn and practice most or all of the above tasks, it is not guaranteed. The higher percentage of the scope a particular task is, the more likely you will get to practice it.

Sign Up!

We’re thrilled this project has inspired you to volunteer! 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Visit our Job Calendar to see if a project session is full.

*All registrations submitted to projects at capacity will be automatically added to our waitlist.*

You will know your registration was successful when you receive a confirmation email. Contact volunteer@historicorps.org for assistance.

HistoriCorps does not charge for its volunteering projects. HistoriCorps relies on donations to continue engaging volunteers to save significant historical sites across America for generations to come. Your donation of any amount will make an incredible difference! Increase your impact – make a generous gift today.

Volunteer Logistics, Policies, and Advice

We’re so glad you’re interested in joining this project! If you’re new to our community, review the Volunteer FAQ first! Please note the following logistics and policies: 

  • Volunteering with HistoriCorps is free! We will provide all meals, tools, training, equipment, and a campsite or shared indoor lodging. Dinner is not provided on the first night. 
  • Volunteers are responsible for bringing their own gear, work gloves, sturdy work clothes and boots, and appropriate sleeping equipment. Check the average temperatures before you start packing – the nights and mornings may be colder than you anticipate! Then, read this advice about how to stay warm when tent camping in colder places. 
  • Campsite accessibility varies by project. Some projects can accommodate tents only; others can accommodate small RVs. Please review the project site description above for more information, and if you’re still not sure, email volunteer@historicorps.org for help. 
  • If this project does not offer showers, you might want to consider bringing a solar shower or research other methods to clean up after the work day. 
  • Volunteer crew sizes generally range from 4-8 volunteers, with two HistoriCorps staff that lead and train volunteers in the work. 
  • Safety is one of HistoriCorps’ top priorities, and volunteers can contribute to a safe working environment by ensuring their physical fitness is adequate for the work. See above for this project’s scope of work and difficulty level. Please, call us if you are not quite sure if a project is a good fit for your skills or fitness level. We may be able to suggest a project more suitable and enjoyable for you. 
  • Hard hats, eye protection, ear protection, gloves are standard personal protection equipment (PPE) required on all projects. Hard hats must be worn at all times on the project site, unless working in a designated safe space. Field staff will train volunteers on correct use of PPE. 
  • Dogs are generally allowed to accompany their humans in project campsites (actually, we love having dogs join us around the campfire!). Dogs are not permitted on the job site for everyone's safety. HOWEVER: HistoriCorps also follows the rules and regulations of our project partner. If the project partner does not permit dogs onsite then HistoriCorps is no exception. Please ask HistoriCorps or the project partner directly if you have any questions about whether Fido is welcome.