James P. Beckwourth Mountain Club teams up with BLM 

GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Twelve youths ranging in ages 11 to 18 from the Denver metro urban area are in Grand Junction through June 17, teaming up with staff from the Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office.  Through the Outdoor Education Center’s (OEC) urban youth mentoring program instituted by the James P. Beckwourth Mountain Club, these youth will perform much needed trail maintenance, while exploring the Desert Southwest’s cultural resources and learning about dinosaurs at the Mygatt-Moore Quarry in Rabbit Valley.  Horseback and mountain bike riding activities, with a lecture on invasive weeds, are also planned for the youth. 

“BLM is pleased to have the opportunity to host these kids,” Grand Junction Field Office Manager Catherine Robertson said.  “Many of the kids have never visited their public lands in western Colorado.”   

With leadership development its primary objective, the OEC is a free, year-round mentoring program reaching out to urban youth and providing incentive and constructive, alternative activities for its young participants.  Each year, urban youth participate in more than 35 trips to national and state parks, wilderness areas and cultural/scientific institutions, volunteering their energy while learning the importance of community service and positive role modeling.   

For more information on this week’s conservation stewardship activities with youth from the James P. Beckwourth Club, contact BLM Associate Field Manager Raul Morales at 970-244-3066.  To learn more about the James P. Beckwourth Mountain Club and OEC, go to beckwourthmountainclub.org.    

Editor’s Note:  Interviews with the youth and photo opportunities are available throughout the week.  Contact Mel Lloyd for times and locations.

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