The Aurora Reservoir was host to over 1,000 volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the eighth annual Colorado Cares Day, held on Saturday July 29. Hard working volunteers spent the morning and early afternoon installing more than 8,000 linear feet of post and cable fence, restoring riparian habitat through wetland plantings, cleaning up an old farm area, and pulling noxious weeds. Several Eagle Scouts also participated by building and installing kestrel boxes, raptor perches, and making improvements to the reservoir's archery range and scuba beach.

Aurora Parks and Open Space Department staff and Church leaders spent months coordinating the massive undertaking which serves to protect, as well as create, habitat for wildlife and restore natural ecosystems at the Aurora Reservoir, one of Aurora's most unique special use parks.

Aurora's Mayor Ed Tauer was on hand to meet church organizers and volunteers and thank them for their contributions that will serve to benefit all citizens in the community.

Linda Strand, manager of the Open Space and Natural Resources Division said, "This collaborative effort is a great example of how city government and local groups can work together toward a common goal, in this case enhancing the Aurora Reservoir. What they were able to accomplish in 4 hours would have taken us several years. We are thrilled at the results."

Lynn Southam, leader of the Arapahoe Stake, stated, "The city of Aurora is a great place to live. We support our community leaders and are pleased to join with other citizens of Aurora to improve the city where we live and work and worship."

"The Aurora Reservoir is already a major attraction for many residents and these efforts will only make it more appealing for the community," said Kendi Hylton, Aurora Stake Public Affairs Director.

Home Depot provided a $3,000 Impact Grant to help purchase materials, and recruited their own volunteers to help with the project. Both Team Depot and Mile High Youth Corp assisted staff with site preparations earlier in the week. Albertsons also donated items to this successful event.

Volunteers from the Aurora and Arapahoe Stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are part of over 50,000 members in the Denver area. They have enthusiastically supported Colorado Cares Day in the past and look forward to working with the City of Aurora to expand use of the Aurora Reservoir, help restore its natural beauty and improve existing facilities.