Volunteers needed for Renew the Ranch cleanup

Two locations on May 20

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Help clean up parks and open space during the Highlands Ranch Metro Districts’ annual “Renew the Ranch” event Saturday, May 20 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Every year, the metro district invites community members to volunteer for two hours to clean up the parks and open space around the community. While the locations are still being nalized, volunteers will have two options this year.

“[The locations] are kind of dependent on need as we get closer to the event date,” said Emily Johnson, Highlands Ranch Metro District community relations coordinator.

Once the locations are assigned, volunteers who signed up will receive an informational email before the event.

A couple of metro district open space sta will be at each location to welcome volunteers with trash bags and gloves. Before the event starts, the sta give an educational and safety talk to all volunteers. Johnson said this is to ensure everybody knows what to do, what to pick up, what not to pick up and what needs to be reported.

“It’s more of if it was something dangerous,” said Johnson. “So if there was some dangerous item or you know, feces, animals; more safety precautions so that nobody gets injured or hurt.” e cleanup event is for people of all ages in the community. In recent years, individuals, families with children, Scout groups and churches have volunteered.

Having found large items in the past, sta asks volunteers to go to a sta member to help gure out the best way to properly dispose of some items.

“It’s really a variety [of people] which is really fun to get everybody out together from di erent areas of Highlands Ranch or di erent backgrounds and they get to know each other a little but when they’re all cleaning up together,” said Johnson. is event also provides high school students the opportunity to earn two hours of community service for graduation.

“We make sure that they’ve arrived and that they’re doing the work and that they come back at the end of the event, then we de nitely verify those school hours for them,” said Johnson.

With some currently signed up, 40 volunteers are needed at each of the two locations. To volunteer, go to https://app.helperhelper.com/ inst/1034/opportunity/287840, click on one of the locations, provide your name and email address and click “sign up”.

“It really gives an opportunity for anybody to give back,” said Johnson.

Need help with rising heat costs?

Rising heating costs may be hard to budget for this year, but help is available to Douglas County residents who are struggling. If you or someone you know needs assistance, apply now through April 30, 2023, for energy assistance through the State of Colorado’s LowIncome Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). For more information, visit douglas.co.us and search LEAP or email LEAPHELP@discovermygoodwill.org

Spring cleaning is at your curbside

Do you have hazardous waste from a painting project, old oil from your car’s maintenance, or other waste from your recent DIY project? This curbside service is available to Douglas County residents for $30. For details call 1-800-4497587 or visit douglas.co.us and search Household Waste Management

Full property tax payments due

Payments must be received by the Treasurer’s office by April 30, 2023. Payments received after the due date must include applicable interest. To obtain the amounts due or to pay online, please visit douglascotax.com and search for your account.

Need flood zone information?

If you live in unincorporated Douglas County, Flood Insurance Rate Maps and zone information are available by request. Visit douglas.co.us and search for Flood Plain Information. A form may also be requested by calling 303-660-7490 or visiting Public Works, 100 Third St. in Castle Rock.

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CSU Extension is here for you. We provide answers and education. For more information call 720-733-6930 or visit https://douglas.extension.colostate.edu