We are dedicated to the preservation of open space and parks, and the creation of a network of trails, bikeways and greenways for the Pikes Peak region.
NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 13, 2014
Shop Whole Foods March 18th for TOSC
5% of sales donated; at New Center Point Location
Whole Foods Market First & Main, 3180 New Center Point,719.622.1099.
Whole Foods is a sponsor of the 20th Annual Starlight Spectacular June 14th, 2014. Check out the event details here.
You can be part of the community movement to place a conservation easement on Bear Creek Park. Newer parks in the area are preserved forever by conservation easements, but Bear Creek Park, having been created in the 1960’s, is not protected. This was brought to light a few years ago, when a County budget crisis had some Commissioners talking about selling off the Park. Your tax-deductible donation will ensure that the Park will never be sold for development, and will remain parkland and open space for future generations. For more information, email dananordstrom@elpasoco.com or call 719.520.6983. Donate online at this link.
Guardians of Palmer Park seek volunteers
March 20, 6:30 pm Board Meeting and recruitment
Looking for a volunteer opportunity that benefits parks? Attend the Guardians of Palmer Park Board meeting March 20th, 6:30 pm, at the home of Ron Biondini, 2321 E Van Buren St, and find out how you can help one of our most popular parks. Do you have social media or volunteer coordinating experience, or would you like to learn new skills while making a difference? For more information, contact guardiansofpalmerpark@comcast.net.
Bear Creek Watershed Trail Closure Update
Forest Service releases FAQ document
The US Forest Service released FAQs regarding the trail closures in the Bear Creek Watershed. View the document by going to our website, and look for the article referencing the USFS meeting.
The document answers questions about the trail closures, access to Jones Park and surrounding peaks, the NEPA process to protect the greenback cutthroat trout, and High Drive, among other topics. The affected trails (USFS Numbers): (622) Seven Bridges, (622.A) Seven Bridges, (665) Penrose, (666) Bear Creek, (667) Jones Park(668) Pipeline, (701) Foresters, (720) Foresters Cutoff.
Fixing Flooding on Camp Creek
Pleasant Valley, Rock Ledge Ranch, Garden of the Gods affected by proposed project
One possible option for Camp Creek at 31st St — Artist sketch
The Camp Creek Drainage Improvement Project, even with its unsexy name, is full of interest to people in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood, and those who love Garden of the Gods and Rock Ledge Ranch. Camp Creek runs through those areas, and upgrading the drainage systems before more flooding takes place is a priority for all concerned. After six months of community meetings and feedback, technical analyses and development of proposed alternatives, a recommended plan will be unveiled at a community meeting on April 29.
There will be an open house 5 to 6:30 pm at Coronado High School, with light refreshments and displays of the recommended plan. At 6:30 there will be a short presentation, followed by a Q and A session. You can see the three alternatives considered at the last meeting, and participant comments on each, in the project’s March Newletter.
Upcoming Events
Save the dates
April 10, Stratton Open Space Revival, 7-9 pm, Ivywild School. Join Friends of Stratton Open Space to celebrate their 20th anniversary and build support to revitalize the Friends Group. Richard Marold will portray Winfield Scott Stratton; author Ruth Obee will speak. www.strattonopenspace.org .
May 11, CycleFemme Women’s Bike Ride, FREE, 8 am Ivywild School. CycloFemme is a Global Women’s Cycling Day created to honor the past and the emancipation of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers, and to celebrate the present and the riders who keep it rolling. Hosted by Upadowna; more information and registration at this link.
June 14, 20th Annual Starlight Spectacular, festivities start 9 pm, ride starts 10:30 pm, Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. This fun night-time bicycle ride is suitable for all ages and abilities and traverses the City of Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods and Old Colorado City. Choose a 14-, 17-, or 22-mile course. Like our Starlight Spectacular Facebook pagefor the latest updates, registration information, special events news, and the opportunity to win great prizes in the weeks leading up to the event!
As always, check our volunteer website at www.openspacevolunteers.orgfor volunteer projects. We will start having a few dates in March, with more coming up in April and May.
Whole Foods Market First & Main, 3180 New Center Point,
You can be part of the community movement to place a conservation easement on Bear Creek Park. Newer parks in the area are preserved forever by conservation easements, but Bear Creek Park, having been created in the 1960’s, is not protected. This was brought to light a few years ago, when a County budget crisis had some Commissioners talking about selling off the Park. Your tax-deductible donation will ensure that the Park will never be sold for development, and will remain parkland and open space for future generations. For more information, email 
Looking for a volunteer opportunity that benefits parks? Attend the Guardians of Palmer Park Board meeting March 20th, 6:30 pm, at the home of Ron Biondini, 2321 E Van Buren St, and find out how you can help one of our most popular parks. Do you have social media or volunteer coordinating experience, or would you like to learn new skills while making a difference? For more information, contact 
