News December 4, 2019

News December 4, 2019
What are You Thankful For?
I am thankful to live in Colorado with its incredible views and easy access to world class outdoor recreation. I’m grateful to be a part of a community that values open space and invests in protecting our natural resources. I’m honored to work with a talented team of professionals. Seriously, did you know that TOSC’s resume includes an environmental journalist, wildlife biologist, certified parks guide, strategic planning consultant and a community engagement guru that spews positivity into the world. I am super lucky to be mentored by these brilliant, passionate and genuinely decent humans.
Oh, and dogs, I’m super thankful for cute, fuzzy dogs!
-Sharie Dodge, Office Manager
Colorado Gives Day is an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. If you are taking part in this campaign, you can designate your donation to TOSC here. And remember, you don’t have to wait until Dec. 10 to make your donation. You can schedule your donation now.
Park and Trail Update
New Trail at Bluestem Open Space
Check out the new 4.5 miles of trail in Bluestem Prairie Open Space! Bluestem is 650 acres of grassland adjacent to Big Johnson Reservoir. It is an important wildlife habitat and bird watching paradise. Please note that motorized vehicles and dogs are not allowed.
Upcoming Events
Give! Comedy Night
Mon. Dec 9, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
1367 Pecan St
Don’t miss the Ugly Sweater Comedy Show at Funky Little Theater! Enjoy a night of laughs while supporting three noteworthy nonprofits. It will be a fantastic night featuring a variety of comedy acts ranging from improv to stand-up. There will be free drinks and food along with door prizes and silent auction.
TOSC Member Hike – Jimmy Camp Creek
Join TOSC and our wonderful friends from Corral Bluffs Alliance for an educational hike at Jimmy Camp Creek Park. We are excited to have expert Sharon Milito lead this mild 4-mile hike. Come experience the expansive views, rolling hills, lofty rock outcrops, and crystal clear springs. This park is not open to the public, so don’t miss this rare opportunity to visit the area.Please note this hike is for TOSC Members only.
Want to join the Coalition?
Give us call, 719-633-6884 or visit www.trailsandopenspaces.org.
Friends and Partner News
Bear Creek by Candlelight
Friday, December 6, 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Bear Creek Nature Center
245 Bear Creek Rd
Be a part of Bear Creek Nature Center’s annual holiday celebration! Walk on luminary-lit nature trails and enjoy live music, a chili dinner, hot chocolate, cookies and a visit with Santa Claus. Create and decorate your own luminaria bag to take home.
Please register here.
Chasing Santa Race
Sat. Dec 07, 8:30 – 1:00 pm
1800 Recreation Way
Get in the holiday spirit with a festive Santa race! Instead of a race day T-shirt, you will receive a complete Santa Suit. Join a gaggle of Santas on the trail for a family friendly 5k run/walk or 15-mile bike ride. Cycling Santas will travel up the Midland Trail to the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort. Bring a toy to support Christmas Unlimited Toy Drive.
Charity Pint Night @ Cerberus
Tue. Dec 10, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
702 W Colorado Ave
Come on out, bring you friends and Raise Hell For a Reason! Cerberus will be donating $1 from each beer sold to Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates (MWTA). MWTA design, build, maintain and advocate for multi-use trails throughout the Pikes Peak Region.
Full Moon Photography Workshop at the Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Wed. Dec 11, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Join award-winning photographer Mike Pach for a guided photo shoot to capture the full moon (weather permitting!) rising over the Paint Mines. Bring your camera, tripod, telephoto and wide-angle lenses. Prepaid registration required. Call 719-520-6387 for more information.
Nature Hike with Santa
Sat. Dec 14 & 21, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Fountain Creek Nature Center
320 Peppergrass Ln, Fountain
Participate in the interactive reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” poem and make snowflake crafts while waiting for Santa to arrive at Fountain Creek Nature Center. Then hike the nature trail with Santa to see what gifts nature gives us! Space is limited; prepaid registration required.
Register here or by calling 719-520-6745.
Mueller State Park Hike
Sat. Dec 21, meet at 9:15 am
at the Homestead Trailhead
Winter begins! What do the wildlife do in winter? Watch for winter birds and signs of wildlife. Dress for the weather, and bring water and a snack. 4-mile hike led by Naturalist Nancy. We will start out on Homestead trail then Black Bear, Geer Pond, Lost Pond trails.
Know before you go, visit cpw.state.co.us or call 719-687-2366 for trail conditions.
Volunteer Projects
Check out our Volunteer Calendar for details about community projects and how to connect with our amazing friends groups to help keep our parks, trails and open spaces in tip-top shape.
Volunteers Needed for Bear Creek Nature Center Event
Fri. Dec 6, 4:30 – 7:30 pm – 245 Bear Creek Rd
Bear Creek Nature Center needs your help for their Bear Creek by Candlelight event this Friday night! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mary Jo Lewis at 719-520-6388 or maryjolewis@elpasoco.com.
How much do you love parks and trails?
Create some trail magic,
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