TOSC 20|20 Parks Challenge
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What’s your favorite park? Did it make the list for our 20 in 20 Challenge? The Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC) has created a list of 20 parks we think everyone should visit. Snap a photo while you are there, tag us or share it on our Facebook and/or Instagram (#TOSC2020Challenge). Each month we will feature a different park and offer a prize for those that share images of their adventure with us. Visit all 20 parks in 2020 and you will earn bragging rights and a fabulous “I Love Parks” sticker. For an extra nugget of fun, we have hidden a TOSC rock in each park!
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OUTDOORS WITH HIKING BOB PODCAST: EL PASO COUNTY PARKS DIRECTOR TIM WOLKEN
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On this New Year’s Day episode, Bob talks with El Paso County (CO) Community Services Department Director Tim Wolken about the accomplishments of the county parks department in 2019 and what’s ahead in 2020. It’s a lively discussion that covers a lot of ground.
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Draft Austin Bluffs Open Space Master Plan
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Public comments will be accepted now through Monday, January 27.
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TOSC Benefit Night at Red Leg
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Wed. Jan 8, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
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Member Hike – Snowshoeing at Mueller State Park
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Sat. Jan 25, 8:00 – 1:00 pm
Mueller State Park
Let’s go snowshoeing! Mueller is the perfect place to enjoy a winter outing. “Hiking Bob” Falcone, will lead this moderate 4-mile trek in a majestic snow-covered forest. Mueller State Park has stellar views of Pikes Peak and is home to abundant wildlife.
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Gallop in the Garden 5K Runs
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EVERY Thursday 4:00 – 6:00 pm
1805 N. 30th St
Meet in the lower lobby of the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center to sign in, then depart for a run, jog or walk in The Garden / Rock Ledge Ranch.
Kids are welcome and there is a stroller friendly paved route option. Dogs welcome on leash only and please bring baggies to pick up after them. This is not a race, just a fun way to get fit and enjoy the great outdoors. Plus, earn prizes for completing 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 runs!
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Fri. Jan 10, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain
Hoowwll! Can you name the different phases of the moon? Come learn why the moon changes and how each phases got its names. Join a naturalist for an educational indoor discussion before venturing out for an easy guided hike on a moonlit trail. Dress for the weather and be ready to test your nocturnal animal knowledge. Prepaid registration required.
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Sun. Jan 12, 2:30 – 4:30 pm
1805 N 30th St
Meet in Bean Sprouts Café for a relaxing afternoon of knitting or crocheting at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. Meet fellow crafters and enjoy one of the best view in Colorado Springs! This is an informal gathering, and not a structured class, but Jennifer Heiny, Park Interpreter and experienced knitter/crocheter will be there to answer questions. Bring your own projects, and/or make an easy charity project.
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Winter Hiking Tips & Safety with Hiking Bob
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Sun. Jan 19, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
2458 Montebello Square Dr
You don’t have to hang up your hiking boots or put away your bikes once winter temperatures start to creep in. With some preparation and knowledge, you can enjoy outdoor activities all year long. This month’s STEAMy Sunday features Hiking Bob, a 28-year Colorado Springs resident who leads guided hikes all over the area and is well known for his “Outdoors” section in the Colorado Springs Independent. Hiking Bob will provide insider knowledge for the best trails to hike, bike, and snowshoe during the winter months and discuss what kind of equipment and gear you need to be prepared for snowy trails.
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Families in Nature Winter Hike
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Mon. Jan 20, 10:00 – 11:30 am
The holidays are over and you’re dreaming of warmer days…chase away those winter blues with your family in the beauty of one of the City’s gorgeous natural areas, Ute Valley Park! Join TOPS staff for a one mile, family-friendly hike. Learn how plants and animals survive winter, play some games, and enjoy the magic of this season. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED – $5 PER PERSON – LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE.
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CPR/AED: Wed. Jan 22, 5:30 – 9:00 pm
First Aid: Wed. Jan 29, 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Bear Creek Nature Center
Learn how to provide assistance during a cardiac emergency, how to provide CPR and/or basic first aid skills. Upon successful completion, participants will receive certification through the American Red Cross. Must be 16 years old or older. $50 per class or $75 for both classes. Pre-registration required.
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Fri. Jan 24, 2:30 – 4:30 pm
1805 N 30th St
Join a naturalist for a 2.5-mile hike through the Central Garden. The focus will be on the nature behind the park designation of National Natural Landmark. Bring your questions, cameras and binoculars. Reservation required – $5 per person.
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You were thrilled to get that new back-pack or bicycle, but now you are wondering what to do with the old one.
We have a solution!
Donate it to Mountain Equipment Recyclers at 1024 S. Tejon St. on behalf of TOSC. By donating your gently used outdoor equipment and making TOSC the beneficiary you:
· Keep perfectly good items in use and out of your garage or even landfill.
· Allow someone else the use at an affordable price.
· Support the trails, parks and open spaces you use and enjoy!
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What would life be like without your favorite trial?
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The Trails and Open Space Coalition has been advocating for parks, trails and open spaces in the Pikes Peak region for more than 30 years. Want to help?
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