News February 19, 2020

 
20 Parks to Visit in 2020
The Trails and Open Space Coalition has selected 20 parks that we think everyone should visit and is challenging you to visit all 20 parks in 2020. We hope that this challenge will lead you on an adventure to visit a place you have never been before, but most importantly it will expose you to some of the incredibly unique outdoor resources in the Pikes Peak region. Tag us in your photos on Facebook or Instagram #tosc2020challenge to get entered to win giveaways from our amazing sponsors!
 
Park and Trail Updates
 
 
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has announced that daily state parks passes will increase from $8 to $9 effective March 1, 2020. There will also be some increases to hunting and fishing licenses.  Read more…
The south side of Eleven Mile State Park has heavy drifts of snow and ice. Use the park at your own risk, staff will not assist drivers in areas that have not been plowed.  Closures include: Rocky Ridge Loops B-E, Stoll Mountain West Loop, Rocking Chair Lower Loop Sites 610-613, Witcher’s Cove: West Side Sites 807-822, ALL of Lazy Boy and ALL of Rogers Mountain.
 
TOSC Events
 
 
Fri. Feb 21, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Fossil: 2845 Ore Mill Rd Ste 1
 
Join us and our friends from Corral Bluffs at Fossil on Friday! Corral Bluffs Alliance (CoBA) will be discussing the newly discovered fossils that offer insight into how the Earth recovered after a mass extinction and why mammals became the dominant species. Fossil Craft Brewing will be donating $1 from every beer sold, so be sure to enjoy a pint.
 
 
TOSC Member Hike
Sat. Feb 29, 9:00 – 12:30 pm
Pineries Open Space
 
TOSC is partnering with El Paso County Parks for a guided preview of the Pineries Open Space. Hike distance and length is dependent on weather conditions. Pre-registration required; call 719-520-6977 to RSVP and be sure to mention you are a TOSC Member.
 
MER Nonprofit of the Month
TOSC is proud to be MER’s nonprofit of the month. Visit MER to find great deals on new and gently used outdoor gear. Buy an item from the $5 shelf or donate your equipment to support TOSC! “Together, we can make a difference for Colorado, Colorado Springs, the planet and each other.”
 
Upcoming Events
 
 
Thur. Feb 27, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
1756 Lake Woodmoor Dr, Monument
 
It’s time for Parties for Parks! Drop by to meet the dedicated Friends Groups and Park Staff of the northern region:Fox Run Regional Park, Fox Run Dog Park, Black Forest Regional Park, Elephant Rock Open Space, Pineries Open Space, Santa Fe Trail. Come enjoy food, drinks and fun at Pikes Peak Brewing.
 
Sat. Feb 29, 9:00 – 12:00 pm
320 Pepper Grass Lane
 
Come to Fountain Creek Nature Center to build the troll of your imagination! Teams will use the dead, downed, and brown tree limbs on the forest floor and rope, twine, or string to construct trolls. No Power tools. Prizes will be awarded in various categories. Prepaid registration required.
 
 
Wilderness First Aid
March 7 & 8, 8:30 – 6:30 pm
815 S 25th St
 
Learn how to save life and limb during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance / hospital hand-off. This 2-day Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is provided by MedicSOLO and will take place at the office of Rocky Mountain Field Institute. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a 2-year WFA certification from SOLO, the oldest continuously-operating school of wilderness medicine in the world.
 
More info or registration here.
 
Organic Vegetable Gardening
Sat March 7, 10:00 – 12:00 pm
245 Bear Creek Rd
 
Come learn from the experienced gardeners of the Bear Creek Garden Association! Topics include starting vegetable plants indoors, organic pest control and fertilizers, and Square Foot Gardening. Register Online or visit Facebook Event.
 
The Charmaine Nymann Community Garden at Bear Creek Park has plots available for the 2020 season! Plots are rented on a first-come first-served basis, if you are interested please call Karen at (719) 634-4433.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Winter Hiking Tips
 
As the snow covers our trails, we want to remind users to be safe and plan ahead.
·    Check the weather forecast before you go out.
·    Dress in layers that wick moisture, avoid cotton.
·    Go out early, when trails are frozen and hard.
·    If you encounter mud, go through it or turn around. Don’t widen the trail by walking around it.
·    Move slowly and use caution, conditions may be slick and icy.
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