News Wednesday September 22, 2021

Creek Week
Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and pick up a bit of trash at the end of the month? The 8th annual 9-day Creek Week series of events will be taking place from Saturday, September 25th through Sunday, October 3rd. We are excited to have the opportunity to gather as a community outdoors in support of this worthwhile effort. This year’s cleanup is expected to be bigger than ever, with over 3,200 registered volunteers supporting over 80 cleanups in 9 communities in the Fountain Creek Watershed District region! In 2019 they cleaned up over 14 tons of trash and it’ll be great to see what we are able to do in 2021. To find out more about how to be involved and register for one of the cleanup activities, you can visit the Creek Week webpage here and register directly with a Public Event Crew Leader: www.fountain-crk.org/register
 
The Clean n Crawl is taking place this Saturday and still has spots available:
 
The Sondermann Park Forest Health Project is on the 30th, more info here:

PARK AND TRAIL News

 
 
NEW Pump Track
The City of Fountain Parks and Recreation Department unveiled the first pump track in southern El Paso County. This asphalt gem is in Metcalfe Memorial Park, a community hub for the citizens of Fountain that features ballparks, equestrian arena, skatepark, playground, fields for community events and trail connections to other nearby open spaces and parks. Before the opening of this pump track, riders looking to practice their technical biking skills had to travel 20 minutes north to pump tracks in Colorado Springs. The grand opening for the Metcalfe Pump Track caps off an exciting summer for the park which included the reopening of an expanded and renovated skatepark.
Bear Creek Dog Park Closed
October 4th – October 10th
EPC park staff will use the closure to provide forestry maintenance, trail restoration and make drainage improvements. Hazard trees will be removed. Other trees will be pruned to improve the health of the forest and lessen the risk of wildfire. The main loop trail will be graded and resurfaced. Culverts and drainage structures will be cleared of sentiment. Find alternative dog parks: trailsandopenspaces.org/get-outdoors/dog-park
 
Also, please take a few minutes to fill out the parks master plan survey and help park staff as they chart a course for the next 5 years. epcountyparkplan.com/survey
 
Pikes Peak APEX
 September 23-26
The Apex Race is happening this week and will affect access to USAFA, Mt Herman, Palmer Park and North Cheyenne Canon. 
 
Learn more at www.pikespeakapex.com
 
 
 
North Cheyenne Canon Park Open to Cars 1 Additional Week
A section of North Cheyenne Canyon Road, from the main entrance of North Cheyenne Cañon Park to the newly paved Powell Lot, also known as the Upper Gold Camp lot located above Helen Hunt Falls, will be closed to all traffic beginning Monday, Sept. 27.
Initially, the closure was set to begin Sept. 20. The closure, which is expected to last through the end of May 2022, will allow construction crews to replace three aging vehicular bridges.
Pedestrians and bicyclists will have access to the park during the closure using the trail system.
 
More info can be found at coloradosprings.gov.
 
 
 
RMFI and BLM Seeking Input from Shelf Road Users!
In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management – Royal Gorge Field Office, RMFI will be administering a user survey to gather information about the current usage, satisfaction, and needs at Shelf Road Recreation Area. Approximately 10-15 minutes will be needed to complete the survey. 
 
TAKE SURVEY NOW! The survey will close October 31.
 
Questions?? Please contact Jennifer Peterson, RMFI Executive Director, at jennifer@rmfi.org.
 
Medano Peak
There’s a chill in the air and signs of Fall are starting to appear along our local trails. While September is a month of reflection on the Summer we’ve all adventured through, there is still time to notch off another summit before the snow arrives! While the Colorado 14ers typically get all the press, our state has a host of wonderful 13ers that see far less traffic and offer just as stunning the views, many times providing unique locations to enjoy the altitude in relative seclusion. Kent Drummond, a TOSC member and active Saturday Knight seized the opportunity this past week, joined by a friend as they summited Medano Peak (13,153) This peak takes a bit of effort to get to, accessible via the Medano Pass Primitive Road, recommended as suitable for 4-wheel drive access. Hike is 9.08 miles with 3,700 feet of elevation gain. Truly a great adventure in Colorado providing a stellar view of the Sangre de Cristo range!
 
For a trip review, please enjoy his Relive video here: relive.cc/view/vXvLXmAo47v 
Leave No Trace
Hiking and exploring stands of golden aspens is one of the great Colorado autumn traditions. When hundreds of thousands of people gather in the high country to experience the changing of the seasons, it is important to consider the impact on nature. Below are tips to leave no trace while recreating this fall.
  • Respect Wildlife: Surviving the long Colorado winter is a struggle for our wildlife. Adding stress from viewing wildlife too closely can disrupt forging, migration and hibernation.
  • Take Pictures, Not Leaves: Leaving the leaves behind will help protect the health of the forest. The nutrients from the decomposing leaves will keep the soil healthy.
  • Avoid Crowds: Everyone wants to see aspens when they reach peak color. The rush of large crowds will add stress to fragile natural resources. Explore less visited areas or consider viewing a week before or after peak color. Consider not sharing exact locations of aspens on social media to cut down on crowds.
  • Plan Ahead: The weather this time of year is unpredictable in the high country. Be sure to have the gear for wintery conditions and have a backup plan incase weather and/or crowds prevent you from your primary option.
TOPS
Each week more groups take a stand in support of the TOPS Extension and Increase (2C). Here’s what Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park say:
“The Friends group of Cheyenne Mountain State Park strongly supports the proposed increase to the Trails, Open Space and Parks Tax. The TOPS initiative has been crucial in supporting and developing Cheyenne Mountain State Park and we know first-hand of its importance. “ Abbie Burke, President FCMSP
Sometimes pictures tell the story. This basketball court in Van Diest park is in terrible shape. The TOPS initiative would provide more dollars for parks like Van Diest. And it would finally build parks promised in neighborhoods around the city like Gray Hawk Park in Briargate.
For more information on 2C, and to find out how you can volunteer, support the campaign or
secure a yard sign: www.trailsopenspaceparks.com

TOSC

Creek Week Cleanup – Pikes Peak Greenway
Sat. Oct 2, 9:00 – 11:00AM
Be a part of Colorado’s largest watershed cleanup, Creek Week! TOSC is teaming up with the Pikes Peak Road Runners (PPRR) to clean up the Pikes Peak Greenway near America the Beautiful Park. We will provide gloves and trash bags. Meet in the parking lot across the street from ATB Park, to the east. Participants will get warm fuzzy feelings for doing something good and a TOSC sticker. Please wear long pants and closed toe shoes, and bring water. Let’s see how much rubbish we can collect in just 2 hours!
 
 
 
Member Hike – Pancake Rocks
 

Don’t miss our next Member Hike. Invitations were emailed to our members on Monday. If you are a member and did not receive an invitation, please contact beth@trailsandopenspaces.org. Space is limited.

 
 
 
TOSC & Ring the Peak Apparel
 
If you love it put a ring on it. For years our community has talked about building a trail around Pikes Peak. Show your support for Ring the Peak Trail, help raise awareness for the project and contribute funds to make it happen by buying one of these fantastic shirts or hoodies. Let’s close the gap and finish the trail around Pikes Peak!
 

Community

 
 
National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day!
Sat. October 2, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day at Fox Run Regional Park will include a skills clinic, guided trail rides, trail etiquette information, and a free raffle. All ages are welcome: from tots on stride bikes to teens. Riders just need a working bike and helmet to participate. Free, but pre-registration required.  
 
FALL TREE WALK
Sat. October 2, 10:00 – 12:00 PM
  
Join the Friends of Monument Valley Park for a lovely walk led by Carey Harrington, Colorado Native Plant Master. Come enjoy the cool weather, learn about the trees and experience the emerging fall colors in the Park. Woodbine and oaks provide brilliant reds, while the cottonwoods, ashes and willows offer a splash of yellow. Free and open to everyone! Meet at the West Fontanero Street parking lot of Monument Valley Park (Intersection of W. Fontanero Street and Culebra Avenue) and plan to leave promptly at 10:00 am. Please wear a mask if you are unvaccinated and observe social distancing. No pets please. Cancelled in case of rain.
 
Visit www.fmvp.net.
Motorless Morning at GOG
Sat. Oct 9, 5:00 – 12:00 PM
Motorless Morning is back! Visitors are invited to experience Garden of the Gods in a unique, quiet setting. Park roads will be open to foot traffic, bicycles, and small wheel transport, allowing users to spread out and recreate on roads without cars. The event is free and open to the public! At noon, the park reopens to motor vehicles.
 
If you want to volunteer for this event, please contact John.Stark@coloradosprings.gov.
Horsethief Trail Work
Sat. Oct 9, 7:30 AM
Pikes Peak Group of the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) is coordinating with USFS to reroute the trail around private property. A lot needs to go right to make that happen, but in hopes that it all comes together, please sign up to work on October 9, with October 10 as a finishing day. No experience is needed — tools, training, and leadership will be provided. The work effort is similar to a day of serious gardening; the work site is only 1/2 mile up the trail.
 
Please signup especially for October 9 at cmc.org/Calendar/EventDetails.aspx?ID=53829 and October 10 at cmc.org/Calendar/EventDetails.aspx?ID=53830
 
Direct questions to Tom Mowle at tommowle@yahoo.com.
Canvas & Cookies: Teen Painting and Nature Class
Sat. October 9, 9:00. – 12:00 PM
Drop your teens (ages 13-18) off at Fountain Creek Nature Center to create a canvas painting of a natural scene with step-by-step instructions. Event also includes cookies and a guided nature walk! $30 Prepaid registration required.
 
CONTACT: Jessica Miller, Nature Center Supervisor, 719-520-6745, jessicamiller@elpasoco.com
 
ONLINE REGISTRATION available at communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers
Discover Colorado Springs 2022 Calendar
COS Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is now accepting photo submissions for its 2022 calendar. This is the eighth edition of the annual calendar which highlights the natural beauty of parks, trails and open spaces in Colorado Springs.
All submissions due by Tuesday, Oct. 5. Photos can be submitted by emailing calendar@coloradosprings.gov, or drop off or mail to 1401 Recreation Way. Winning submissions will be announced around Nov. 9. Please follow all park rules and regulations when capturing photos and leave no trace.
 
For more information, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/DiscoverCOS.
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