City Archaeologist Anna Cordova
Colorado Springs is one of only two cities in Colorado to have its own Archaeologist. Anna Cordova grew up here, completed her undergraduate and graduate work at UCCS and started with the city 6 years ago.Anna makes sure archaeological and cultural resources on park and open space properties are recognized and preserved. That includes training park staff and volunteers so they know “what to look for.” When a new trail is planned, Anna is part of the process to make sure these resources aren’t impacted. She also consults with tribal representatives on projects – going above and beyond state and federal law. As Anna explains it “because it is the ethical think to do.” When asked about the current community conversation about re-naming Pikes Peak to the Ute Indian name – Tava she believes it’s a conversation that should be led by indigenous people.
You can learn more about one of Anna’s project by visiting the Palmer excavation exhibit at the Pioneers Museum.
PARK AND TRAIL News
Encounter an issue while out on the trail?We’re thankful that trail users reach out to us to highlight conditions they have encountered while enjoying our urban trails. It allows us to answer questions and share additional information. However, if you are using one of our local urban trails and encounter damage, irregular surfaces, or other conditions that you would consider to be unsafe or unsatisfactory, our partners at both the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services and El Paso County Parks would love to know immediately of your concerns. This allows them to directly take action to either repair the given issue or to highlight the spot as an area in need of longer-term improvement.
For issues encountered along any of the urban trails in the City of Colorado Springs, you can use the reporting tool GoCOS! app (or via website) available HERE. For trails maintained by El Paso County, you can create a Citizen Service Request by visiting their webpage HERE or contact them directly by calling (719)520-PLAY.
To learn more about our urban trail systems in the region, you can visit these resource pages: City of Colorado Springs Urban Trails, El Paso County Parks and Regional Trails, and
Drainage facilities are important…and they can look nice too!A shout out to our City of Colorado Springs Water Resources Engineering (Stormwater) group for thinking outside of our normal concrete-lined box when it comes to providing better and longer-term solutions for our critical drainage infrastructure. We were made aware of a recently completed project along Lexington Drive adjacent to Rampart Park where they used a material called Hydroturf. Instead of a costly full replacement of the concrete-lined drainage, this product which has a one inch base of 5000psi concrete and a very grass-like top material can be used to retrofit the channel providing a long-wearing and aesthetically pleasing alternative. We look forward to seeing how this product can be used in the future along drainage facilities similar to this that often run along our parks and urban trail properties. Truly a win-win for our City.
Teller County SnowshoeingIn one cubic foot, there is well over one billion ice crystals/snowflakes. It is a good thing that we have snowshoes to help us stay on top of those billions upon billions of flakes! Teller County is a great destination for snowshoers of all abilities. The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument has 15 miles of easy to moderate trails on a rolling landscape. Mueller State Park features the most diverse amount of snowshoeing options with many choices for beginners and those who are advanced (School Pond and Lost Pond are worth exploring). The Lovell Gulch Trail (Pike National Forest minutes from Woodland Park) is a great moderate option that gives the feeling of solitude despite being near civilization. For those who are looking for the ultimate Teller County snowshoeing experience, there are many options off the Ring the Peak Trail such as Horsethief Park and Pancake Rocks.
Want to learn more about snowshoeing? Hiking bob has that covered: Snowshoeing 101
Stratton Park Open HouseFeb 5th, 11:00 – 2:00 pm
Stratton Park is now part of the COS park system. Parks is partnering with the Golden Lotus Foundation to turn the property into a Colorado Asian Art and Culture Heritage Center. City Parks will manage the grounds and trail and Golden Lotus will operate a Botanical Garden and Tea House on the 8.48 acre property.
This open house will allow the community to learn more about the project. Please make reservations if you plan to attend.
TOSC
Get Out Spread OutFebruary is mud and ice season. Until warmer weather arrives, it is best to consider those trails that get a chance to melt and thoroughly dry out. While waiting, think about walking, running or biking in Monument Valley Park. Located in Downtown Colorado Springs. There are many great ideas for routes that allow all skill levels and abilities to spend time outdoors and achieve fitness goals. A few highlights of the park include public gardens, ample parking, public art, historical landmarks and easy access to the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail. TOSC created a Get Out Spread Out video for this park: Monument Valley Park Loop.
Find more hikes, walk and rides to explore on the TOSC Get Out Spread Out page!
Come Celebrate With Us!On Thursday at 3:30 pm all 82 non-profits involved in the Indy Give campaign will celebrate our success virtually. If you’d like to join the fun RSVP HERE.
And one last thank you to all of you who supported TOSC with your generous donations. We’re off and running in 2022 – thanks to you!
NEW TOSC Doggie Bandana
Isn’t it lovely? Your pooch will look so good in this! Thanks to Tony Gazzana and his team at Colorado Custom Screen Printing and Design.
How do you get one?
We have Scoop the Poop events planned to help clean up parks and open spaces plus there could be other ways to put your paws on one. Keep watching for details and Thanks Tony!
Pikes Peak Crew Leader Training
Save the date! April 30 and May 1, 2022
The annual Pikes Peak Regional Crew Leader Training (PPRCLT) is an intensive weekend-long training for stewardship volunteers who are interested in becoming certified and active Stewardship Crew Leaders. While in the training, participants learn how to lead safe, successful trail projects and build upon basic trail construction and restoration skills. The training is hosted by TOSC, Rocky Mountain Field Institute and the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.
For more information, please visit www.rmfi.org/crew-leader-training
Community
Coffee with the Contractor
Fri. Feb 4, 8:00 – 9:00 AM
Businesses and citizens are invited to an informal, virtual update on the 30th Street Corridor Project, presented by the project team and contractor Wildcat Construction. Attend to get a recap of progress to date and a “look ahead” of upcoming construction impacts related to the project.
Bike COS Pint Night @ Cerberus
Tues. Feb 8, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Come Raise Hell for a Reason at Cerberus Brewing! Come on out for a beer or two, and hear more about the great work Bike Colorado Springs is doing to make bicycling in the Pikes Peak Region better for people of all ages and abilities. Plus, learn about bicycle infrastructure and how you can get involved! Cerberus’s taproom, restaurant, patio and heated tent are all open, AND dog friends are welcome in the outdoor spaces! For every beer you drink, Bike Colorado Springs takes home $1.
Winter Bike to Work DayFri. Feb 11, 7:00 – 9:30 AM
It’s winter, but you can still use a bike to get around. Join us – and cyclists around the world – in celebrating Winter Bike to Work (or wherever) Day! Details are still being planned, but you can expect warm drinks and breakfast snacks, along with a healthy dose of smiles and cheer at stations around Colorado Springs. Stop by one or more locations as you pedal to work!
Check out Bike COS Facebook Event and Pledge to Ride
SUMMER CAMPS WITH CATAMOUNT INSTITUTEGo outside and explore! All Catamount Camp registrations for 2022 are up and running! We have a wide variety of camps for ages 6-16, for all skill levels and interests from science experiments to multi-day rafting excursions. Now with three sessions of Creepy Crawly Safari! All camps have potential discounts and sliding scale pricing for qualifying applicants.
How to Keep Kids Safe This Winter
Did you winter is the busiest time of year for the Emergency Department at Children’s Hospital Colorado? Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs has great winter safety information that will keep your family safe when recreating and gathering this winter.