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Are you interested in the future of trails, open space and parks in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region? Would you like input into the important decisions that will be made in the next few years around our public spaces?
Please apply for one of three openings on the TOPS Working Committee. Deadline for applications has been extended to May 31st.
The TOPS Working Committee helps develop the vision for trails and open spaces, initiates steps for conservation, reviews applications for open space acquisitions and make recommendations to the Colorado Springs Parks Board. The group meets once a month (in the early morning) depending on the volume of applications or projects. Occasional field trips are offered to explore sites that are in the application process.
If you are interested, curious or have questions, call Trails and Open Space Coalition at 719-633-6884 and ask for Bill, or email
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Below: Gov. Hickenlooper with Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance Chief Business Development Officer (and TOSC Board Member) Dave White.
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper was in town recently to speak at a Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance luncheon focused on health and wellness. The governor asked businesses and citizens to join in an effort to promote healthy behaviors like staying active and eating right.
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What a great turnout for our Earth Day hike and Trail Cleanup with UpaDowna and the Trails and Open Space Coalition on Sunday, April 21st! About 30 people of all ages met in the morning at Red Rock Canyon Open Space. We closed renegade trails in the area, hiking up Lower Hogback trail and closing portions of trail between the top of hill and the fence. The kids had a great time finding rocks in the field just to the east and branches from some newly cut down Siberian Elms to use for blocking the unsustainable trails. We also added debris to other side of the boarded stop sign (just to the south) to prevent use, and picked up a lot of trash.
After the cleanup, we took some time for a delicious healthy snack (thanks, UpaDowna!) and then took a big loop hike through the center of Red Rock Canyon. It was perfect weather and a gorgeous place to get ourdoors.
Thanks to the City of Colorado Springs and the Friends of Red Rock Canyon for supporting this fun event.
(Please note: Ranger Mike with the city cut down the trees and left them for us to use in blocking social trails. We did not cut down any trees. We work with our Park Rangers to find projects that they need done in our parks).
If you would like to volunteer on a project, visit http://openspacevolunteers.org and click on our volunteer calendar to find an opportunity.
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 The Waldo Canyon fire damaged 18,247 acres in Pike National Forest. 40% suffered light damage (Green), 40% had moderate damage (Yellow) and 20% of the damage was severe (Red), most vegetation is gone. The National Forest lands inside the fire perimeter are closed indefinitely.
The green fingers on the east side show the fire incursions into Mtn. Shadows and Blodgett neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, where damages to residential properties were severe.
Damage to Colorado Springs public spaces totaled 179 acres in Blodgett Peak Open Space, Mountain Shadows Open Space and along Foothills Trail. These photos show the extent of the damage, and they show how rapidly nature begins to send out shoots of new life and rejuvenation.
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