Voices of Open Space

Latest Episodes:

The Values That Shape Our Work – Part 1 Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

Boulder CountyThere's an invisible force guiding actions, decisions, and implementation at Boulder County Parks and Open Space. When it's present, we move with more alignment, care, and integrity. These are our values.

In this first of a three-part series, host Elisabeth Rios-Brooks explores two of the seven core values that guide Boulder County Parks & Open Space: Innovation and Engagement.

Wildlife Supervisor Mac Kobza, Historic Preservation Field Supervisor Mike Lohr, and Forestry Specialist Scott Golden share how curiosity, collaboration, and creativity shape their work. Later, Amanda Hatfield and Jim Drew reflect on how meaningful engagement builds trust, community, and connection to the land.

This episode brings together diverse voices and stories that show how our values aren’t just ideals—they’re lived every day.

In This Episode

What it means to live your values at Boulder County Parks & Open Space
How Innovation shows up in wildlife management, historic preservation, and forestry
Collaborating with youth and schools (e.g., St. Vrain Innovation Center)
Development of the solar-powered tool trailer
Innovation through cross-boundary wildfire mitigation
Deep reflections on privilege, allyship, and inclusive community building
Why Engagement is more than outreach—it’s relationship-building
Volunteerism as a form of connection, service, and belonging
The impact of intentional community involvement across programs
Personal reflections from staff on how values shape their daily work

Links and Resources Mentioned:

The Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools (https://innovation.svvsd.org)
Northern Leopard Frog (https://innovation.svvsd.org/programs/student-project-teams/data-science-team/northern-leopard-frog)
Prairie Dog Management (boco.org/PrairieDogManagement)
Middle Boulder Creek Fuels Reduction Partnership Project (boco.org/MiddleBoulderCreek)
The Boulder Watershed Collective (https://www.boulderwatershedcollective.com)
The Watershed Center (https://watershed.center)
BCPOS Volunteer Opportunities (boco.org/POSVolunteerOpportunities)
Harvest of All First Nations and the Corn Festival at (https://hafnco.org)
Agricultural Heritage Center (boco.org/AHC)
3-D model of the LHOC solar trailer (https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/lhoc-solar-trailer-concept-31e27786fe9d4ec3a4446e5a240bb0de)
library of historic structures within Boulder County (https://sketchfab.com/Michael.Lohr/collections/boulder-county-8d23290bb35c40e28f45839e29362537)

🎧 Subscribe to Voices of Open Space on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Original music, including the theme song and all transitional pieces, was composed and performed by Tim Ostdiek.

Innovations in Open Space Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

Innovation is at the heart of how Boulder County Parks & Open Space protects and stewards over 107,000 acres of land. In this episode, host Grant Orvis sits down with Heidi Wagner, a long-time planner with Boulder County Parks & Open Space, to explore how innovative thinking, strong partnerships, and ecological knowledge are shaping the future of our landscapes. Topics include wildlife crossings, soil health, stream restoration, and Indigenous partnerships. Special guests Stefan Reinold and Thomas Roth join the conversation to discuss everything from thriving forest ecosystems to CSU Extension’s Plant Mobile . This episode is packed with real-world innovations and the people behind the practices that keep Boulder County’s open spaces healthy and resilient.

📌 Topics in this episode include:

* What planning means at Boulder County

* Ecological diversity and wildlife stewardship

* Soil health, stream restoration, and native plant programs

* Wildlife crossings and aerial imagery

* Thriving forest ecosystems with Stefan Reinold

* Partnerships with Indigenous communities

* Community connection to land and open space

* CSU Extension’s Plant Mobile with Thomas Roth

* Prairie Run Open Space

* Reflections on the future of our ecosystems

Open Space Flood Recovery Projects (boco.org/OpenSpaceFloodRecoveryProjects)

Master Gardener Contact (mggpa@bouldercounty.gov)

How Wolves Change Rivers (https://youtu.be/ysa5OBhXz-Q?si=0vvRJrWBaq_KDpPp)

Colorado - Aerial Photos and Satellite Imagery (https://libguides.colorado.edu/c.php?g=484941&p=3317173)

Coming up in future episodes:

Volunteer Programs: The Heart of Our Mission
The Values That Shape Our Work
Conservation Easements

🎧 Subscribe to Voices of Open Space on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Original music, including the theme song and all transitional pieces, was composed and performed by Tim Ostdiek.

What Makes Us Unique Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

What makes Boulder County Parks & Open Space truly one-of-a-kind? In this episode, Education & Outreach Supervisor Eva Lark sits down with Director Therese Glowacki for a rich conversation about the values, partnerships, and projects that set our department apart.

From sustainable agriculture and native seed collection to forest restoration and community collaboration, discover the behind-the-scenes work that supports wildlife, welcomes recreation, and restores natural systems across 107,000+ acres.

📌 In this episode:

How Boulder County is celebrating 50 years of open space
The role of agricultural lands and partnerships with farmers
Sustainable agriculture and its impact on wildlife habitat
Restoration efforts:

Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat (former gravel mine)
Post-2013 flood recovery
Forest and grassland restoration
Native seed collection
Prairie Run Open Space

Collaborations with:

City of Boulder
Colorado Parks & Wildlife
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
U.S. Forest Service
Rocky Mountain National Park
NoCo Places

Volunteer programs and recreation opportunities:

Mountain biking and regional trails
Birding and wildlife viewing
Water-based recreation

Therese’s personal takeaway on what makes this work meaningful

BCPOS Volunteer Opportunities: https://bouldercounty.gov/volunteer/parks-and-open-space/

Find a trail/park near you: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/parks-and-trails/

Prairie Run Open Space: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/parks-and-trails/prairie-run/

Learn more about Agriculture: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/management/agriculture/

Learn more about Wildlife Management: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/management/wildlife/

Learn more about Forestry: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/management/forestry/

Stay connected with us: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/get-involved/email-updates/

NOCO Places 2050 website: https://www.nocoplaces.com/

Coming up in future episodes:

Innovations in Open Space
Volunteer Programs: The Heart of Our Mission
The Values That Shape Our Work
Conservation Easements

🎧 Subscribe to Voices of Open Space on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Original music, including the theme song and all transitional pieces, was composed and performed by Tim Ostdiek.

The Origin Story May 25, 2025

Show notes

🎙️ Episode Title: The Origin Story

Episode Description: Welcome to the debut episode of Voices of Open Space, celebrating 50 years of Boulder County Parks & Open Space. Melissa and Tina, longtime colleagues, take listeners on a journey through the landscapes, legacies, and bold vision that launched one of the most renowned open space programs in the country. From mountain peaks to agricultural plains, discover how leadership, local action, and community values shaped the open spaces we cherish today.

📌 Show Notes:

In this episode: