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.

🎙️ 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:

• Boulder County’s unique geography and ecological diversity
• What “open space” means—and why it matters
• Key moments in open space history, from the 1960s to the 1990s:
• • The Blue Line
  • The Comprehensive Plan
  • Founding of the Parks & Open Space Department (1975)
  • The pivotal 1993 sales tax vote
• Reflections from Melissa and Tina’s decades in real estate and planning
• Acknowledging Indigenous communities and the legacy of colonization
• Visionary leaders like Ron Stewart and Carolyn Holmberg
• Early landmark acquisitions: Betasso Preserve, Rock Creek Farm, Walden Ponds
• The 50th anniversary theme: Rooted and Reaching

Mentioned in this episode: ⁠

Boulder County Open Space 50th Anniversary⁠⁠

Boulder County Comprehensive Plan

Parks & Open Space Advisory Committee

Boulder County Parks & Open Space, Parks and Trails webpage

Coming up in future episodes:

• What Makes Us Unique
• Innovations in Open Space
• Volunteer Programs: The Heart of Our Mission
• The Values That Shape Our Work
• Conservation Easements
• What it takes to manage 107,000+ acres of public land

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