Mountain Pine Beetle, photo courtesy of UC Boulder

THE BEETLES HAVE FLOWN – NOW WHAT?

Mountain Pine Beetle, photo courtesy of UC Boulder

In January’26, a blog post titled “Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation 2026” appeared in this blog.

https://planjeffco.org/mountain-pine-beetle-infestation-2026/ 

Eight months later, sometime toward the end of summer, the Mountain Pine Beetles (MPBs) will have flown. They began their yearly exodus around the middle of June. A day or two after the beetles flew, the females began to burrow under the bark of pine trees – mostly Ponderosa and lodgepole pines in Jefferson County.

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WINTER IN THE PARKS – HOW TO STAY SAFE

Even though it’s only September, there’s no time like the present to post this safety reminder for activity in the parks during the winter months, especially given the extraordinary climate pattern we’re experiencing with the 2026-2027 El Niño.

https://www.noaa.gov/understanding-el-nino

This article was originally penned back in 2015 by Shaun Howard, who was the Jeffco Open Space Ranger Lead at that time. She wrote this post in an effort to help all Open Space Park visitors understand a little more about how to enjoy winter activities in the Parks.  

Our parks are “primitive” parks. Don’t expect the trails to be groomed for you. Make sure you have micro-spikes with you, just in case you need them. Be prepared for any type of weather, especially as you gain in elevation. Know before you go.

https://www.jeffco.us/1531/Alerts-Closures

Temps have dropped and winter winds lick the landscape of the Jeffco Parks. Although the winter season has arrived, the parks are still great places to visit. Read on for essential winter safety tips.

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