Mountain Pine Beetle, photo courtesy of UC Boulder

THE BEETLES HAVE FLOWN – NOW WHAT?

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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

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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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PLAN Jeffco Monthly April 2026

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PJ Monthly Newletter April 2026

Download your copy of the PLAN Jeffco Monthly April 2026

 

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SLASH 2026

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SLASH 2026 full schedule

It’s SLASH season again!

The 2025 SLASH (Sustainable Lands and Safer Homes) season is upon us. From May 15th to October 25th, four SLASH collection sites will be open for business, mostly on Thursdays thru Sundays, 9AM to 4PM, unless otherwise posted. You should plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to closing. Read more

Information Specialist Judy Smetana, Volunteer Program Coordinator Ronnie Terry, and Volunteer Gardeners Michelle Poolet and Sandy Bates stand in front of the Boettcher Mansion display at this year’s Volunteer Recruitment Fair, which was held at JCPOS Headquarters in Golden.

OPEN SPACE VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT FAIR 2026

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Information Specialist Judy Smetana, Volunteer Program Coordinator Ronnie Terry, and Volunteer Gardeners Michelle Poolet and Sandy Bates stand in front of the Boettcher Mansion display at this year’s Volunteer Recruitment Fair, which was held at JCPOS Headquarters in Golden.

Information Specialist Judy Smetana, Volunteer Program Coordinator Ronnie Terry, and Volunteer Gardeners Michelle Poolet and Sandy Bates stand in front of the Boettcher Mansion display at this year’s Volunteer Recruitment Fair, which was held at JCPOS Headquarters in Golden.

Volunteerism isn’t anything new – it’s been around for hundreds if not thousands of years. Officially, volunteerism can be traced back to the 12th century in Britain, where more than 500 hospitals were staffed by volunteers.

The word “volunteer” stems from the Latin voluntarius – “willing, of one’s own free will”. It became part of the English language via Middle French, initially referring to someone who willingly offered themselves for military duty. Today, it has evolved to mean anyone entering service freely, whether military or community service.

Every year, Jeffco Parks & Open Space (JCPOS) hosts a Volunteer Recruitment Fair, during which time folks who are interested in becoming more engaged with our parks can investigate what being a hands-on part of Open Space might be like, i.e. entering service freely. Read more

Boettcher Mansion Gardens Re-emerge with the Spring

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Boettcher as seen from the Mule Deer Garden_quarter

The Boettcher Mansion as seen from the Mule Deer garden.

By Victoria Gits, PLAN Jeffco Staff Writer and Board Secretary

Three years ago, the lovely, historic Boettcher Mansion on Lookout Mountain was surrounded by a mostly neglected landscape of overgrown grasses and weeds not really in keeping with the grand Arts and Crafts home known as a popular wedding venue.

Thanks to volunteer gardeners, today the grounds on three sides of the house are full of thriving annuals, perennials, shade-or-sun loving plants, flowering shrubs and vines. Even in mid-September one can peruse the zinnias, sunflowers, impatiens, daisies and mums – and petunias, calibrachoa, and sweet potato vine – lots and lots of them.

Instead of forgettable space, the outdoors is now a horticultural showcase and a destination worthy of taking visitors for a peaceful walk any time of day for free, with or without a wedding to attend. Read more