Wildfire Mitigation: Living with Fire in a Changing Landscape

Park Bench Banter — Eva Lark with Shursteen Sharpe

What does it mean to stop a problem before it starts? In this episode of Park Bench Banter, host Eva Lark sits down with Shursteen Sharpe, Early Detection and Rapid Response Specialist for Boulder County Parks and Open Space. Shursteen’s work focuses on identifying and managing invasive plant species at their earliest stages, often when only a single plant is present. Through careful observation, planning, and collaboration, her work helps protect ecosystems, agriculture, and biodiversity across the county. From remote fieldwork to data-driven strategy, this conversation offers a rare look into the quiet but critical work of preventing invasive species from taking hold. In This Episode: * How invasive plants are detected and managed early * Why prevention is more effective than large-scale treatment * The surprising ways plants spread across landscapes * The role of data in tracking and managing infestations * Seasonal fieldwork and long days on the landscape * How volunteers support large-scale conservation efforts * Tips for homeowners to avoid planting invasive species * Why this work matters for ecosystems and agriculture Featured Resources: * More on Wood Lilies: boco.org/wood-lily [http://boco.org/wood-lily] * More on Orange Hawkweed: boco.org/OrangeHawkweed [http://boco.org/OrangeHawkweed] * See Shursteen and her team in action: * boco.org/tamarisk [http://boco.org/tamarisk] * boco.org/myrtlespurge [http://boco.org/myrtlespurge] * boco.org/RushSkeletonweed [http://boco.org/RushSkeletonweed] * Learn more about List A and other eradication species: boco.org/NoxiousWeedSpeciesinColorado [http://boco.org/NoxiousWeedSpeciesinColorado] * Report an eradication species sighting: boco.org/ReportEeradicationSpecies [http://boco.org/ReportEeradicationSpecies] * Volunteer Opportunities: boco.org/volunteer [http://boco.org/volunteer] Original music, including the theme song and all transitional pieces, was composed and performed by Tim Ostdiek.

Wildfire Mitigation: Living with Fire in a Changing Landscape

Wildfire has always been part of Colorado’s landscape, but the way we experience it is changing. In this episode, host Sarah Quiroga speaks with David Garcia, Water Resources Wildfire Mitigation Specialist for Boulder County Parks and Open Space, about the evolving relationship between people, land, and fire. Together, they explore how wildfire behaves, why mitigation matters more than ever, and what individuals and communities can do to reduce risk. From historic ditch systems to modern neighborhoods, this conversation highlights the importance of preparation, awareness, and collective action. In This Episode: * Understanding wildfire as a natural process * The shift from suppression to mitigation * Climate change and year-round fire risk * Lessons from the Marshall Fire * Managing fuel along ditch corridors * What defensible space really looks like * Easy steps to protect your home * Why neighbors matter in wildfire mitigation * Local programs and financial support for homeowners Featured Resources: * Ditch Wildfire Mitigation Program: Ditch Wildfire Mitigation Program - Boulder County [https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/management/ditch-wildfire-mitigation-program/] * Boulder County Wildfire Mitigation Program: https://bouldercounty.gov/disasters/wildfires/mitigation/wildfire-mitigation-programs/ [https://bouldercounty.gov/disasters/wildfires/mitigation/wildfire-mitigation-programs/] * Boulder County $500 Wildfire Mitigation Rebate: https://bouldercounty.gov/news/500-wildfire-mitigation-rebate-opens-two-months-early/ [https://bouldercounty.gov/news/500-wildfire-mitigation-rebate-opens-two-months-early/] * Wildfire Partners Rebate: https://wildfirepartners.org/rebate/ [https://wildfirepartners.org/rebate/] * City of Boulder’s Wildfire Resilience Assistance Program: https://bouldercolorado.gov/WRAP [https://bouldercolorado.gov/WRAP] * City of Boulder’s Be Wildfire Ready: https://bouldercolorado.gov/wildfireready [https://bouldercolorado.gov/wildfireready] Original music, including the theme song and all transitional pieces, was composed and performed by Tim Ostdiek.

Two Directors, Two Eras: Stewards of the Land Reflect on Leadership, Legacy, and Care for Our Shared Landscape

In Two Directors, Two Eras, recorded late last year, host Tina Nielsen sits down with former directors Ron Stewart and Therese Glowacki for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about the evolution of Boulder County’s open space program, reflecting on the leadership, vision, and legacy that have shaped it over time. From the early, grassroots beginnings in the 1970s to the transformative passage of the open space tax in 1993, Ron shares how a bold community vision helped protect land, prevent sprawl, and preserve agriculture. Therese reflects on a new era focused on stewardship, restoration, and innovation, including forest health, biomass energy, and large-scale ecological restoration projects. Together, they explore what it took to build trust with the community, protect iconic landscapes, and ensure that Boulder County remains a place where nature, agriculture, and people can thrive together. As we look ahead, this episode invites us to reflect on the past, honor the people who made it possible, and carry that vision forward. In This Episode: * The origins of Boulder County’s open space program and the vision behind it * How the 1978 Comprehensive Plan shaped land use, conservation, and growth * The long journey to passing the open space sales tax in 1993 * Early land acquisitions, creative strategies like rolling options, and community advocacy * Building trust with farmers, ranchers, and landowners across the county * The evolution from land acquisition to stewardship, restoration, and management * Innovative projects including biomass energy and large-scale creek restoration * Stories behind iconic open space areas like Heil Valley Ranch, Hall Ranch, and Haystack Mountain * The importance of partnerships, community involvement, and long-term vision * Reflections on leadership, legacy, and the future of open space in Boulder County Original music, including the theme song and all transitional pieces, was composed and performed by Tim Ostdiek.

Tale Feathers: Winter 2026

In this winter episode of Tale Feathers, host Eva Lark explores the joy of birding in every form, from “yard lists” to big community bird walks, and how paying attention to birds can help us feel more grounded where we live. Eva is joined by Ted Floyd, renowned birder and Editor of Birding magazine, the award-winning flagship publication of the American Birding Association. Ted is also a prolific writer and educator, with more than 200 articles and scholarly works on birds and nature, and has recently revitalized three new National Geographic bird field guides that were published in 2025. Together, they talk about the many ways people connect with birds, how journaling and curiosity can shape a life in nature, and why birders are so committed to facts, evidence, and learning. You will also meet one of Boulder County’s most common but often overlooked winter birds, the cackling goose, and learn how to tell it apart from the Canada goose. Plus, Ted shares favorite winter birding spots in and around Boulder County, and ways to join the local birding community. In this Episode: * Yard birding, life lists, and why there is no right way to be a birder * Ted Floyd’s path into birding through journaling, observation, and a childhood love of nature * How birding builds community and creates connection across backgrounds and experience levels * Field journaling today, including eBird, iNaturalist, photography, audio recordings, and detailed notes * Birding with kids, starting early, nurturing curiosity, and seeing the world through their eyes * Behind the scenes of Ted’s 2025 National Geographic field guides and why a field guide can feel like haiku * Meet Your Neighbor: Cackling Goose and how to tell it apart from the Canada Goose * Winter goose flocks in Boulder County, including snow goose, Ross’s goose, greater white fronted goose, brant, and hybrids * What winter bird sightings can reveal about climate change, habitat shifts, and changing migration patterns * The power of community science and why documenting birds matters * Favorite winter birding spots in and near Boulder County, plus local outings and upcoming migration events Featured Resources: * Spark Bird Stories: https://www.spark-bird.org/ [https://www.spark-bird.org/] * Bird species profiles: * Townsend’s Solitaire - https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/townsends_solitaire [https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/townsends_solitaire] * Cackling Goose - https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cackling_Goose/ [https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cackling_Goose/] * Parks & Open Space Event Calendar: https://discover.bouldercounty.gov/ [https://discover.bouldercounty.gov/] * Lagerman Agricultural Preserve: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/parks-and-trails/lagerman/ [https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/parks-and-trails/lagerman/] * eBird: https://ebird.org/ [https://ebird.org/] Ted’s eBird profile: https://ebird.org/profile/MTEyMDgz/world [https://ebird.org/profile/MTEyMDgz/world] * iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/ [https://www.inaturalist.org/] * Christmas Bird Count: https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count [https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count] * World Migratory Bird Day: https://www.migratorybirdday.org/ [https://www.migratorybirdday.org/] Original music, including the theme song and all transitional pieces, was composed and performed by Tim Ostdiek.

OSCAR: Amplifying the Power of Nature for a Sustainable, Just, and Resilient Boulder County

Sustainability, climate action, and resilience are more than buzzwords in Boulder County. They are a shared commitment and a roadmap for what comes next. In this episode of Voices of Open Space, host Melissa Arnold sits down with Tim Broderick, Senior Sustainability Strategist at Boulder County’s Office of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience (OSCAR), to explore how local action can lead to lasting change. Listeners will also join Melissa and Tim onsite as they visit Andy Breiter, founder of Grama Grass & Livestock, who received a Boulder County Soil Health Initiative grant in 2024. Together, they bring the conversation to the ground—showing how regenerative agriculture, rotational grazing, and healthy soils can strengthen climate resilience, support farmers and ranchers, and build a more sustainable future. From nature-based solutions to community-scale planning, this is a hopeful, practical look at what it means to amplify the power of nature in Boulder County. In This Episode: * An introduction to Boulder County’s Office of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience (OSCAR) and how it supports a sustainable, just, and resilient community * How local climate action takes shape through building decarbonization, transportation electrification, and natural climate solutions * An onsite visit with Andy Breiter, founder of Grama Grass & Livestock, and a look at how the 2024 Boulder County Soil Health Initiative grant supports regenerative agriculture * A deep dive into healthy soils, rotational grazing, and why soil health is key to climate resilience and food systems * How nature-based solutions like beaver habitat restoration, forestry management, green roofs, and biochar can amplify the power of nature * The role of data, policy, and community partnerships in shaping Boulder County’s climate future * A hopeful vision for what Boulder County could look like 50 years from now Featured Resources: * Boulder County’s OSCAR website: https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/ [https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/] * Resolution for the 2016 Sustainability tax, has great descriptions of why the residents of BOCO chose to support this https://assets.bouldercounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2016-79-gad-sst-open-space-and-sustainability-0.250pct.pdf [https://assets.bouldercounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2016-79-gad-sst-open-space-and-sustainability-0.250pct.pdf] * Nature Based Solutions, Boulder County site: https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/nature-based-solutions/ [https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/nature-based-solutions/] * Boulder County’s Sustainable Food and Agriculture Fund https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/food-ag-grant/ [https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/food-ag-grant/] * Boulder County’s Soil Health Initiative: https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/soil-health-initiative/ [https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/soil-health-initiative/] * USDA Principles of Soil Health https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/natural-resource-concerns/soil/soil-health [https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/natural-resource-concerns/soil/soil-health] * Zero Foodprint’s Restore Colorado https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/food-and-agriculture/restore-colorado/ [https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/food-and-agriculture/restore-colorado/] (work with restaurants in BOCO, 1% surcharge on bills that goes back to the farms) * Grama Grass & Livestock https://www.gramagrasslivestock.com/ [https://www.gramagrasslivestock.com/] * Liability Biomass Study https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/forest-waste/ [https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/forest-waste/] (this is the actual study PDF https://assets.bouldercounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Boulder_Final_Biomass_Report_FNL3.pdf [https://assets.bouldercounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Boulder_Final_Biomass_Report_FNL3.pdf]) * 2021 Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Boulder County, CO, a study that utilized a Consumption-Based Emissions Inventory (CBEI) that looks at Scope 3 emissions, which are not generated directed in the local supply chain (ordering things from Amazon…) Website: https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/2021-ghg-inventory/ [https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/2021-ghg-inventory/] and here is the actual PDF of the study: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/b84cd2357f9a4a5f9e094309b692a41e [https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/b84cd2357f9a4a5f9e094309b692a41e] * Urban Landscape Toolkit https://bouldercounty.gov/news/toolkit-integrating-nature-into-urban-planning-now-available/ [https://bouldercounty.gov/news/toolkit-integrating-nature-into-urban-planning-now-available/] * Grey to Green Fund, Sustainability Tax supports this – impervious to pervious https://bouldercounty.gov/government/grants/grey-to-green-fund/ [https://bouldercounty.gov/government/grants/grey-to-green-fund/]