The Values That Shape Our Work – Part 2

In the second part of our three-part series, host Elisabeth Rios-Brooks explores three more of the seven guiding values at Boulder County Parks & Open Space: Stewardship, Sustainability, and Service.

Through heartfelt stories and deep reflections, this episode highlights how these values are not just principles—but lived commitments.

Featured Guests & Topics:

• Shane Milne: Forest Planning Supervisor
• Ecological responsibility and long-term restoration
• Limber pine conservation
• Cassandra Schnarr: Agricultural Resource Specialist
• Partnering with leaseholders and integrating resource values on working lands
• Honest collaboration and equity in land use
• Will Towle: Buildings & Historic Preservation Supervisor
• Prioritizing preservation with limited resources
• Visioning a future of more inclusive historical narratives
• David Hirt: Research Program Supervisor
• Restoring damaged ecosystems and fens
• Healing landscapes—and the people who steward them
• Stefan Reinold: Resource Management Division Manager
• Interdisciplinary collaboration and climate adaptation
• Wildfire mitigation and sustainable planning
• Bevin Carithers: Chief Park Ranger
• The joy and unpredictability of service
• Building trust across diverse communities
• Brian Bartel: Historic Preservation Field Supervisor
• Hands-on service and responsiveness to community needs
• Keeping parks welcoming, functional, and accessible

Themes Explored:

• Stewardship as care and accountability
• Sustainability beyond the environment—into systems and relationships
• Service as humility, presence, and showing up for others

Links and Resources Mentioned

Wetland Plants: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLnxLpyMvw6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=Y2JlY3Ntdmo5cHA0

Open Space Management: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/management/

Limber Pine Planting: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7m8zF2NdKv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=eGFjbmpncDRweTV3

The Ranger in You: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9Qidy-h3fz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=ZWs0d211cG11d3p2

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

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