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.

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