Volume 9, Number 3
Summer, 2008
White Acres: possible future open space
White Acres adjoins the south end of Red Rock Canyon Open Space and the east side of Section 16. It encompasses a continuation of the hogbacks of Red Rock Canyon Open Space and includes the highest point on the hogbacks south of Fountain Creek. At that highest point one can see, and be seen from, as far away as Corral Bluffs and the Black Forest.
Since Red Rock Canyon was opened, a popular social trail across White Acres has developed which connects trails on the east side of Red Rock Canyon Open Space to trails in Section 16.
White Acres adjoins the south end of Red Rock Canyon Open Space and the east side of Section 16. It encompasses a continuation of the hogbacks of Red Rock Canyon Open Space and includes the highest point on the hogbacks south of Fountain Creek. At that highest point one can see, and be seen from, as far away as Corral Bluffs and the Black Forest.
Since Red Rock Canyon was opened, a popular social trail across White Acres has developed which connects trails on the east side of Red Rock Canyon Open Space to trails in Section 16.
The property is currently owned by Bethany Baptist Church which gave it the name White Acres in memory of W. C. and Pearl White who formerly owned the property and whose heirs donated it to the church. At one time, the church constructed a pavilion and small park area on the property for outdoor worship services and other events. Now, the church needs money and hopes to sell the property.
White Acres is a candidate for acquisition as TOPS open space.
Because of its strategic location in relation to Red Rock Canyon, the trail linkages which it provides, its visual prominence, and its conservation values, Friends of Red Rock Canyon encourages the TOPS Working Committee to pursue acquisition of the Bethany Baptist Property (White Acres).
The Friends of Red Rock Canyon web site now has a section including White Acres photos and information.
We encourage everyone to become informed about this significant property and offer your comments to TOPS by e-
Our Thanks
Friends of Red Rock Canyon wishes to express our appreciation to the Old Colorado City Historical Society for hosting the Red Rock Canyon Educational Series.
Friends of Red Rock Canyon wishes to express our appreciation to the Old Colorado City Historical Society for hosting the Red Rock Canyon Educational Series.
June project to re-route trail, build steps
On the third anniversary of the Contemplative Trail in Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Friends of Red Rock Canyon and the Garden of the Goddesses Club are co-sponsoring a project to re-route part of the trail which was originally built across a steep slope and to add “a bunch of wooden steps” to the trail.
The project will be June 21 from 7:45 AM to 2:45 PM.
If you would like to participate, please sign up through the Volunteer Opportunities page on the Friends of Red Rock Canyon web site. Since the project will last into the afternoon, you will want to bring lunch and plenty of water.
Celebration to follow June 21 workday
The Garden of the Goddesses Club which is co-sponsoring the June 21 trail building day on the Contemplative Trail has invited the community, including participants in the workday and others who are interested, to attend a Summer Solstice celebration and drumming following the project. The celebration will be at the base of Sand Canyon on the west side of Red Rock Canyon Open Space. A special area will be opened for the event, and there will be signs to direct you to the area. The event will be in three parts, a ceremonial circle, a potluck, and a drumming circle:
People who are coming for just the ceremony and drumming are requested to bring a contribution to the potluck snacks and beverages. Participants in the trail project can come directly to the celebration. A wash basin will be available for you.
The Summer Solstice Celebration beginning around 3 PM will be a ceremonial circle honoring Mother Earth and the cycles of nature. This will be a non-denominational sacred ceremony including calling in the four directions, blessings, chanting, and group meditation.
The Garden of the Goddesses Drum Circle beginning around 4 PM will be hosted by Doris and Lee Reis. They will offer the heart beat with their “mother drum”. Everyone is invited to bring their drums and musical instruments to share in the community rhythm. Chairs, blankets, and extra drums are welcome.
Anyone may come and go between the sacred circle and the food/party during the afternoon.
Come honor the Goddess, Mother Earth, and our community with sacred intent and playfulness this Summer Solstice.
If you have questions or suggestions, call 634-1810 or email goddess@gardenofthegoddesses.us.
Third Red Rock Redpoint competition September 13
The third annual Red Rock Redpoint climbing competition in Red Rock Canyon will be held on Saturday, September 13.
This year, the Red Rock Redpoint climbing competition will be the third in the Summer Sandstone Series Outdoor climbing competitions. The first competition of the series was a bouldering competition at Ute Valley Park on May 31. The second will be another bouldering competition at Castlewood Canyon State Park on June 28.
The cost to participate in the Red Rock Redpoint competition is $30. Registration will be in the picnic area parking lot at 9 AM September 13; and the competition will be from 10 AM to 3 PM. In case of rain, the competition will be rescheduled for the following Saturday.
For more information contact:
THE ROCK Climbing Center at 481-9099
or info@climbingtherock.com
Adopt-A-Crag clean-up will go along with climbing competition
Along with the Red Rock Redpoint climbing competition, THE ROCK Climbing Center and the Front Range Climbing Company, together with Friends of Red Rock Canyon, will be hosting an Access Fund Adopt-A-Crag clean-up in Red Rock Canyon. In addition to the Access Fund, REI is also supporting the clean-up which will take place from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM on September 13. Participants will meet at the picnic area parking lot at 9:00.
Everyone is welcome to help with the clean-up. Please sign up through the Volunteer Opportunities page on the Friends of Red Rock Canyon web site or through either THE ROCK Climbing Center or Front Range Climbing Company.
Friends of Red Rock Canyon
President’s Report, Summer 2008
Spring Wind-up:
The season brought great weather and many volunteers to Red Rock Canyon for the first two Trail Maintenance Projects. Trail Maintenance was done all along the Round-up Trail polishing off the last two years' building of this trail with an average of 38 volunteers for each project. Some backslope, critical edge and bench repairs were done as well as pruning of bushes, recycling the debris for much needed closing of some social trails.
What makes these projects so successful are our wonderful volunteers. We are so fortunate to have a community of people who willingly give their time and energy to Red Rock Canyon. Our community's volunteers work so well together as teams, perform quality work and have fun while they are doing it along with making new friends. Thank you to all of you who joined us April 3rd and May 5th helping Friends of Red Rock Canyon be pro-active in maintaining the Round-up Trail which was also built by volunteers.
Summer Coming-up:
I invite you to join us June 21st for the Annual Trail Maintenance Day along the Contemplative / Garden of the Goddesses Trail. It's a great way to welcome in the Summer of 2008 and have a pleasant experience at the same time.
Sometime this summer there will also be the Groundbreaking for the Open Air Pavilion which will replace the former Bock Residence and be the stepping off point for the Interpretive trails. Since City Council declined to consider our request to preserve the bomb shelter, it will be demolished as part of the pavilion project. The bidding on the construction of the pavilion ended June 10, 2008. The Groundbreaking Event is expected to be in early July. Look for an email that Friends of Red Rock Canyon will send out announcing the Groundbreaking Event date and time. Thanks again to all who contributed to our 2007 Challenge Grant which made our future Open Air Pavilion possible!
Have an adventurous safe summer; see you on the trails.
Karlee Thompson
President, Friends of Red Rock Canyon
On the third anniversary of the Contemplative Trail in Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Friends of Red Rock Canyon and the Garden of the Goddesses Club are co-
The project will be June 21 from 7:45 AM to 2:45 PM.
If you would like to participate, please sign up through the Volunteer Opportunities page on the Friends of Red Rock Canyon web site. Since the project will last into the afternoon, you will want to bring lunch and plenty of water.
Celebration to follow June 21 workday
The Garden of the Goddesses Club which is co-
People who are coming for just the ceremony and drumming are requested to bring a contribution to the potluck snacks and beverages. Participants in the trail project can come directly to the celebration. A wash basin will be available for you.
The Summer Solstice Celebration beginning around 3 PM will be a ceremonial circle honoring Mother Earth and the cycles of nature. This will be a non-
The Garden of the Goddesses Drum Circle beginning around 4 PM will be hosted by Doris and Lee Reis. They will offer the heart beat with their “mother drum”. Everyone is invited to bring their drums and musical instruments to share in the community rhythm. Chairs, blankets, and extra drums are welcome.
Anyone may come and go between the sacred circle and the food/party during the afternoon.
Come honor the Goddess, Mother Earth, and our community with sacred intent and playfulness this Summer Solstice.
If you have questions or suggestions, call 634-
Third Red Rock Redpoint competition September 13
The third annual Red Rock Redpoint climbing competition in Red Rock Canyon will be held on Saturday, September 13.
This year, the Red Rock Redpoint climbing competition will be the third in the Summer Sandstone Series Outdoor climbing competitions. The first competition of the series was a bouldering competition at Ute Valley Park on May 31. The second will be another bouldering competition at Castlewood Canyon State Park on June 28.
The cost to participate in the Red Rock Redpoint competition is $30. Registration will be in the picnic area parking lot at 9 AM September 13; and the competition will be from 10 AM to 3 PM. In case of rain, the competition will be rescheduled for the following Saturday.
For more information contact:
THE ROCK Climbing Center at 481-
or info@climbingtherock.com
Adopt-
Along with the Red Rock Redpoint climbing competition, THE ROCK Climbing Center and the Front Range Climbing Company, together with Friends of Red Rock Canyon, will be hosting an Access Fund Adopt-
Everyone is welcome to help with the clean-
Friends of Red Rock Canyon
President’s Report, Summer 2008
Spring Wind-
The season brought great weather and many volunteers to Red Rock Canyon for the first two Trail Maintenance Projects. Trail Maintenance was done all along the Round-
What makes these projects so successful are our wonderful volunteers. We are so fortunate to have a community of people who willingly give their time and energy to Red Rock Canyon. Our community's volunteers work so well together as teams, perform quality work and have fun while they are doing it along with making new friends. Thank you to all of you who joined us April 3rd and May 5th helping Friends of Red Rock Canyon be pro-
Summer Coming-
I invite you to join us June 21st for the Annual Trail Maintenance Day along the Contemplative / Garden of the Goddesses Trail. It's a great way to welcome in the Summer of 2008 and have a pleasant experience at the same time.
Sometime this summer there will also be the Groundbreaking for the Open Air Pavilion which will replace the former Bock Residence and be the stepping off point for the Interpretive trails. Since City Council declined to consider our request to preserve the bomb shelter, it will be demolished as part of the pavilion project. The bidding on the construction of the pavilion ended June 10, 2008. The Groundbreaking Event is expected to be in early July. Look for an email that Friends of Red Rock Canyon will send out announcing the Groundbreaking Event date and time. Thanks again to all who contributed to our 2007 Challenge Grant which made our future Open Air Pavilion possible!
Have an adventurous safe summer; see you on the trails.
Karlee Thompson
President, Friends of Red Rock Canyon