Peak Environment

Environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

117: Overcoming Obstacles to Recycling 04/23/2024

118: Transition Towns - Community, Resilience, Independence, and Permaculture 04/11/2024

117 City of Fountain Sustainability Update 04/03/2024

117 City of Fountain Sustainability Update Katie Helm, Conservation and Sustainability Program Manager for the City of Fountain, provides an update on the city's sustainability efforts. This episode includes an extensive impromptu discussion of recycling challenges and solutions across El Paso County. Katie Helm is the Conservation and Sustainability Program Manager for the City of Fountain, where she manages energy and water programs. In previous roles she has worked as a Water Conservation Specialist for the City of Aurora, a Park Ranger for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and as a sawyer through Americorps. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. In 2017 she earned her Master of Science from Denver University for Environmental Management and Policy. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Presenter’s Slides Resource Central WaterWise Yards examples This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on March 20, 2024. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The next event is: Sustainability in Progress: Colorado Springs Utilities Water Conservation UpdateHear from Julia Gallucci, Water Conservation Supervisor at Colorado Springs UtilitiesApril 17, 2024 at Noon Register here: The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: /episode/index/show/peakenvironment/id/30672318

116: Colorado Springs Sustainability Update 03/01/2024

115: Plastic Bags Update & Moving Toward Zero Waste: Policy Wins, Advice and Resources 01/29/2024

115: Plastic Bags Update & Moving Toward Zero Waste: Policy Wins, Advice and Resources What’s the law on plastic bags and polystyrene cups and take-out containers? What other legislation is in effect or potentially coming soon to move the state toward zero waste? How can you receive funding to support your organizational efforts? How can we all take part in moving to reduce this kind of waste? Find out in this update from Rachel Setzke of Eco-Cycle. In Colorado, restaurants have experienced as much as a 90% reduction in use (and costs) of single use items like straws, ketchup packets, etc. when they don’t automatically provide them, but first ask if a customer wants them. Get this and other useful bits of information in this episode! Eco-Cycle is one of the oldest mission-based recyclers and Zero Waste organizations in the US, and an innovator in resource conservation. They operate the , provide , and created the nation’s first (CHaRM). They also run the program, program, a recycling helpline (303-444-6634), created the , and advance at the local, state, and national levels. MORE INFORMATION: Presenter’s Slides Front Range Waste Diversion Enterprise Fund programs information Producer Responsibility Act Bag Fee, Ban Materials & Resources Thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts sponsor KJS Auto Hail Repair. Save $100: Mention that you were referred by Studio 809 when you call, or on the contact form at This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on January 17, 2024. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. Register for the February Sustainability in Progress: COS Sustainability and Strategic Doing February 21, 2024, 12 noon MST The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: /episode/index/show/peakenvironment/id/29699383

114: In and Outs of a Permaculture Design Certification 01/27/2024

114: In and Outs of a Permaculture Design Certification Why might you want to attend a permaculture design certification course offered in our region? Ally Richardson, a permaculture educator and Peak Environment podcast co-producer, discusses this with other members of Pikes Peak Permaculture: Becky Elder, Brian Fritz, and Jayme Domejka. Mentioned in this episode: Pikes Peak Permaculture’s 2024 Permaculture Design Certification Since the early 1980s, permaculture has been taught through hands-on courses – PDCs – with experienced mentors handing down their knowledge to passionate students. We are beginning March 8th and will finish September 22nd. Work Trade available- ask for details! Register Here: Permaculture Potpourri Come join us at High Prairie Library on February 3rd, 2024 for a FREE class on many topics we cover as permaculturists. From soil to social systems- we have solutions. Location: 7035 Old Meridian Road, Falcon, Colorado 80831 Register here: Weeds Have A Story For You! Spend the day with us and learn on July 20th to learn about what the weeds in your landscape are telling you about your soil. We will discuss specific weedy species, how and if they can be used and what strategies you can use to get them to give way to other more desirable plants. Class Fee $35; Location TBD. Register Here: Tree City USA Bulletin #59 Permaculture and the City. Arbor Day Foundation Music on the podcast by Charlie Mgee from Formidable Vegetable, a permaculture-based musical band out of Australia. This episode was produced by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a content partner with Studio 809 Podcasts. Visit for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking. The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: /episode/index/show/peakenvironment/id/29673383

113: Poor Richard's Rubbish Roundup 12/31/2023

113: Poor Richard's Rubbish Roundup Richard Skorman shares an environmental vision and a unique community building opportunity that can help with the restoration efforts of our local watershed - creating natural landscapes that everyone can enjoy: Poor Richard's Rubbish Roundup! Join the weekly trash roundup team and help keep our community clean. Or, better yet, reach out to Richard for support in starting your own volunteer group near your local waters. The episode is hosted by Ally Richardson, a permaculture educator and Peak Environment co-producer. Richard Skorman served thirteen years on Colorado Springs City Council, including two as vice mayor. He was on the initial board of the Fountain Creek Watershed District. In 1975, he launched what is now Poor Richard’s Downtown collection of shops – a book and gift shop, a toy store, a restaurant and a coffee cafe/wine bar. He founded the U.S. Environmental Film Festival in 1991, and was a founder of Citizens Project. Mentioned in this episode: Poor Richard's Rubbish Roundup- Beginning Again on January 9th, 2024. The volunteer group meets every Tuesday from 3pm to 5pm to clean up Monument Valley Park - South. For more information: Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control & Greenway District Induced Meandering MethodThe technique of meandering the creek to recharge groundwater, which in turn recharges flowing waters on the landscape and wetlands. The edges that are created from the natural flowing pattern create habitat and forage- for birds and insects, as well as for other fauna which inhabit earth and need to survive. Biochar & Permaculture Design for Fire Mitigation and Soil Regeneration Music by Charlie Mgee from Formidable Vegetable, a permaculture-based musical band out of Australia This episode of Peak Environment is courtesy of Pikes Peak Permaculture, celebrating 15 years of Permaculture education, inspiration, and support throughout Colorado’s Pikes Peak Region. We provide several Design Certification Courses, and have graduated upwards of 60 new Permaculture designers. Visit for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking. The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: /episode/index/show/peakenvironment/id/29286238

112: Have Yourself a Low Impact Holiday 11/18/2023

112: Have Yourself a Low Impact Holiday Do you approach the holidays mindful of the environmental impact of shopping, gifts and food? This episode explores sustainable options for this holiday season. Konrad Schlarbaum, sustainability director for the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, shares low-impact practices for gifts, food, decorations, and transportation. Konrad Schlarbaum is the Director of Sustainability at the University of Colorado–Colorado Springs (UCCS). He also serves on the Board of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future, the Sustainability Committee at Thomas MacLaren School, and the Planning Committee for the Pikes Peak Children’s Water Festival. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in sustainability and is certified in LEED and Permaculture. LINKS: Presenter’s Slides Bear Creek by Candlelight – December 1 5 to 8 p.m. Center for Biological Diversity’s Simplify the Holidays (gift guides and other green holiday info) SoKind alternative gift registry Makeover Your Holiday Plate with MyPlate Holiday Travel Methods, Ranked from Most to Least Eco-Friendly - Brightly Blog A Thankful Feast, Not a Wasteful One - Natural Resources Defense Council E-Tech Recyclers This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on November 15, 2023. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: /episode/index/show/peakenvironment/id/28699563

111: Colorado Clean Energy Legislation 11/02/2023

110: Permaculture Principles - Part 2 of 2 10/09/2023

109: How to Love the Outdoors: Leave No Trace 09/25/2023

108: Permaculture Principles Part 1 of 2 09/07/2023

108: Permaculture Principles Part 1 of 2 Pikes Peak Permaculture begins a deep dive into permaculture principles in this Part 1 of 2 episode. Acknowledging and practicing these principles can lead to wonderful experiences which will guide you to understanding how natural systems work in our environment and our climate. Pikes Peak Permaculture is a Southern Colorado 501c3 nonprofit that educates children, and adults, on the wide world of nature and permaculture. Join us on Saturday, September 16th from 12 to 6 for Pikes Peak Permaculture’s first fundraising event, as we inform the community of ways towards resilience and sustainability within our homes and our community. Many of the things discussed in the podcast will be available to view at the event, such as rainwater harvesting, composting techniques, and much more. The event will take place at Ranch Foods Direct East at 4635 Town Center Dr . Just by coming to the event, you are supporting educational programs and outreach, and you will also have an opportunity to meet with local farmers, enjoy LIVE music, engage at educational booths, learn creative activities for children, like natural painting and seed balls. We will have local vendors, and food trucks. Door prizes and a silent auction add excitement to that day. For more information, visit Mentioned in today’s podcast: Rainwater, Storm Water & Graywater Regulation #86, Graywater Control Regulation Calculate your footprint here: Pikes Peak Library Repair Café Music by Charlie Mgee from Formidable Vegetable, a permaculture-based musical band out of Australia This episode was produced by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a content partner with Studio 809 Podcasts. Visit for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking. The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: /episode/index/show/peakenvironment/id/27968112

107: Denver Public Schools’ Climate Action Plan 08/28/2023

107: Denver Public Schools’ Climate Action Plan Learn how Denver Public Schools' Climate Action Plan was developed and is being implemented. DPS policy is to “be a national leader in establishing an organizational culture anchored in sustainability, climate action, and environmental justice in both the conservation of natural resources and in minimizing the carbon footprint of DPS’ practices.” LeeAnn Kittle, director of the Sustainability Team at Denver Public Schools, shares the details on that climate plan. She’ll also highlight the significance of GHG inventory storytelling and financial impact assessments, which have played a critical role in driving sustainable change across the school district. LeeAnn holds a Master's in Business Administration and a B.S. in Environmental Science. She is passionate about educating and inspiring her community on sustainability initiatives to address pressing climate issues. She works hard to change the narrative from climate crisis to one of bold action, innovation, and accountability. Kittle has served on several boards across the front range, including organizations such as US Green Building Council, Recycle Colorado, and Colorado Association for School District Energy Managers. LeeAnn also took part in NREL’s Energy Executive Leadership Program and was recently named Energy Manager of the Year for the Central and South US through the Association of Energy Engineers. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Presenter's Slides Denver Public Schools Climate Action Plan Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future Monthly Newsletter Sustainable and Resilient Pikes Peak Region Facebook Group Pikes Peak Permaculture Fundraiser - September 16 The Brewshed Alliance Liquid Lecture Fountain Creek Watershed’s 10th Anniversary Creek Week Cleanup Registration This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on August 16, 2023. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. Register for the next Sustainability in Progress event: Building High Efficiency, All-Electric Homes – Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity - September 20 at noon The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: /episode/index/show/peakenvironment/id/27866403

106: How the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center is Meeting Environmental Challenges 08/11/2023

105: Connecting Children to Nature with Permaculture 07/25/2023

104: Sustainability in Progress: Wildfire Mitigation 07/05/2023

104: Sustainability in Progress: Wildfire Mitigation How homeowners and the community can reduce wildfire risk and prepare for a wildfire event. Ashley Whitworth, Wildfire Mitigation Program Administrator for the Colorado Springs Fire Department, brings us up to speed on defending against wildfire. She also tells us about the Division of the Fire Marshal, and Peak Alerts. Ashley served as a Wildland Firefighter on the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest Fires. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Presenter's Slide Presentation Sign up for Peak Alerts Outdoor burning guidelines, burn bans, burn restrictions 719-444-7000 – non-emergency number to report violations Ashley Whitworth Office: 719-385-7342 Please take the Green Drinks Meetup survey Sustainable and Resilient Pikes Peak Region group on Facebook This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on June 21, 2023. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. July's event: Sustainability in Progress: How the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center is Meeting Environmental ChallengesJuly 19, Noon to 1 pmLearn about the environmentally sensitive design and construction of the new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center and the Living Building Challenge certification process. Sandy Elliott, Parks Operations Administrator for Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, will share the fascinating details. Reserve here to receive a link: The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: /episode/index/show/peakenvironment/id/27380565

103 Permaculture Education in the Pikes Peak Region 06/19/2023

102 Community Gardens, Sustainable COS and Westside Community Center 06/09/2023

101 Plans for Trails, Open Space and Parks 05/31/2023

101 Plans for Trails, Open Space and Parks What does the April ballot success of the Trails and Open Space tax renewal tell us about our community, and how might we use that to address shortfalls in county and city parks funding? Susan Davies, Executive Director of the Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC), fills us in. She shares highlights of our areas parks and open spaces, and discusses ways we can improve funding for future needs. After a 30-year career as a TV journalist in various markets around the country, Susan took the position leading TOSC in 2009. Under her leadership TOSC has tackled several large initiatives including completing the Ring the Peak Trail, supporting Friends Groups across the region, starting a Trail Ambassador and Get Out/Get Healthy Program, empowering neighborhood groups committed to improving trails and parks in underserved areas and most recently the extension of the City's TOPS (Trails, Open Space and Parks) tax. LINKS: Presenter's Slides Trails and Open Space Coalition Info about Colorado Springs Trails, Open Space and Parks Program Pollinator Festival Sustainable and Resilient Pikes Peak Region Facebook Group This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on May 17, 2023. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The June 21, 2023 SIP will be: Wildfire Mitigation - with Ashley Whitworth of CSFD The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: /episode/index/show/peakenvironment/id/27000933

100 El Paso County Parks Master Plan 04/28/2023

99 Where to Get Great Local Food 04/24/2023

98 Building Resilient Community Relationships with Land 04/14/2023

97 RetoolCOS: Modernizing Colorado Springs’ Zoning and Subdivision Policies 03/30/2023

97 RetoolCOS: Modernizing Colorado Springs’ Zoning and Subdivision Policies How will Colorado Springs’ updated zoning and subdivision ordinance make our community more sustainable and resilient? City of Colorado Springs Planning Supervisor Morgan Hester shares important details about RetoolCOS. The City of Colorado Springs City Council recently adopted the first comprehensive update of the City’s zoning and subdivision ordinance in several decades. The 3-year process has been spearheaded by the Planning Department and is known as the RetoolCOS project, which will result in a Unified Development Code (UDC) to establish a new, modern, and more user-friendly approach to zoning and subdivision regulations as directed by PlanCOS, the 2019 Council-adopted comprehensive plan, to fit the needs of the City. The zoning and subdivision ordinance governs how property owners can use their land, including regulations such as building height, setbacks between properties and rights-of-ways, and what uses are permitted. The zoning and subdivision ordinance also describes the procedures for subdividing property or undertaking a development project. Learn more at . This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on February 15, 2023. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: /episode/index/show/peakenvironment/id/26397942

96 Waste and Recycling in Colorado 01/28/2023

96 Waste and Recycling in Colorado The new disposable plastic shopping bag “ban” and Colorado’s miserable recycling rate (15%) are among the topics as we hear from Liz Chapman, Executive Director of Recycle Colorado. Chapman shares information about new waste policies being implemented or voted on in 2023, plus other efforts to improve recycling and reduce waste statewide. Of particular interest is the Producer Responsibility for Recycling Act, passed in 2022 and being fully in effect in 2026. It will make it easy for all Coloradans to recycle more plastics, aluminum cans, glass bottles, cardboard, and printed paper. It will also help manufacturers and businesses by creating a more resilient domestic supply of recycled materials to make new products. Recycle Colorado is a statewide non-profit organization working to advance infrastructure, end markets, and state and local policies in waste reduction, recovery and diversion. Recycle Colorado has over 300 members from across the state—from the public, private and non-profit sectors. LINKS: Speaker's Slide Presentation Recycle Colorado Producer Responsibility for Recycling Ecocycle This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on January 18, 2023. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: /episode/index/show/peakenvironment/id/25755357

95 Sustainability in Progress: Climate Change in Colorado 12/10/2022

94 Arts and Culture in the Pikes Peak Region 10/24/2022

94 Arts and Culture in the Pikes Peak Region In observance of arts month, get arts and culture updates from Andy Vick, executive director of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region; and Natalie Johnson, executive director of the Manitou Art Center. Andy shares about the community’s new cultural plan, Arts Vision 2030, and some of the work it has already inspired. Natalie shares about some of the specific programs and initiatives that the Manitou Art Center has undertaken to support sustainability efforts. LINKS: Andy Vick’s Slides Natalie Johnson’s Slides Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region Arts Vision 2030 Manitou Art Center Military Arts Connection November’s Sustainability in Progress Climate Change in Colorado with Becky Bolinger, Ph.D. (she/her), Assistant State Climatologist, Colorado Climate Center, CSU Dept. Atmospheric Science Wednesday, November 16, from 12:00 - 1:00 PMThis is a virtual event. Register here: Featured Community Events Green Drinks RebootA monthly casual networking event where sustainably-minded people meet over drinks. Thursday, October 27 from 6:00 - 8:00 pmIvywild School, Bristol Brewing CompanyInfo and RSVP: Seeking Board Members Do you have a passion for sustainability? Do you want to promote sustainability efforts happening in the region? Do you have about five hours per month to dedicate to this cause? Do you have or are willing to develop skills in: Marketing Fundraising Communication Financial Management Event Management Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is a 501c3 non-profit organization that strives to promote sustainability in the Pikes Peak region and to advance the regional sustainability plan called Looking to Our Future: Pikes Peak Region 2030. You can read the plan here: Contact Mary Barber This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on October 19, 2022. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: /episode/index/show/peakenvironment/id/24779601

93 Colorado Water Plan 2023 10/06/2022

92 Green Standards for Stormwater Infrastructure 08/03/2022

91 Native Plants Support a Healthy Watershed 06/28/2022

90 Conserving Water at Home 05/31/2022

90 Conserving Water at Home A dry winter, long-term drought, and record low levels in major Colorado River reservoirs have all of us wondering what we can do to minimize our water consumption. Kate Larson of Resource Central shares how the organization is helping communities implement programs to encourage homeowners to conserve water. City of Fountain Conservation and Sustainability Manager Katie Helm also shares the response from community members and why being able to partner with another organization to administer these services is so invaluable. (Resource Central is helping the city of Fountain with Lawn Replacement, Slow the Flow (irrigation evaluations), a smart controller program, and seminars). LINKS: Speaker’s Slides Resource Central City of Fountain Conservation & Sustainability Source of information and inspiration - property owners can share water conservation tips and experience Three Videos Shown by Kate: Lafayette Waterwise Yard Transformation Bee Friendly Yard Beautifies the Neighborhood Lawn Replacement Program: How It Works Resource Central YouTube Channel Sustainable and Resilient Pikes Peak Region - Facebook Group Receive Notifications of Future Sustainability in Progress Meetings Special thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts Supporter and Community Partner, . This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on May 18, 2022. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at UPCOMING EVENTS: Sustainability in ProgressJune 15, 20228 to 9 amIn-Person or VirtualSondermann Park740 West Caramillo StreetColorado Springs, CO 80907 Planting for a Healthy Watershed Join CO Native Plant Society Executive Director Maggie Gaddis and Fountain Creek Watershed District Interim Executive Director Alli Schuch at the newly revived Kathleen Marriage Garden at Sondermann Park. We'll talk about the history of the garden, how it was brought back to life, how you can incorporate native plants and help support a healthy watershed. This is an outdoor event at the garden. Advance registration required to attend the virtual version of this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtduqppjwtG9f1Y2WlqJRbvaQOzwu3hnLf Cob Oven WorkshopJune 11-12, 2022Smokebrush Farm302 El Paso Blvd.Manitou Springs, CO For information and registration, call Dylan Roberts: 719-650-5697 Permaculture Design WorkshopJune 24-26, 2022Orient Land TrustMoffat, CO For information and registration: The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: /episode/index/show/peakenvironment/id/23286272

Peak Environment

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