Boulder County Parks & Open Space is proud to announce the launch of its new podcast series, Voices of Open Space, a storytelling journey into the heart of public lands and the people who care for them.
Voices of Open Space Podcast Series
Parks & Open Space Podcast
Voices of Open Space invites listeners behind the scenes to explore how conservation, sustainability, and community stewardship shape the loved landscapes. Through authentic conversations with naturalists, volunteers, scientists, land managers, authors, and community members, the series highlights the values, challenges, and triumphs of preserving and protecting Boulder County’s open spaces.
The podcast is available on all major platforms.
There is an invisible force guiding actions, decisions, and implementation at Boulder County Parks & Open Space. When it is present, we move with more alignment, care, and integrity. These are our values.
In this first of a three-part series, host Elisabeth Rios-Brooks explores two of the seven core values that guide Boulder County Parks & Open Space: Innovation and Engagement.
Wildlife Supervisor Mac Kobza, Historic Preservation Field Supervisor Mike Lohr, and Forestry Specialist Scott Golden share how curiosity, collaboration, and creativity shape their work. Later, Amanda Hatfield and Jim Drew reflect on how meaningful engagement builds trust, community, and connection to the land.
This episode brings together diverse voices and stories that show how our values aren’t just ideals—they’re lived every day.
In This Episode
- What it means to live your values at Boulder County Parks & Open Space
- How Innovation shows up in wildlife management, historic preservation, and forestry
- Collaborating with youth and schools (e.g., St. Vrain Innovation Center)
- Development of the solar-powered tool trailer
- Innovation through cross-boundary wildfire mitigation
- Deep reflections on privilege, allyship, and inclusive community building
- Thinking beyond the moment—toward legacy, sustainability, and belonging
- The role of creativity, adaptation, and resilience in land stewardship
- Using technology and forward-thinking to protect natural and cultural resources
- Why Engagement is more than outreach—it’s relationship-building
- Volunteerism as a form of connection, service, and belonging
- The impact of intentional community involvement across programs
- Personal reflections from staff on how values shape their daily work
Links and Resources Mentioned
- The Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools
- Northern Leopard Frog
- Prairie Dog Management
- Middle Boulder Creek Fuels Reduction Partnership Project
- The Boulder Watershed Collective
- The Watershed Center
- Parks & Open Space Volunteer Opportunities
- Harvest of All First Nations and the Corn Festival
- Agricultural Heritage Center
- 3-D models of historic structures, the LHOC solar trailer, and more
Innovation is at the heart of how Boulder County Parks & Open Space protects and stewards over 107,000 acres of land. In this episode, host Grant Orvis sits down with Heidi Wagner, a long-time planner with Boulder County Parks & Open Space, to explore how innovative thinking, strong partnerships, and ecological knowledge are shaping the future of our landscapes. Topics include wildlife crossings, soil health, stream restoration, and Indigenous partnerships.
Special guests Stefan Reinold and Thomas Roth join the conversation to discuss everything from thriving forest ecosystems to CSU Extension’s Plant Mobile.
This episode is packed with real-world innovations and the people behind the practices that keep Boulder County’s open spaces healthy and resilient.
In This Episode
- What planning means at Boulder County
- Ecological diversity and wildlife stewardship
- Soil health, stream restoration, and native plant programs
- Wildlife crossings and aerial imagery
- Thriving forest ecosystems with Stefan Reinold
- Partnerships with Indigenous communities
- Community connection to land and open space
- CSU Extension’s Plant Mobile with Thomas Roth
- Prairie Run Open Space
- Reflections on the future of our ecosystems
Links and Resources Mentioned
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
Welcome to the debut episode of Voices of Open Space, celebrating 50 years of Boulder County Parks & Open Space. Melissa Arnold and Tina Nielsen, longtime colleagues, take listeners on a journey through the landscapes, legacies, and bold vision that launched one of the most renowned open space programs in the country. From mountain peaks to agricultural plains, discover how leadership, local action, and community values shaped the open spaces cherished today.
In This Episode
- Boulder County’s unique geography and ecological diversity.
- What “open space” means—and why it matters.
- Key moments in open space history, from the 1960s to the 1990s:
- The Blue Line.
- The Comprehensive Plan.
- Founding of the Parks & Open Space department in 1975.
- The pivotal 1993 sales tax vote.
- Reflections from Melissa and Tina’s decades in real estate and planning.
- Acknowledging Indigenous communities and the legacy of colonization.
- Visionary leaders like Ron Stewart and Carolyn Holmberg.
- Early landmark acquisitions: Betasso Preserve, Rock Creek Farm, and Walden Ponds.
- The 50th anniversary theme: Rooted and Reaching.
Listeners can expect new podcast episodes featuring diverse voices and topics ranging from prairie restoration and wildlife research to youth engagement and the evolving role of public lands in community life. Whether you’re a lifelong local or new to the area, Voices of Open Space will hopefully inspire you to see the land and your role in it in a new way.
Coming up in future episodes:
- Innovations in Open Space
- Volunteer Programs: The Heart of Our Mission
- The Values That Shape Our Work
- Conservation Easements
Parks & Open Space’s 50th Anniversary
Boulder County Parks & Open Space is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Since 1975, Parks & Open Space has worked to conserve natural, cultural, and agricultural resources and provide public uses that reflect sound resource management and community values.
The theme for this milestone year is “Rooted and Reaching: Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation and Community in Boulder County.” It reflects both where the department has been and where it is headed. The new podcast series is part of this celebration, aiming to inspire, educate, and connect listeners through a range of engaging and diverse topics.
Contact Us
Parks & Open Space
Pouria Montazeri
posmultimedia@bouldercounty.gov