The Marmot Messenger STAUNTON STATE PARK

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2017 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 5

Moose on loose in park

You never know what you might encounter Photos: Keith Festag out on the trails. Two juveniles and a cow moose were spotted in the park earlier this summer. The largest and ugliest of all the deer species, moose were only transient visitors into Colorado until the initiation of a program in 1978 to transplant moose from Utah and Wyoming to establish breeding populations in Colorado.

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What are more than one moose called? GIVE MOOSE THEIR SPACE If the plural of goose is geese, than clearly the plural You might like moose, but they don’t like you and they sure don’t like your dog, which they see as a of moose should be meese. But no, it’s moose. The predator. Bulls will defend their territory and cows word moose originates from Algonquian language. will aggressively protect their calves. If a moose The plural of many Indian names whether of a tribe, reacts to your presence, you are too close. such as the Sioux and Arikara, or of an object such as Watch for These Signs of Aggression papoose are the same as the singular. Moose kept the  Raised hackles (the hairs on its neck) same plural ending it had in its original language  Ears pinned back instead of adopting the typical S ending of most  Lowered head English plurals. Many non-Indian wildlife names do  Swaying back and forth not change from their singular to plural form, such as  Snorting and licking its snout deer, grouse and elk. Unless of course you are a  Rolling eyes (if you are close enough to see member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of their eyes roll, you are a moron) Elks, a private social club formed in the mid-1800s to circumvent annoying New York City laws governing public tavern operating hours. Then you are elks. Rover appears to be caught unaware of the potential consequences of a moose with its hackles raised.

You do Good to know - Tips from CPW not want If a moose acts aggressively look for to get this an escape route. Slowly back away look from toward a safe location. If a moose a moose. charges, run as fast as you can and put something large between you and the moose (a tree, car, large rock, a more generously proportioned visitor etc.). What’s Inside Youth Groups 3 It is a little known fact that moose Weed 4 live in culverts with foxes. Other Teams (who send pictures) 5 John Denver 6 Friends 9 Hummingbird Chip 10 Mark Madsen Celebration 11 Park Odds and Ends 13 Cougar Town 15 Woods Lake 16 Getting to know you 17

Belligerent moose defies fire ban. Team Coordinators and Staff 19 MARMOT MESSENGER 3

Mile High Youth Corps and Urban Rangers

Mile High Youth Corps The Urban formalized a social trail, Rangers got built a ramp, installed a hands-on couple of benches and experience in trail constructed stairs back maintenance. up to the trail at Mason Creek's Cascading Waterfall. This is a great recommended destination for those hikers not in physical condition to go all the way out to the Elk Falls.

Teamwork

Sea otters sometimes hold paws while sleeping to keep from drifting apart.

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Weed team loves their work And why wouldn’t they? The weed team is in the park week in and week out working diligently together so as not to feel so all alone. The aptly named weed team clearly loves their Rocky Mountain high. Why else would anyone spend endless hours on a task that can truly never be finished?

So popular has the weed team become that they now even have weed events (not to be confused with the Mile High city’s 4/20 event). It was revealed from a trusted source (Panama Gold Patty) that there was a “17 person weed event” (her terminology, not the Messenger’s) last month during which they went through seven bags in one day while hanging out in the meadow below

Staunton Rocks. That is by all accounts, a lot of weed. It is also believed that they went through 52 bags of Fritos.

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What’s up with the other teams?

Working Not so much

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Not that John Denver: John E. Denver and his secrets by Deborah Darnell Staunton State Park’s John In researching John Emmett Denver, it Denver was not known to have turned out that he was born in Eden, had musical talents and he Vermont, on June 20, 1850, to John F. wasn’t famous. In fact, we really Denver and Clarissa Stone and was their Name on Ancestry.com website knew very little about him. We did eldest son of 10 children, with three sisters and know that John E. Denver homesteaded 520 acres in five brothers who lived beyond childhood. The family the early 1920s in the Elk Creek Valley; this land was moved to Milford, Kansas by 1875, according to census adjacent to the Staunton Ranch. Did you ever wonder records. John E. married Mary Hannah Baker (1857- how the Stauntons, who first purchased 80 acres with a 1935) on Jan 15, 1882, in Milford, Kansas. They had cabin in 1918, expanded their ranch to 1720 acres in four children Lynette, Ester, Marvin and Emmett John. only 12 years? We know that Dr. Archibald On the 1895 census, the family was living in Lyon, homesteaded 680 acres. How did the Stauntons acquire Kansas, and John was employed as a painter. In 1900, the remaining 960 acres? Mary Denver and the three younger children were shown on the census, and Mary was listed as “Head of We learned that John Denver’s land in Jefferson Household.” County was transferred to Dr. Rachael Staunton in February of 1924, a few months after the homestead date. There were four parcels amounting to 240 acres that were transferred, according to the Jefferson County Assessor’s Office. This included the upper right parcel in the U.S. Census 1900 showing Mary Denver as “Head of Household” living map (80 acres) highlighted in yellow, and 160 with three children acres at the eastern end of his property. The remaining The next time we found John E. Denver was in 1910 part of Denver’s property, 280 acres, was located in and he was living in Johnstown, Weld County, Park County and also transferred to Rachael Staunton Colorado. He was listed as a widower and a teamster. It in the 1920s. would seem that he reinvented himself after possibly deserting his family. His wife and three children were In the Staunton Collection at History Colorado, back in Milford, Kansas where Mary was a hotel keeper. Bonnie Scudder and Hank Alderfer found two wills The oldest daughter, Lynette, was 16 and living with written by John Denver. One will relatives in Milford. She was listed as a directed that his land would go to cousin and a student. Frances Staunton, and the other bequeathed it to Dr. Rachael. Our next record of John E. Denver had Denver died on November 22, him homesteading his first 320 acres in 1926 in Denver. On Denver’s death Jefferson and Park Counties, Colorado. certificate, which Scudder ordered, This was in the early 1920s. Could he have he was listed as living at 1445 had tuberculosis or some other illness and Downing in Denver. This was met the Staunton couple who agreed to the residence of the Staunton Fairmont Cemetery where Denver is buried treat him and care for him in exchange Family. On the certificate, he in unmarked grave (center of photo) for his homesteading property adjacent was listed as having been born to their properties located in the in Canada, a widower and a laborer. Dr. Archibald foothills near Denver? Why did he desert his wife and Staunton signed his death certificate. John E. Denver four children who never heard from him or knew what was buried in an unmarked grave at Fairmont Cemetery had become of him? It appears that he began telling in Denver and Dr. Staunton paid for his burial plot, people that he was from Canada and a widower. In according to records. researching what type of lies a person uses when MARMOT MESSENGER 7 recreating his or her identity, Deborah Darnell learned that it is common for them to only make small changes in their identity. In John E. Denver’s case, he did not even change his name. Deborah, a member and past officer of Mountain Genealogists Society, constructed a family tree for John Denver and posted a Homestead parcels belonging to Denver, all granted during 1923, from memorial for Denver on Findagrave.com. In glorecords.blm.gov August 2016, she was contacted through Ancestry.com at the State Bank of Milford, Kansas. He lived with his by a descendant of John E. Denver who found a family mother who he listed as “dependent on him.” He served tree which she had created for Denver with the above in WWI and married his wife, Kathryn “Kate” Mellinger information. She was hoping that a descendant of John in October 1918. In a city directory of 1959 he was E.’s would find this information posted on either listed as the vice president of the same bank where he Ancestry.com or FindaGrave.com (#119190045) and in was an assistant cashier in 1917. In a local newspaper fact this is what happened. The descendent was Tom article it was reported that he and his wife took a three- Lewis and he week car trip to southern California, with visits to the confirmed that his Grand Canyon, Long Beach, San Diego, Santa Monica, grandmother’s family Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and the Avalon had been deserted by Ballroom where Lawrence Welk was playing, plus a stop John E. Denver. He in Las Vegas for a show starring Liberace. Interestingly, stated that his the couple stayed at Troutdale Resort in Evergreen, mother had asked Colorado, on their return trip to Kansas and visited Red him to research his Rocks Amphitheater, as well as Estes Park. One great-grandfather’s wonders if he had any idea how close he was to where disappearance. Mr. his father had homesteaded in Pine? Lewis has a census Emmett John’s older brother Marvin also spent some report stating he time in Colorado. He married his first wife, Mary, in worked for the 1917 in Kit Carson, Family listing for John E. Denver, railroad, although showing parents, spouse, and Colorado, and married children, from Ancestry.com Deborah wasn’t able a second time in 1925 to locate this in Denver to wife, information. Just recently, she was contacted by John Maizie. He was living E. Denver’s great niece who was trying to find out in Denver in the 1940 information about Denver’s father, John F. Denver, census. He apparently who was born in Scotland. The niece assured her that returned to the John E. Denver’s children had done well, despite the Milford area of Kansas fact that their father had deserted them. and was buried in John E.’s youngest Junction City, Kansas. Marvin Denver, son, posted son, Emmett John The two sisters, Esther by family on Ancestry.com Denver, was 22 years and Lynette “Linnie,” old when he registered both married. Esther lived her whole life in Kansas, for the WWI draft. He whereas Linnie lived for approximately five years in listed his profession as Colorado Springs, Colorado, and she died in Texas. assistant bank cashier

Emmett John Denver, son, posted by family on Ancestry.com MARMOT MESSENGER 8

John Emmett Denver played a role in the expansion of the Staunton Ranch, and ultimately, the creation of Staunton State Park. The transfer of his 520 acres to the Stauntons expanded the ranch into Park County. Denver’s land comprised over 30% of the Staunton Ranch. The Policeman’s Cabin, situated on a tributary of Black Mountain Creek near Park County, is on land that once belonged to Denver. It is next to a tributary of Black Mountain Creek. Denver’s property is in the central part of Staunton State Park. The following park trails pass through it: Staunton Ranch, Borderline, Marmot Passage, Scout Line, and the Climbing Assess trail to Staunton Rocks. The Old Mill Trail also briefly passes through. To hike to Elk Falls, the Elk Falls Pond, and Lions Head, one travels along some of these trails. Checking on the glorecords/blm.com website, all 520 Location of Denver homestead properties on Staunton State Park map acres are shown in both Counties. Homestead patents were granted by Presidents Harding and Coolidge who Sources: signed three patents to Denver during 1923. Denver Secrets of Elk Creek: Shaffers Crossing, Staunton State Park, likely was granted these homesteads several years and Beyond (2013). Elk Creek Publishing. earlier, and once they were proven, transferred the land Ancestry.com to Dr. Rachael. This information certainly supports the Findagrave.com theory of homestead parcels paying for medical Glorecords.blm.gov U.S. Census treatment.

Brenna Barnes from Aspen Crossing Elementary School was the Marmot Fest 2017 poster contest winner. Her art work will be used as next year’s Marmot Fest official poster.

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Friends

Marmot Fest a success for Friends of SSP Besides being a really fun event for lots of kids and families and dogs (sorry Raymond), 2017 Marmot Fest brought our Friends team several new members and 40 marmot adoptions. One young hiker, Ellie, brought money that she had saved to adopt a marmot. She was really excited to take her new charge home and was interested to learn all about marmots at Staunton State Park. Marmot Fest was also a great opportunity to show off the trackchair and let visitors learn a little bit about accessibility at SSP.

Grant money from CPRA Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) awarded a grant of $2000 to Friends of SSP on July 18. SSP Friends was the only Friends group to receive a grant. What does it take to get ‘free money’? It takes paying a lot of attention to what is potentially available, careful and detailed written application and never missing a deadline. It ain’t easy, but it’s worth the effort.

What’s next for Friends of SSP? Friends of SSP is successful for all sorts of reasons, Friends of SSP board recognized at including the ability to set goals and stay focused – trackchair BBQ witness the Trackchair Program. But what is next? The The Trackchair Program at SSP may not have started plan for 2017-18 is to fund a seasonal park employee out to get famous, but it is growing and that has not dedicated to running the TC reservation system gone unnoticed by CPW. Windi Padilla, Deputy (currently managed by Annie and Lew when they are Regional Manager, awarded the Friends of SSP a big not outside with park visitors). Hey, we’re losing our thank you for taking the initiative on this important status as ‘the best kept secret in the park system’. But and so far unique addition to CO parks. The Trackchair who’s complaining? Program is solely funded by our Friends group with no budget from the state, and it is making a difference for a lot of folks who would not otherwise be able to be outdoors and hike.

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July volunteer meeting with hummingbird Chip

What’s faster than a speeding marmot?

Because of the geometry of the Earth’s shape, the August 21 total solar eclipse shadow in the US traveled faster at the ends of the eclipse path and slowest right in the middle. When the totality hit Oregon, it was moving at over 2,400 mph, slowed down to a mere 1,400 mph or so as it passed through Kentucky, then sped back up to approximately 1,500 mph by Charleston, South Carolina. The last total solar eclipse viewed from contiguous United States was on Feb. 26, 1979 where the path passed through the northwestern U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. Most popular song: Le Freak by Chic. Popular movie: The Dear Hunter. Price of gasoline: $0.86. Stock Market: 821. President in office: Jimmy Carter. Major current event: Ayatolla Khomaini seizes power in Iran. Major scientific event this year: WHO certifies global eradication of smallpox. After this year, the next total eclipse visible from the Lower-48 will be on April 8, 2024 which will track northeast from Texas to Maine. MARMOT MESSENGER 11

Second annual Mark Madsen Celebration held in August

If you could see me now, a popular Christian tune often sung at memorial services, could be the new song Mark Madsen is singing in his heavenly home, but what if Mark can see what has become of his dreams for a track chair program at Staunton State Park? If Mark is watching, he is amazed that the park, through donations to Friends of Staunton State Park in his memory, has purchased two track chairs, a storage trailer, accompanying equipment and a soon to be storage shed We would like to set aside about $15,000 for this for the entire works. purpose,” he said. And what would he think about the 27 amazing, Park manager Zach Taylor said the person to be hired trained volunteers who, as of the August 12 Celebration, should be able to coordinate, schedule and work well with have escorted 78 visitors in these two track chairs on the volunteers. The position would be a 40 hour a week hikes into the beautiful reaches of the park? Certainly, job from April to October and hired through State Parks Mark and his friend, volunteer Ted Hammon, the and Wildlife, but the Friends organization would put up “godfather” of Staunton's track chair program, who the funding for the position. together dreamed of this day, can find gratification and A scholarship program satisfaction in the program's success. And what a success: is also a goal for the if every possible slot is filled by the end of October, 150 future. Parkinson said visitors will have enjoyed the park via a track chair, this would entail a according to Friends president Wayne Parkinson. process where The program is just getting started with a current goal “disadvantaged and to raise $20,000 to expand Staunton's Track Chair disabled” youth would horizons. And that suits Track Chair visitor William apply for a “hike” in the Lundgrun of Littleton just fine. Lundgrun, who is a Track Chair along with former chair of the Denver Commission for People with family and friends for a Physical Disabilities, is blind. He was able to “hike” to day. Each applicant Davis Ponds along with his guide dog Hugo and his wife. would be chosen based on need. The Track Chair Volunteer Debby Henkens accompanied them. program would pay for transport to and from home, the entrance fee and a picnic lunch. Parkinson estimated each “It was delightful,” said Lundgrun. He added it was nice scholarship would amount to about $800. to have someone helpful along. He would like to see other parks have the same “practical” program. The scholarship program is designed to get those who would normally not come to the park a chance to enjoy If the funding goal is reached, plans are in the works to its natural beauty. hire a “full time/part time” person starting next year to coordinate the program. As it is now, Annie Thran is “Let's get coordinating Track Chair and, along with her job and people here who other park duties, it has become difficult to handle at cannot get here” times. any other way, said Taylor, who Part of the funds raised this year would go to hiring proposed the someone who could work full time on administering the program. program, according to Parkinson.

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During the Celebration, Taylor said the program has been “phenomenal.” He added other parks around the country and even across the ocean are calling to ask for information. His eventual goal is to open up appointments for trips to five days if a full time employee is hired. He also hopes to recruit more volunteers, including those outside of current park volunteers. Steve and Janice Brooks, owners of Brooks Place in Aspen Park, provided and cooked hot dogs and hamburgers with all the fixings for Celebration attendees. Sisco Foods also donated food for the event. Rex Rideout entertained guests with his music. Board member Susan Festag said donations to the Track Chair program can still be made through the Friends organization. Also, information about donating can be found on the Friends website and on Facebook. Disabled visitors Don Riester and George Gallegos, who both “hiked” with the Track Chair, spoke at the Celebration praising the program. Riester called his Track Chair outings “fantastic” noting it offers freedom for those who are disabled to enjoy nature, while Gallegos thanked the Friends organization for initiating Track Chair. “For a little bit of time, you forget you cannot do what others do,” Gallegos, who has ALS, added. The visitors are not the only ones who benefit from the experiences. Volunteers are finding a sense of gratification and enjoyment too. Margaret Thompson, who has been a faithful volunteer, said “You meet the nicest people.” She tells the story of one visitor who caught an eight-inch trout on his experience at Davis Ponds. “Some bring family and friends and make it an all-day outing,” she said. Marie Hensick, Mark's sister, reflected on his dreams for such a program during the Celebration. “If Mark were here he would be so proud,” she said. “He would say 'thank you for sharing this beautiful place.'” “This place, these mountains could make Mark's heart sing,” she said. The Track Chair program has come a long way from Mark and Ted's early dreams. Mark, if you could see us now.

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Park odds and ends, but mostly odd

Very Just like suspicious. volunteers, No way there’s always does Mary one who‘s not have extra on the same rod tags for page as the all those rest of the poles. group.

These pathetic children are up for adoption. Won’t you help?

Real men aren’t afraid to use pink Barbie tools.

Not knowing her weed induced strength, Deborah was a tad Pencils poised, volunteers conscientiously take overzealous and accidently pulled up a ponderosa while weeding. copious notes during Zach’s park update.

Suffering from herbicide hallucinations, crazed Mark Fisher inadvertently sprays a marmot, turning him white.

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Zach rappelling the falls

How real rangers

and their dogs rappel.

Volunteers gathered to use their pinhole Watching the eclipse projectors to directly, watch the Who knew fishing with Lew could be so painful. very bad. eclipse.

It’s best if you look up.

Wisely hiding her Lindy face, now we don’t know who this is.

Yes, you actually volunteer with these people. MARMOT MESSENGER 15

Volunteer camp out turns into Cougar Town (now you wish you came) It was supposed to be a relaxed evening in the park under the stars.

Instead the volunteers were stunned when a cougar made an appearance and menacingly glowered at everyone as it circled the group.

Cougar

Pretending not to see the cougar is not an effective means of protection Sandy.

Even ranger Becca was shocked to see a cougar brazenly enter into the camp. She attempted to drive the cat off with bean bags.

She made me participate.

Hard to believe, but volunteers learned that cougars evolved from little pink pigs. It was unclear if the pigs could fly.

Cougar’s face, covered with beer suds, recounts stories of cougar lore.

So, was it really a cougar or was it cousin Itt?

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Woods Lake a quiet get away

NOTE: This is another in a series of reviews of Colorado State Parks and Wildlife areas. Woods Lake State Wildlife Area, located near Telluride, is about six hours from Conifer, but well worth the drive. Elaine and Nancy, along with a friend, made the trek in July and the wildflowers were spectacular, but a visit in the fall would be a great time to see the colors and spend time recreating in a quiet, out-of-the-way place. The lake is located in the Uncompahgre National Forest surrounded by the picturesque San Miguel Mountains. And, if you become bored with the quiet, you can always Fishing, canoeing (no motor boats allowed) and hiking are drive into Telluride (about 22 miles from the lake) for a fun all activities visitors can enjoy while visiting here. There is time. no charge to enter the area. Special note: If you would like to visit the lake but want The National Forest Service runs a campground adjacent to more amenities during your stay, try camping at Ridgeway the lake (Woods Lake Campground). Camping includes RV State Park, just north of Ridgeway, or one of numerous and tent sites in spacey, shaded areas with vault toilets, hotels, or bed and breakfasts in the area. A hot springs is trash service, fire pits and running water (although the also located south of Ridgeway. The area is rife with things water spigots were closed off when we were there). to do. Camping is $18 per night (half price if you have a senior Getting there: From Conifer, drive south on U.S. 285 to pass). Poncha Springs. From here, turn right (west) onto U.S. 50 Also near the lake is a day use area with picnic tables and and drive to Montrose. From downtown Montrose, turn vault toilet. left (south) onto U.S. 550 and drive to Ridgeway. Turn right (west) onto Highway 62. Drive west and reach Colorado Even though our visit included a weekend night, the 145 to Telluride. Turn left here and drive about two and campground did not fill up and we did not encounter one half miles to Fall Creek Road. Turn right (west) onto anyone on the trails while hiking. If you are looking for a this good gravel road and drive 9 miles to reach the lake, wilderness experience with peace and quiet, this place is campground and day use area. for you.

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Getting to Know You The couple has two children: daughter Lacy lives in Return of the Jedi Master Westminster and has two children and son Sawyer lives in Des Moines, Iowa. Stan and Lisa Willman have volunteered in national and state parks before coming to Since volunteering was already in their blood, the Staunton Willmans decided to get involved at Staunton after Colorado is not the only place volunteers Stan and hearing from their realtor that the park was going to Lisa Willman have given of their time and talents. Their open soon. “She was so excited about the trails and service to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts has provided opportunities this park was going to offer,” Lisa said. them with many opportunities to work in national, “Her enthusiasm really peaked my interest in the park.” state and local parks. The couple is originally from back “When we got to Colorado, Staunton was the kind of east. park we like, and when we saw a volunteer class was “I was born in Hannibal, Missouri, and grew up on being started, we signed up as it was the kind of the Mississippi River bluffs downstream from Hannibal volunteer involvement we enjoyed,” Stan said. in the small town of Pleasant Hill, Illinois,” Stan said. “I thoroughly enjoyed the volunteer training and all He attended college at Southern Illinois University in of the volunteers are awesome people,” Lisa said. Carbondale. He said his college experience also afforded him the opportunity to spend time in the Shawnee The Willmans brought to the park a plethora of National Forest in southern Illinois. volunteer experiences, including trail building and maintenance, fire restoration, stream clean-ups and other areas of work. And they came ready to put that experience to use. “I was on the trail crew and got to work on the Climbing Access and Lions Head Trails,” Lisa said. Stan added he has worked on Old Mill, Border Line, Climbing Access, Marmot Passage and Lions Head trails. He has also worked on chipper detail. But then Lisa was in a serious accident and the nature of her service changed. “I was lucky enough that Ted (Hammon) offered me the opportunity to experience the Track Chair,” she

said. “Since then, I have tried to be involved as much as Stan also has a business degree and has worked in possible with the Track Chair program, helping promote manufacturing engineering in the food business where it so that those who are not able to physically walk the he was employed by Oscar Mayer, General Foods, trails can still experience this beautiful park.” Phillip Morris and Kraft Foods. He was offered an opportunity to retire in 2013, which led to a move to Although Lisa said she misses “digging in dirt, getting Colorado. dirty and moving rocks (She loves rocks), she said her goals for future service include trail head hosting, Lisa was born in Beardstown, Illinois, and lived in working with some educational activities and becoming various towns in the western part of the state. She more involved with the Track Chair program. She also attended school in Pleasant Hill. After graduation, Lisa wants to work in some capacity in the visitor center went to nursing school at Blessing Hospital in Quincy when it is completed. and worked as a nurse until her retirement in 2013. The couple moved to Bailey from Bettendorf, Iowa, “to Stan has been bringing Lisa out for Track Chair be able to take full advantage of all the wonderful outings since her accident and has continued to work opportunities here,” she said. Lisa and Stan said they on some park projects. He said because he has gotten also wanted to be closer to their grandchildren. much enjoyment from his and Lisa's time in the back MARMOT MESSENGER 18 country, he would like to see visitors to Staunton have Stan, who earned a Six Sigma Black Belt, is also a Jedi the same experience. Master: to his proud and “lucky” wife Lisa, and to a group of Boy Scouts he was leading on a backpack trip “...the best of outdoors can't be experienced from a in New Mexico. car window or within a few hundred feet of the parking lot,” he said. “It takes a little work and few skills to get “This was based on the old man of the group getting away from it all.” to the top of the hills first and coming back down to help the teenagers to the top with their gear,” Stan said. One thing dear to Lisa's heart is the park's educational The Scouts were involved with a trap shooting program. programs. She would like to see these and new Stan had knowledge of where the group was hiking and programs develop in the future. how to hang bear bags “out of reach of everything but “I feel it is more important than ever to help children a giraffe.” and adults learn how to appreciate and take advantage Stan said he did not want to “spoil their beliefs” but of the wonderful outdoors while also passing on the added “...a lot can be said for preparation, looking at importance of and ways to protect and preserve,” she the map before getting into the middle of the woods added. and growing up in the sticks.”

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Volunteer Team Coordinators

Education: Claudia Gunn – [email protected] Annie Thran – [email protected] Fencing: Susan Festag – [email protected]

Wayne Parkinson – [email protected] Chainsaw: Scott Aaronson – [email protected] Ted Hammon - [email protected] Newsletter: Nancy Coburn – [email protected] Elaine Rideout – [email protected] Small Construction: Ed Samberg – [email protected]

Jack Gunn - [email protected] Trails: Gary Sims – [email protected] Plants: Jack Darnell – [email protected] Deborah Darnell – [email protected] Raptor Monitoring: Richard Prickett – [email protected] Wildlife: Ron LaLone - [email protected] Elaine Rideout – [email protected] Park History: Bonnie Scudder - [email protected] Deborah Darnell – [email protected] Rock Climbing: Dave Montgomery - [email protected] Entrance/Office: Susan Festag – [email protected] Trail Host: Jane Nault – [email protected] Sally Parkinson - [email protected] Wayne Parkinson – [email protected] Weed Warriors: Mark Fisher - [email protected] Patty Warnick - [email protected] Scouts/Eagle Scouts: Randie Boldra - [email protected] Mark Fisher - [email protected] Ron LaLone - [email protected] Gary Finley - [email protected] Geocache: Jack Darnell – [email protected] Parking: Mike Mladjan – [email protected] Newsletter Team: Nancy Coburn

Staunton State Park Staff Bonnie Scudder Elaine Rideout Zach Taylor Park Manager Marmot Mascot Designer: Dave Stigall Park Resource Technician Meagan Webber Special Thanks to Zach Taylor

www.parks.state.co.us