Roxborough State Park interpretive master plan Acknowledgements

Interpretive Master Planning Personnel Writing: Mary Bonnell Contributions/Research: Mary Bonnell and Susie Trumble Interpretive Planning Consultant: Marcella Wells, Assistant Professor, Colorado State University Project Manager: Roxanne Brickell-Reardon, Interpretation and Environmental Education Coordinator, Colorado State Parks Consulting Editor: Kristin LeColst, Denver, Colorado Design: Christine Murphy, Creative Services, Colorado State Parks

Colorado State Parks Metro Region Manager: Gene Schmidt Metro Region Assistant Manager: Brad Buckner Park Manager: Susie Trumble Special thanks to Laurie Mathews and Tom Easley for their vision and support. table of contents

I. Introduction A. Site Description ...... 1 B. History and Purpose of the Park...... 1 1. Park Purpose ...... 1 2. Roxborough Management Goals ...... 1 3. Special Designations ...... 1 4. Works in Progress ...... 2 C. Interpretation at Roxborough State Park .. 2 1. Need for Interpretive Master Plan ...... 2 2. Purpose of Interpretive Master Plan .... 2

II. Inventory and Analysis A. Natural Resources...... 3 1. Landscape/Geology...... 3 2. Ecosystems/Plant Communities...... 3 3. Wildlife ...... 3 4. Cultural Resources ...... 3 B. Natural Resource Analysis ...... 4 C. Management Issues Inventory ...... 4 1. Current Issues ...... 4 2. Existing Plans and Plans to be Completed in 2000...... 5 D. Management Issues Analysis ...... 6 E. Human Resource Inventory...... 6 1. Full-time Employees ...... 6 2. Seasonal Employees ...... 6 3. Volunteer Resources ...... 7 F. Human Resource Analysis...... 7 G. Facilities Inventory...... 7 H. Facilities Analysis...... 8 I. Interpretive Inventory...... 9 1. Personal Interpretation Inventory ...... 9 2. Non-personal Interpretation Inventory... 10 3. Props and Parts for Interpretation Inventory...10 J. Visitor Orientation Inventory ...... 11 1. Personal Visitor Orientation ...... 11 2. Non-personal Visitor Orientation ...... 11 K. Interpretation and Visitor Orientation .... 12 1. Personal Interpretation Analysis ...... 12 2. Non-personal Interpretation Analysis . . . 12 3. Visitor Orientation Analysis ...... 13 table of contents

L. Audience Inventory...... 14 M. Audience Analysis ...... 14 N. Visitor Studies Inventory ...... 15 O. Visitor Studies Analysis ...... 15 P. Stakeholder Inventory ...... 15 Q. Funding Stakeholder Inventory ...... 16 R. Stakeholder Analysis ...... 17

III. Project/Product Development A. Statements of Significance ...... 19 B. Desired Visitor Experience ...... 20

IV. Project/Product Recommendations A. Interpretative Services and Statements of Significance Correlation ...... 21 B. Interpretive Services and Desired Visitor Experience Correlation ...... 22 C. Short-term Recommendations...... 22 D. Long-term Recommendations ...... 29 Part I: introduction

1 introduction

A. Site Description B. History and Purpose of the Park

oxborough State Park is a n 1975, Colorado State Parks 2. Roxborough Management Goals R 3,299-acre, day-use Colorado I purchased 500 acres of (revised from Park Management Natural Area located on the edge of Roxborough property, forming Plan, 1986) the foothills 25 miles southwest of Roxborough State Park. In 1979, Denver. Roxborough is a geologically Roxborough received State Natural Roxborough State Park will be significant site with more than Area status. In 1980 the park managed and maintained to insure 1.3 billion years of geologic time became a registered National the conservation and protection of represented in elegant sandstone Natural Landmark. Roxborough its outstanding natural, cultural, and spires and steep, colorful hogbacks. was designated as a National scenic resources. Because of its unusual landscape Archaeological District in 1983. Roxborough will foster environ- and location at the foot of the By 1984, Roxborough expanded mental stewardship among citizens Rocky Mountains, Roxborough to 1,499 acres. On May 15, 1987, and visitors to the park by developing comprises a unique patchwork of Roxborough State Park opened awareness and understanding of ecosystems that provide habitat for to the public. Since opening to Roxborough’s natural and cultural a great diversity of animals. the public, Roxborough has grown resources through a variety of to its current size of 3,299 acres. interpretive media. It is through the efforts of citizens and partnering agencies that Continual monitoring of park Roxborough has been able to resources will document the condition grow in size and visitation, while of Roxborough and serve as an being maintained as a spectacular indicator of environmental change. natural area. N Establishing a strong support 1. Park Purpose system of volunteers, friends, agency partnerships, and compassionate A Colorado State Park visitors will help maintain and is defined as “an area having conserve the unique character outstanding scenic and natural of Roxborough. qualities containing significant archaeological, ecological, 3. Roxborough’s Special Designations geological, and other scientific values so as to make imperative Roxborough’s unique geology, the preservation of the area by “more picturesque sandstone than the Division for the enjoyment, any other Front Range locality,” education, and inspiration of (Hayden, 1873) provides a striking Colorado residents and visitors.” canvas on which nature has painted Specifically, Roxborough State a great diversity of ecosystems and Park exists to protect the unique plant communities. This array of scenic and scientific values of the vegetation and landscapes provides park and to provide opportunities rich habitat for wildlife. The combination of geologic significance Roxborough State Park Location Map for recreation and education for park visitors in the Front Range and ecosystem richness has earned foothills area. Roxborough State Park National Natural Landmark and Colorado Natural Area status. Due to the high number of archaeological sites and a designation as a State Historic site, 2

Roxborough has a National Cultural District the park during business hours to ask questions, or designation. Finally, because Roxborough is largely discuss their interests and sightings with park staff and “maintained in its natural state” it has been identified volunteers at the information desk. On busy weekends, as a “Core Reserve within the Chatfield Basin…a discovery stations—tables with natural and cultural backbone of the [Chatfield Basin] regional reserve artifacts designed to draw visitors to them—may be system.” (CBRN Plan, 1998) set up on the visitor center patio. Discovery stations provide an inviting buffet where the visitor can take 4. Roxborough’s Works in Progress just a bite or a whole plateful of information with them. Currently, Roxborough staff, volunteers, and outside Visitors preferring non-personal interpretation may be consultants are working on multiple resource inventories, introduced to Roxborough resources via a variety of a management plan update, visitor studies, noxious weed wayside signs, visitor center exhibits, and self-guiding and prairie dog management prescriptions, a weed trail brochures. management plan, a trails plan, a stewardship plan, and 2. Purpose of this Interpretive Master Plan a prescribed burn plan. Roxborough is also uncertain about how the Endangered Species Act and the presence Completion of this interpretive master plan fulfills the and preservation of the Preble’s Meadow jumping mouse first goal identified in the Five-year Interpretive Services at Roxborough will affect all plans and projects. These and Environmental Education Plan (1999): “to develop variables suggest that this plan must be highly adaptable a process to set statewide and individual park priorities and evolve with these developing situations. for interpretive services.”

With both statewide and park-specific interpretive goals in mind, Roxborough management and interpretive staff C. Interpretation at Roxborough feel a successful and useful interpretive master plan will State Park accomplish the following:

1. Need for Interpretive Master Plan • review Roxborough background and existing situation information The goal of interpretation at Roxborough is to foster environmental stewardship among citizens and visitors to • review park management goals the park by developing awareness and understanding of • inventory and analyze significant natural resources Roxborough’s natural and cultural resources through a at Roxborough variety of interpretive media. This interpretive goal is derived from the goal of interpretation and environmental • inventory and analyze existing facilities at Roxborough education in all Colorado State Parks, which is to provide leisure opportunities that foster environmental • inventory and analyze interpretive services stewardship among citizens and visitors to the state by at Roxborough developing awareness and understanding of Colorado’s • characterize the Roxborough visitor and natural and cultural resources. (Colorado State Parks interpretive audience Five-year Interpretative Services and Environmental Education Plan, 1999) • identify important themes and storylines for interpretation at Roxborough Interpretation comes in a variety of flavors at Roxborough. For visitors who prefer formal interaction • recommend appropriate interpretive products and with a naturalist or a ranger, Roxborough offers guided media for addressing identified storylines; articulate hikes, children’s programs, and indoor naturalist talks. themes, goals, and objectives for each product Visitors seeking an informal interaction with a ranger or naturalist may choose to query a roving naturalist, phone • recommend tools for evaluation and visitor studies. Part II: inventory and analysis

3 inventory and analysis

A. Natural Resources

1. Landscape/Geology riparian inhabitants mark two guttural utterings from ravens, intermittent streams and a wet meadow voles rustling an escape With elevations ranging from meadow with cottonwoods, through the leaf litter, and, in the 5,900 to 7,600 feet, Roxborough’s willows, sedges, and rushes. spring, the exuberant call of the landscape beautifully illustrates a To the east, sloping saddles of chorus frog. Coyotes and foxes Front Range transition from plains deeper, well-drained soil between leave mid-trail “calling cards” that to mountains. On the west border the hogbacks are carpeted with are hard to miss. Golden eagles; of the park, the rugged granite grassland ecosystem inhabitants like Northern harriers; and red-tailed, of Carpenter Peak is flanked by blue grama, big and little bluestem, rough-legged, and ferruginous elegantly layered gneiss. The red and buffalo grass. hawks provide an ongoing air sandstone spires of the Fountain show—complete with barrel rolls Formation accent the foothills as A variety of rare plants can be and other acrobatics in season. they dip away and into the scrub found at Roxborough, including A sighting of a coyote, red fox, oaks. The Roxborough landscape American currant, prairie violet, rattlesnake, bullsnake, elk, or black is characterized by two more forked spleenwort, and wood lily. bear is not unusual for smaller sandstone hogbacks: the Lyons (For a complete plant list, please hiking groups. Elusive inhabitants and the Dakota, before rolling into contact the park.) A variety of like the bobcat and mountain lion prairie grasslands to the east— noxious weeds are currently being are only rarely seen. While not as encompassing over 1.3 billion years controlled at Roxborough. Some showy or exciting as a bear or of geologic time. (For a complete of the priority plants on this mountain lion, the threatened look at Roxborough geology, please “hit list” include yellow toadflax, Preble’s Meadow jumping mouse contact the park.) Canada thistle, diffuse knapweed, is a distinguished resident of two and dalmatian toadflax. 2. Ecosystems/Plant Communities Roxborough riparian areas. (For 3. Wildlife complete mammal, herptile, Roxborough’s varied landscape bird, and invertebrate inventories, is the canvas upon which nature Roxborough’s please contact the park.) paints the patchwork of ecosystems diverse landscapes and plant communities found at and ecosystems 4. Cultural Resources Roxborough. Signature montane provide ample As indicated by its special forest ecosystem plants prefer the habitat for wildlife. designations, Roxborough is shallow, rocky soil of the hogbacks A typical wildlife watching rich in cultural resources. and Carpenter Peak. Ponderosa foray at Roxborough Rock shelters, lithic scatter, pines crown the Dakota Ridge and would include sightings campfire rings, and cooking pits Lyons Formation and blanket the of mule deer, found throughout the park sunny slopes of Carpenter Peak. prairie dogs, rock indicate the presence of Douglas firs and aspens are tucked squirrels, western nomadic early away on the shady slopes of scrub jays, spotted peoples Carpenter Peak and in ravines towhees, black-capped (possibly back formed by the Fountain Formation. chickadees, and ravens. to 10,500 Patchy montane shrublands flank Audible treats usually BC). the hogbacks with scrub oak and include the descending mountain mahogany. Ribbons of song of the canyon wren, 4

C. Management Issues Inventory

American Indians including Apache, Comanche, 1. Current Issues Facing Roxborough State Park Arapaho, Ute, and Cheyenne occupied the area hunting for buffalo, trading pelts with trappers, and Many of Roxborough’s current issues relate to external planting limited crops along riparian areas. While the development pressure. Roxborough is located in Douglas first European-American impressions of the Roxborough County—Colorado’s fastest growing county for the area came from the Long and Hayden expeditions, some past four years. Roxborough’s own neighborhood, of the most colorful historical tales come from early the Roxborough Metro District, predicts a growth homesteaders and a Roxborough landowner named rate of up to 120% in the next ten years. Development Henry Persse. The Persse Place, built in 1903, has been in the Roxborough Park Community has placed restored and is currently being used to interpret the Roxborough virtually in the “backyard” of many private timeless lure of Roxborough’s natural beauty, past land residences. As a result, visual encroachment upon uses at Roxborough, and the connection between today’s Roxborough’s unparalleled scenic vistas is a concern visitor and Roxborough’s day-trippers from the past. for many park visitors. In an effort to protect Roxborough from these external B. Natural Resource Analysis pressures, land purchases in the past three years have tripled Roxborough’s acreage—creating additional management challenges. How these new lands will be he salient natural resource at Roxborough is the used, what valuable resources reside within them, and Tgeologic formations. The varied hogback country how they relate to the rest of the park are all questions mixed with foothills and open prairie—spanning less that have yet to be answered. than 1/2 mile—invites a mosaic of plant communities that, in turn, welcome the variety of animals that call Other current issues facing Roxborough include: Roxborough home. Roxborough’s striking collection of natural resources has always attracted nature-lovers, • habitat fragmentation and edge effects associated settlers, and those seeking a quiet walk in wilderness. with fragmentation due to development within and Because Roxborough is a resource-oriented park, it is adjacent to the park important to consider the conservation of these resources • non-native plantings and noxious-weed infestation in all management decisions and in interpretive messages. Damage or loss of these unique resources will mean the • illegal rock climbing and other unlawful off-trail use loss of what makes Roxborough a place worth preserving • negative wildlife-human interactions and visiting. Educated and informed park visitors have an essential role in the preservation and conservation • pressure from individuals and special interest groups of Roxborough. to allow more broad-based recreation opportunities, including ballooning, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hunting.

Persse Place 5

2. Existing Plans and Plans to be • Resource Inventory (ongoing) • Stewardship Plan (2000) will Completed in 2000 helps provide baseline information inventory park resources and on species inventory, diversity, make recommendations for the Roxborough has a number of population density, and specific preservation of those resources. plans that are either currently location, as well as track special available or are in progress. resources/resources of concern Information gleaned from the Progress and completion of these within park property. Includes completion of several of the plans plans will affect the management cultural and natural resources. outlined above will help to shape of the resources at Roxborough interpretation at Roxborough in State Park. These plans include: • Prescribed Burn Plan (1999) the future. An updated Park outlines a plan prescribing fire Management Plan will also help • The Park Management Plan as a weed management/habitat shape decision making. (1986) documents the park restoration tool. purpose and establishes the basic guidelines for park • Weed Management operation to achieve this Prescriptions (1999) prescribes purpose. A draft revision of Roxborough-specific priorities, the Park Management Plan tools, and methods for is due to the Parks Board in integrated weed management. January 2001. • Prairie Dog Management • Annual Interpretive Work Plan Prescriptions (fall 1999) (completed February 2000) prescribes and outlines a exists to review interpretive Roxborough-specific accomplishments from the conservation plan for our previous year and to outline two prairie dog colonies. interpretive program plans and goals for the upcoming year. • Trail Feasibility Study (2000) examines the feasibility of • Annual Work Plan (2000) exists trail development on new to review park accomplishments park property. from the previous year and to outline park plans and goals for • Persse Place/History the upcoming year. Interpretive Plan (2000) will identify salient interpretive • Geographic Information System massages for the Persse Place (GIS) links park resource data open houses and outline and to real geographic points to design a training program for enhance record keeping, volunteer interpreters. resource tracking, and resource mapping. • Archaeology Survey (2000) revisits previously identified, culturally significant sites and surveys recent acquisitions for new sites. 6

D. Management Issues Analysis E. Human Resource Inventory

ocal growth is putting tremendous pressure on 1. Full-time Employees Roxborough in the form of edge effect, fragmentation, L Roxborough has three full-time equivalent (FTE) non-native plant introduction and infestation, visual employees. The park manager is responsible for encroachment, and requests for more broad-based managing the many aspects of park operation, resource recreation opportunities. The most important tools management, and for supervision of the two full-time for conserving Roxborough’s resources include park rangers. One park ranger is responsible for the following: overseeing revenue and maintenance operations in • community outreach—to help residents understand the park. The second park ranger is responsible for and appreciate their backyard wildlands overseeing the park interpretation and environmental education program, as well as managing the Volunteer • commitment to complete resource inventory and Naturalist Program. monitoring of both old and new parcels A recent FTE study conducted by KPMG recommended • employ resource-based information and decisions that Roxborough have 7.1 FTE! When asked to limit to help special-interest recreation groups understand the recommendation to only the most critical FTE, they the reasoning behind continued limits on the spectrum recommended no additional FTE with a reduction of of recreational opportunities at Roxborough .5 FTE interpreter and an addition of .5 technician. • continue emphasis on weed management by With visitation weighed heavier, the recommendation park staff becomes: add 1.0 FTE technician and reduce the interpreter by .5 FTE. A potential FY 2001-2002 • complete management plan update request compiled by the metro region manager and the director of administration was for an additional • continue augmentation of full-time staff with .8 FTE visitor assistant and an 1.0 FTE technician, adequate seasonal funding, GOCO, and for a total of 4.8 FTE. WIN-WIN dollars 2. Seasonal Employees • continue to build a strong core of at least one hundred active volunteer naturalists to help put To complement the permanent, full-time staff, more eyes and ears on the trail (this will help limit Roxborough hires many seasonal employees. State potential damage to the resource by collecting, seasonals are permitted to work no more than six dogs, off-trail use, and negative wildlife-human months out of any calendar year. Seasonal staff includes: interactions). one weekday (forty hours/week) and one weekend (sixteen hours/week) visitor center supervisor, one Engaging and thoughtful interpretation and winter seasonal ranger (forty hours/week), two summer environmental education programs facilitate these seasonal rangers (forty hours/week), one naturalist management goals by creating an informed visitor assistant (twelve hours/week), and one moonlight who appreciates the unique resources at Roxborough hike coordinator (eight hours/month). and is ready to share that appreciation with others. 7

F. Human Resource G. Facilities Analysis Inventory 3. Volunteer Resources urrently, Roxborough staffing oxborough State Park is a levels are adequate to facilitate 3,299-acre, day-use only park. One hundred forty-five active C R good interpretation. Without the Because Roxborough is managed volunteer naturalists contribute extra help of GOCO dollars to as a Natural Area and a Core over 7,000 service hours annually fund (in part) the visitor center Reserve, facilities are limited to (equivalent to three FTE). supervisor position and GOCO/ the following: Volunteers help with a variety of WIN-WIN dollars to fund the park operations including: guiding naturalist assistant and moonlight • Roads and parking: 2-mile scout, school, and other special hike coordinator positions, we entrance road (1.3 miles of groups; providing outreach would be unable to maintain our gravel and .7 mile of paved) programs, interpretive programs, current quality and quantity of and 110 parking spaces (located administrative support, resource interpretive programming at in two large lots and five spaces management assistance, Roxborough. Support from the at the Self Service station.) maintenance project assistance, park manager allows for the noxious-weed control, information • Structures: the entrance station interpretive ranger to dedicate services, and roving interpretation. (located at the beginning of approximately 33% of her time the Entrance Road near the to volunteer management. This Roxborough Fire House), a contributes to a thriving Volunteer 3,200-foot visitor center, a vault Naturalist Program. Roxborough toilet, and an off-site storage would not be able to maintain the area at Waterton. Twenty-three current levels of interpretive trailside benches provide hikers N contacts, visitor services, and places to rest or enjoy a snack. quality interpretive contacts without dedicated time and • Historic structures: the Persse funds for our volunteer Stone House (restored interior program. A permanent, full- and exterior), the Persse barn time visitor center supervisor (collapsed), two shacks position would improve (standing); Waterhouse house visitor center and visitor (a fixer-upper), and a mine services by eliminating loading dock. continuous turnover • Visitor Orientation: twenty-one and training. visitor orientation signs address hours of operation, pass sales, park regulations, trail orientation, and trail heads, and Parks Pass purchase procedures.

TRAIL DISTANCE / DIFFICULTY A WILLOW 1.4 Miles Gentle B FOUNTAIN VALLEY 2.2 Miles Gentle-Moderate C LYONS OVERLOOK 1.3 Miles Moderate D CARPENTER PEAK 6.4 Miles Moderate-Steep E SOUTH RIM 3.0 Miles Moderate

Roxborough State Park Area Map 8

H. Facilities Analysis

• Interpretive signs: seven wayside signs on the verall, adequate facilities exist for a positive visitor walkway up to and around the visitor center Oexperience at Roxborough. A few changes and introduce visitors to some of the special resources additions to the facilities menu could enhance the visitor at Roxborough. Three signs remind visitors that experience considerably. Improved trail map signage they are in rattlesnake, black bear, and mountain would provide a quantum leap in visitor orientation. lion country. Thirty-two self-guiding interpretive Recent changes in informational signs help highlight trail posts help visitors locate interpretive points the stewardship role of the visitor. A future visitor center of interest along the Fountain Valley and the update/remodel with a focus on visitor orientation and Willow Creek trails. comfort, as well as interpretation, would improve the chances of providing the desired visitor experiences. • Trails: Within its borders, Roxborough has a In the meantime, simple changes to the visitor center 12-mile trail system consisting of four main trails. layout and aesthetics could be steps in the right While all trails can be accessed from the visitor direction. What is necessary is an interpretive analysis center, the Willow Creek Trail and the South Rim of the public space in the visitor center with this plan Trails can also be accessed from the self-service in mind. An analysis could recommend layout, exhibit station. An 80-yard surfaced walkway connects the space, and traffic flow based on simple changes or what upper parking lot to the visitor center patio. The we already have. Removal of wayside and interior exhibit 2.2-mile Fountain Valley Trail offers a gentle to signs that are in bad shape, ineffective, and outdated moderate stroll through the Fountain Formation would provide clarity of desired storylines and reduce and past the historic Persse Stone House. The visual clutter. 3-mile South Rim Trail provides a more challenging climb to the south end of the park through the There have been some suggestions for a short, montane shrubland and along the Lyons Formation. handicapped-accessible trail that also appeals to families. The 6.4-mile Carpenter Peak Trail affords a 1,000- These populations may be underserved at Roxborough. foot gain as you hike to the granite-topped foothill The trail feasibility study (2000) should make on the west side of the park. The 1.4-mile Willow recommendations on this idea. Creek Trail is a nice trail for families due to the short length and the diversity of plants and landscapes through which it travels. Trail connections to Waterton Canyon and the Colorado Trail provide hiking connections to the adjacent canyons and beyond. Two scenic overlooks provide great views of the park landscape. The Fountain Valley Overlook—only 2 city blocks from the visitor center—is a popular destination. The Lyons Overlook, accessible from the Fountain Valley Trail, has a wood deck with benches so visitors can relax as they enjoy the great view to the west. 9

I. Interpretation Inventory

1. Personal Interpretation Inventory twice a month with a different • Roxborough Ride is an eight- program each time. These passenger golf cart driven by a • Indoor ranger/naturalist talks programs are provided naturalist around the Fountain are geared toward a large as advertised. Valley Trail and is for the audience and are conducted in physically disabled. Rox Ride the Visitor Center Auditorium. • Environmental Education (EE) tours are provided four to five In 1998 fifteen programs were programs: EE programming is times a week, May to October. available: spiders; Halloween scheduled three times a week tales; soapmaking; photography; (four times a week in May • Four Discovery Stations tracking; Wildlife Watch; and October). EE programs (theme-based, staffed conservation biology—prairie are focused on an outdoor tables with parts and props dogs, island biogeography, and experience and the teachable designed to encourage visitor fragmentation; wildflower slide moments and not on prepro- interaction): geology, weeds, show and book signing; grammed activities. Naturalists mammals, and birds. Roxborough history; mining in are trained to address “whatever the Roxborough area; mountain slithers, scampers, flies, digs, • Historical Persse Place Open lion biology; black bear biology; or grows along the trail”—the House: one to two naturalists, and constellation myth and lore. landscape, plants, and animals— three and a half hours, once a interpretively, but are not month May to October. • Ranger/naturalist-guided hikes encouraged to follow a script are geared toward a group of • WIN–WIN (Wonders in or a “canned” activity. Teachers Nature-Wonders in twenty-five or less and are out usually request an emphasis on on one of the trails. In 1998 Neighborhood) programs: certain topics that Roxborough fourth grade curriculum— fourteen programs were can complement. The top two offered: tracking, bird watching, animal-people-plants-land requested topics are geology relationships. Scheduled by wildflower identification, and ecosystems, followed astronomy, geology, paleontol- Division of Wildlife and Denver closely by plants and animals. Zoo. Facilitated by park ogy, weeds, moonlight hikes, The difference between drawing and painting, winter volunteers, school staff, and living and non-living, habitat, WIN-WIN teachers. ecology, sustainability, mule Colorado history, American deer natural history, nature Indians, and insects are also • Roving naturalists: average meditation, and photography. common requests. one hundred naturalist hours per year. • Children’s programs are • Scout-specific programming designed with a specific age is geared toward the needs • Teacher workshop: two-day group in mind and are held of each group and the badge training for teachers of all levels both in the auditorium and out requirements they are trying to on the special resources at on the trail. Storytime is fulfill. In general, Roxborough this park and how to use presented three times per can meet requirements for two Roxborough for an outdoor month with a different program Boy Scout badges, Naturalist classroom. Offered through the each time. The Roxy Puppet and Forestry; three Girl Scout School of Mines for graduate Theater performs once a badges, Outdoor Fun, Outdoor college credit and facilitated by month and has five scripted Adventurer “try-its,” or park staff. presentations. Roxy Kids Outdoor Creativity Badge. Corner is presented at least 10

• “Skins and Skulls”: a three-level cart full of skins, Three signs remind visitors that they are in skulls, feet, and antlers from Roxborough wildlife. rattlesnake, black bear, and mountain lion country. Often used as filler for tour delays like waiting for Self-guiding interpretive trail posts help visitors the restroom or late groups. locate interpretive points of interest along the Fountain Valley and the Willow Creek trails. Three • “Bird Box”: A box full of study skin birds (in really Watchable Wildlife signs introduce visitors to wildlife bad shape) often used as filler for tour delays. watching opportunities from the front porch of the • Junior Naturalist Passport Program: Children visitor center. earn stamps on their own passport by attending • Adventure packs: backpacks available for check-out naturalist-guided programs. At four stamps they get with activities on weather, wildlife, geology, and a Junior Naturalist button and can get a different plants. These backpacks are not age-specific. button each time they get four stamps. 3. Props and Parts for Interpretation Inventory 2. Non-personal Interpretation Inventory Roxborough staff and volunteers have access to all • Visitor center exhibits: two permanent exhibits; interpretive “parts” and props. They are stored at the Wildlife Watching and geology; thirteen seasonal Roxborough Visitor Center. exhibits: touch boxes, weeds, volunteering, Chatfield Basin Conservation, bird nests, bird feeding and • Puppets: thirty-one puppets and one free-standing identification, tracks, scat, pods, signs of spring, puppet theater wildflowers, edible and medicinal plants, and evergreens. Three picture books: Wildflowers, • Pack-friendly interpretive tools: rubber scat and Birds and Animals; one recent sightings board tracks, Roxborough critter cards, bird cards, track (updated daily). cards, bug boxes, and mission cards, are all frequent companions for a tour guide’s pack. • Persse Place exhibits: One indoor exhibit on local families, local enterprises, and Henry Persse. One • Natural history collections: One mountain lion outdoor wayside on Henry Persse and past outings specimen, forty-eight bird study skins, three at Roxborough. taxidermied bird specimens, mammal skins, mammal study skins, skulls, antlers, hooves, snake • Sixteen slide shows: fourteen scripted presentations skins, nests, invertebrate, rocks, fossils, historic (three park-specific), one outreach slide show, and photos, and artifacts. Roxborough also has an one twelve-minute introductory slide show. extensive herbarium with over one hundred Roxborough plant families represented. (For • Two self-guiding trail brochures: Fountain Valley a complete study and taxidermy specimen list, and Willow Creek trails. please contact the park.) • History interpretation: one Roxborough history booklet, Hogbacks and History.

• Visitor library: fifteen titles ranging from birds to wildflowers.

• Interpretive signs: four wayside signs on the walkway up to and around the visitor center introduce visitors to the some of the special resources at Roxborough. 11

J. Visitor Orientation Inventory

• Literary resources: More oxborough visitors need to 2. Non-personal Visitor Orientation than 1,000 titles in the know how to have a safe R • There are three trail maps naturalist library, newspaper experience, how to be good posted at Roxborough. The and magazine articles, resource stewards of the land, and what Roxborough Park Brochure file, studies on vegetation, their options are for exploration contains information about park archaeology, birds, weeds, and experiences. The following resources, wildlife watching, mammals, and invertebrates. list outlines current resources for regulations, programs, and All of these are in a state of helping visitors find out what they trails. The trail map in the controlled chaos. Volunteers need to know. brochure is not a topographic are currently working to map and is not current to new organize the library and 1. Personal Visitor Orientation park borders and acreage. magazine articles. Brochures can be obtained at • Entrance station attendants the self-service station, visitor • Digital resources: GIS and (staffed up to four days per center, and in the visitor center digital camera week) provide visitors with restroom area (accessible during passes, answer questions, all hours of park operation). • Visual resources: 350-slide and remind visitors of park The self service area has a 2 x 3 wildflower slide collection, regulations before they enter foot non-topographic trail map. history photo and slide the park. The Information Desk Map, is collection, and various park a 4.5 x 3 inch topographic map events and scenery photos • The information desk is staffed of the park and trails. (not organized) by a visitor center supervisor and/or volunteers during • The Roxborough Web site is updated regularly with trail • Evaluations of both school all hours of visitor center conditions and current and public programs are operation. Visitors can obtain park hours. administered on a regular basis. information about programs, Our Volunteer Naturalist trail conditions, and get • Written information available Program is evaluated once answers to natural history at the visitor center includes: a year, and our Volunteer questions from the brochures on Waterton Naturalist Training Program information desk. Canyon, Chatfield, fire ecology, is evaluated once every Cherokee Ranch, mountain other year. • Roxborough’s telephone is lions, black bears, and Rocky answered personally during Mountain Nature Association. all hours of operation. For Maps of the Roxborough this reason, the public has vicinity, Waterton Canyon, learned that they can and metro region trails are also available from the information call us and usually desk free of charge. A Waterton get answers to natural connection trail brochure is history questions, request available at the visitor center information, and speak with or on the Carpenter Peak Trail. a park ranger or naturalist. Park Pointers pamphlets orient visitors on regulations, climate, and safety. 12

• Twenty-one signs orient visitors to trail heads, Another observable hole is in our natural history regulations, and pass purchase procedures. artifact interpretation. Our “Skins and Skulls” and “Birds” boxes could use updating. Tired specimens • Three signs remind visitors they are in bear, need to be retired, themes need to be developed, and mountain lion, and rattlesnake country. an overall re-evaluation of purpose and message is • Visitor comfort items include: two benches, three long overdue. chairs, one table, one fireplace, and one comfortable High attendance at young children’s programming chair in the visitor center. indicates that we could do much more toddler/ pre-school programming. New “toddler-type” volunteer naturalists need to be trained to support a growing K. Interpretation and Visitor toddler schedule. New puppet show scripts relevant to Orientation Analysis park interpretive themes, management goals, and visitor orientation would be a favor to our many repeat puppet 1. Personal Interpretation Analysis show attendees. High attendance at astronomy programs (as long as weather cooperates) and moonlight hikes Overall, our personal interpretation plate is full with indicates the schedule for these programs could be primarily well-attended programs. We could get a better expanded (more astronomy programs, moonlight hikes idea of the quality of our programming by improving expanded into fall and winter months). Low attendance the return on group program evaluations and using at weekday evening programs on topics other than evaluations for public programs. We also could improve wildflowers indicates that scheduling these activities group tours by improving the communication of should be reevaluated. High contact numbers for successful techniques among volunteer naturalists after “discovery centers” indicate that these are a good way each tour. Continual training of volunteers and staff in to reach a lot of people on a specific topic and that we interpretive techniques and in appropriate subject matter should consider expanding the number of topics and is an essential part of maintaining this level of quality amount of time we offer them. and visitor satisfaction. Volunteers are very interested in outreach programming One area of improvement would be in scout using the tools and artifacts we already have. Perhaps a programming—since we know which badges scouts are revival of the outreach program could increase awareness going to request, we could better train our volunteers of Roxborough in communities while increasing our to reach badge goals. Along the same lines, since we contact numbers. It would also give volunteers a fun already know the top five requested topics for school activity for their “slow time” of the year. groups some topic-specific interpretive techniques training for volunteer guides on these topics would be 2. Non-personal Interpretation Analysis beneficial. Teacher workshops could focus on the same Non-personal interpretation at Roxborough has been set of “hot” topics, allowing these workshops to better fairly successful considering the lack of time and budget meet the specific needs of the teachers enrolled in them. afforded to non-personal interpretation. In the visitor Interest in Persse Place open-house staffing has waned center, visibly successful non-personal pieces include the among volunteers. An organized, focused, and fun wildlife sighting board, wildlife book, wildflower book, approach to interpreting the Persse Place (and wildflower café, visitor library, and touch boxes. Other Roxborough history overall) is essential for successful exhibits that draw comments or questions are the bird interpretation of this resource. feeding, medicinal plants, and geology exhibits. A track poster located at the front desk (not even park-specific) 13

seems to draw a lot of interest and The Willow Creek Trail Guide and maps are essential at the visitor stimulates questions. All of these the Hogbacks and History booklet center information desk, the after exhibits are constructed in-house need to be re-evaluated before their hours/restroom area, the entrance using staff and volunteer time, next printing. Additionally, the station, and the self-service area. ideas, and talent. front porch (particularly the garden The sign at the beginning of the area) of the visitor center could be Fountain Valley Trail should be While these in-house exhibits used to introduce visitors to geology, removed, as it is faded and outdated. have been relatively successful, local habitats, plants, and animal Informing visitors of our naturalist- Roxborough could benefit from track and sign. Exhibits that guided programming opportunities, professionally planned visitor center utilized the outdoor space would self-guided tours, Junior Naturalist exhibits that highlight our state- allow us to reach visitors with Passports, book sales benefits, and ments of significance (particularly interpretive messages even when the Friends group could be geology), our charismatic fauna and the visitor center is closed. improved as well. how to interact with them (birds, rattlesnakes, mountain lions, bears), 3. Visitor Orientation Analysis and other topics our visitors seem interested in, such as watchable Thanks to enthusiastic, customer- wildlife and track and sign. While oriented, and informed staff and the taxidermy specimens are exciting volunteers, personal visitor orientation and visually striking, without any is outstanding at Roxborough. It interpretation to accompany them, could be improved by funding the interest usually ends at reading longer hours of operation for the the I.D. tag, unless the visitor gets visitor center, especially summer to interact with a naturalist. The weekend evenings. Funding a taxidermy eagle is tired and could permanent, full-time visitor center use a replacement that better shows supervisor would also improve the actual silhouette of an eagle in the quality and consistency of flight. Perhaps all of these separate our visitor orientation. elements could be tied together in Non-personal visitor orientation some sort of watchable wildlife could benefit from some updates theme. Existing displays (like the and changes. A visitor center hall of fame and the history exhibit) makeover to include enhanced need to be evaluated for effectiveness visitor comfort would probably and removed or revamped if do wonders to enhance visitor deemed ineffective. experience and orientation, as Outside of the visitor center, guests would feel more comfortable teachers of school groups that we just “hanging out”—asking have to turn away for guided questions, enjoying exhibits, visiting experiences would benefit from with friends, and browsing the sales self-guiding kits on “hot” topics. area. Our introductory slide show The popular self-guiding Fountain update/revamp should be a priority Valley Trail Brochure is due for once the Persse Place interpretive editing before the next printing. training plan and the archaeological survey are complete. Good trail 1514

L. Audience Inventory

he following visitor information was gleaned from While we have not questioned our visitors specifically Tthe 1997-1998 Colorado State Parks Visitation about their experience preferences, we have an idea from Study. This study was conducted by Colorado State informal dialogue at the front desk and on the trail. Parks employees and was coordinated by Jennifer Elling- Many visitors enjoy the opportunity to discuss natural Dodge, a former State Parks employee. This study had history questions with a naturalist or research queries at two main objectives: to develop and implement a reasonably the visitor center. Visitors enjoy sharing wildlife sightings accurate, cost-effective method of determining visitation at with park staff. Numerous compassionate visitors want the state parks, which can be used throughout the to know how they can give back to the park. Others park system, and to provide State Parks with want to inquire about programming, wildlife viewing, statistically sound data to facilitate new and and trail conditions. improved planning opportunities. Who are our visitors? M. Audience Analysis • 61% of our visitors are male, 39% of our visitors are female n average, our visitors have driven fewer than 20 Omiles, have come here to hike or walk, and plan on • 74% of our visitors drove fewer than 20 miles to spending less than half a day. They have probably been get here here in the past five weeks and will probably return several • 12 % of our visitors used an Aspen Annual to get into times during the year. This demographic—the local, the park (indicating they are at least 62 years old) repeat visitor—has great implications for interpretation at Roxborough. Some elements of both non-personal and Why are they here? (more than one choice was allowed in this survey) personal interpretation need to change to accommodate • 92% of our visitors are here to hike or walk park “regulars” (hence the popularity of the sighting board). Regulars like the wildflower café because they • 27% of them are here to view wildlife can get an instant update on current blooms. With the • 14% of them are here to attend an success of the wildflower café in mind, addressing other interpretive program seasonally special facets of the park would probably be enjoyed and appreciated by regulars. Since many repeat • 12% of them are here to sightsee visitors bring family and friends—visibly acting as tour How long do they stay and how often do they come? guides—elements that remain constant or that illustrate our statements of significance would assist the “regulars” • The average number of hours in the park is 2.2 in their role as tour guide. (We often hear, “here’s that board I was telling you about.” “Here look at these • The average number of visits in the past month is 1.8, and the average number of visits in the past pictures—there is one of a bobcat in here I really like.” year is 9.3 “I’ve seen a snake here once, let me show you a picture.”) Are they in groups? Recent benefits for locals like the Junior Naturalist Passport Program have yet to be tested. If successful, • Average person-per-vehicle counts were broken down more programs that reward repeat customers and family by type of pass. Seniors averaged 2.2 people in a group, groups could be designed. Better information on people with annual passes averaged 2.6 people in a stewardship opportunities would also help the park group, and people with daily passes averaged 3.7 people per group. with management goals by transforming regulars into stewards. • 5.6% of the people in the survey were part of a multi-vehicle group 15

N. Visitor Studies P. Stakeholder Inventory Inventory oxborough enjoys support and Partnering agencies: interest from many stakeholders. he 1997 Visitation Study is R • CHEERS (Chatfield Tthe most detailed study we have Volunteers: Environmental Education of our visitors. Currently, we give Resource System) agencies visiting school groups the opportunity • Naturalists provide more than including: Chatfield State Park, to evaluate our school programs 7,000 service hours per year for South Platte Ranger District with a group program evaluation. interpretive contacts and projects. of the U.S. Forest Service In spite of prepaid postage, many Our volunteers are a mixture of (CHEERS member), Thorne of these evaluations are not retirees, locals, frequent hikers/ Ecological Institute, Denver returned. At this time, Roxborough visitors, couples, nature Botanical Gardens, Chatfield has no other regularly implemented enthusiasts, and scientists. Arboretum, U.S. Army Corps of evaluation tools. User groups: Engineers, and South Suburban Recreation District—environ- • Frequent (average of mental education networking O. Visitor Studies nine times per year) and compassionate visitors • Denver Museum of Nature and Analysis Science—guest speakers and • Waterton Canyon users (con- research partners he 1997 Visitation Study necting trails to Roxborough) Tprovided park staff with basic • Colorado Division of Wildlife— and enlightening information about • Colorado Mountain Club wildlife issues including mountain lions, Preble’s Meadow jumping our visitors. There is much more to • Native Plant Society learn. With a new management plan mouse, black bear; wildlife on the horizon, surveys that measure • Native Plant Master habitat management; and visitor satisfaction and/or collect Certification Program land acquisition suggestions on management issues • Schools and universities— • JeffCo Cooperative Extension— have been discussed as an important outdoor classroom for Native Plant Master Certification tool for a healthy plan. Volunteers Denver University; Red Rocks Program and guest speakers are looking for more input on the Community College; Arapahoe quality of their presentations, an • National Park Service Community College; CU indication that they would like to Denver; Jefferson, Douglas, be evaluated more. Conservation partners: and Arapahoe county schools; Littleton Public Schools; and • Chatfield Basin Reserve local day care providers Network—conservation planning; Sierra Club— Local communities: conservation programming

• Roxborough Park, Roxborough • Colorado Weed Network—weed Village, Highlands Ranch, management and information southwest Littleton, sharing Englewood, and the Indian Creek community 16

Q. Funding Stakeholders Inventory • Legislators and representatives, including Douglas unding for Roxborough operations, resources, and County Commissioners—support for land F programming comes from many sources. acquisition and conservation • The Friends of Roxborough fund land acquisition • Colorado State Parks Board members—support and educational opportunities. In 1998 they for land acquisition and conservation, provide provided money for land and $2,200 for education direction for planning and programming, funding, and volunteer support. set policy • GOCO/WIN-WIN dollars funded the assistant • Department of Natural Resources—support for naturalist and moonlight hike coordinator positions. conservation, provide direction for planning • GOCO and Colorado Lottery dollars funded the • Colorado State Parks—management and visitor center supervisor position for five pay periods special programs—direction for management, and provided money for land acquisition. programming, funding • The General Fund provides money for park operations, maintenance, capital equipment, and staffing.

• Private donations, unless otherwise directed, are earmarked for land acquisition, memorials, historic restoration, and interpretation.

• Rocky Mountain Nature Association offers education aid money in the form of 12% of all book sales.

• The Historical Society provided grant money for the Persse Place restoration, and the archaeology survey.

• State Grant Programs fund volunteer partnership grants.

• State Parks Foundation awarded Roxborough $4,000 for an update of our geology exhibit (1999). 17

R. Stakeholders Analysis

verall, Roxborough has a diverse Funding for the park and Ocore of stakeholders. Some of programs is adequate. Due to our greatest public relations work encroaching development, we could comes from our volunteer group. always use more resources for land They are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, acquisition. Increased funding for and fun ambassadors for exhibits is a must for implementation Roxborough. As satisfied of this interpretive plan. Funding volunteers require a certain level for the volunteer naturalist program of care and feeding, only with must continue at current levels in continued funding, training, and order to maintain the quality of staff support will Roxborough be the visitor experience. Eventually able to keep these essential stake- money for a visitor center update holders involved. Our Friends group or redesign will be necessary to is another tremendous supply of meet growing interpretive needs success stories, stewardship, and of Roxborough. funding to Roxborough. The Staffing levels are adequate. At Friends will need to maintain times, staffing puts limits on the communication, celebrate success, number of interpretive programs we and be innovative in their fundraising can offer. Big projects often get set to keep their momentum. aside for the urgent tasks of the day. We could do better to reach out Overall, Roxborough has plenty of to our neighbors who aren’t in our active volunteers as we do not have volunteer core. A stronger presence problems getting needs covered at community events and special (except the Persse Place). We programs just for Roxborough-area probably don’t need to create more residents would be one way to reach jobs for volunteers. We probably do out to our local community. need to find suitable niches for Attempts at networking with those volunteers who don’t yet neighboring agencies have been met know their niche. We also need to with varied success. Some group prioritize what we have on our plate projects go well, and others seem to so when volunteers have the time, suffer from a lack of interest or time funding, skills, and energy to to commit to project completion. complete a task, we have a task Communication is key, so we aren’t in mind for them. reinventing the wheel all the time. Along those lines, better communi- cation of park significance and management goals through exhibits and interpretive messages could do more to turn our frequent visitors into “stewards”—a benefit to us all.

Part III: program/product development

19 program/product development

s evidenced in the previous • Get ready to enjoy wild wildlife time painting, drawing, journal A.chapters’ inventories and watching at Roxborough—a writing, photographing, or analysis, Roxborough is a unique great diversity of invertebrates, discussing the beauty and public resource with many compelling birds, mammals, and herptiles wildlife that surround them. stories to tell. In an attempt to distill call Roxborough home. Many frequent visitors and all that makes Roxborough special and Because Roxborough wildlife locals consider Roxborough worthy of preservation, the following enjoy the tranquil setting of a a “must see” for guests and statements of significance represent Natural Area, many visitors are friends—the beauty and the compelling stories of Roxborough treated to spectacular wildlife tranquility inspire them to State Park. viewing opportunities (some share it with the important visitors experience more wildlife people in their lives. interaction than they like). A. Statements of Significance Mule deer, golden eagles, and • Understanding Roxborough’s songbirds are sighted daily, past cultures and how they are • Roxborough is “on the edge” while coyotes, elk, and foxes related to these resources can in many ways—between the are seen with frequency. Rare help us better understand our mountains and the plains, the species or species of interest relationship to Roxborough interface between northern and and/or concern include: today—prehistoric Indians, southern species, and communities Preble’s Meadow jumping historic American Indians, and and suburbs to wilderness. mouse, black-tailed prairie dog, European settlers have left a mountain lion, black bear, richness of artifacts, stories, • Roxborough’s landscape tells golden eagle, canyon wren, and structures behind. Study a fascinating geologic story— mountain bluebird, ferruginous of their cultures and knowledge Roxborough’s unique cross- hawk, and prairie rattlesnake. of how they used and related section of Front Range geology to the resources is of interest is an open book where visitors • Roxborough is a park for all and enlightening to our can read a 1.3-billion-year story seasons—otherworldly rock current users. of past landscapes and creatures formations, rich vegetation, in the rocks. and terrific wildlife watching • How do you make a special opportunities amount to terrific state park—the tale of how • Roxborough is home to an scenic views that change hourly, Roxborough moved from intricate patchwork of plants— daily, and seasonally. private land to a public park four Colorado ecosystems: and core reserve is a unique montane forest, montane • A visit to Roxborough is the tale of dreams, opportunities, shrubland, grassland, and ideal day trip—Roxborough is stewardship, and citizen action. riparian; and eight distinct remarkably close to Denver, plant communities allow visitors allowing for the flexibility of a to enjoy a variety of landscapes half-day or day-long getaway to as they stroll the trails. a wild and wonderful place. Roxborough is home to locally rare plants, including wood lily, • Roxborough inspires the artist American currant, bird-foot in us all—outstanding scenery violet, and forked spleenwort. inspires the poet, artist, photographer, and writer that exists within all of us. Many Roxborough visitors spend their 20

B. Desired Visitor Experiences

oxborough’s desired visitor experiences relate • experience comfortable interactions with park staff R directly to the significant stories and unique and volunteers while discovering Roxborough’s resources the visitor encounters here. Most importantly, unique natural history. Roxborough staff and volunteers would like to foster a • help visitors understand that what they learn, sense of stewardship, informed action, and involvement discover, and experience at Roxborough has among first-time visitors, frequent visitors, and local meaning and application in other open spaces, residents through terrific interpretation and a positive in their neighborhood, and all over the world. visitor experience. Achieving this goal will allow management to create a balance between preservation and recreation with strong public support and respectful use attitudes. To accomplish this goal, Roxborough will need to provide outstanding interpretive opportunities, maintain exceptional public relations with our neighbors in Roxborough Park and Roxborough Village, as well as garner strong public support through Roxborough Volunteers, the Friends of Roxborough, compassionate visitors, and partnering agencies.

Roxborough is a significant place with many compelling stories to share. The staff and volunteers of Roxborough desire to bring the visitor closer to these stories and qualities while preserving the very resources that make Roxborough a special place to visit. At the same time we hope to make visitors aware of their role in the preservation of the resource they are enjoying. For these reasons, the desired outcomes of a visit to Roxborough are to:

• enjoy a tranquil experience in an extraordinary natural area “close to home.”

• interact with wildlife and other resources in a way that does not negatively impact the resource or others enjoying the resource.

• begin to appreciate and relate to the unique natural resources that make Roxborough a place to preserve.

• help visitors understand their important role as stewards of this resource. Part IV: project and product recommendations

21 project and product recommendations

A. Interpretive Services and Statements of Significance Correlation he following is a prioritized list Items listed in italics are works in The ideal day trip of products and projects this progress or top priority program/ T • most programs are less than plan recommends to improve and product recommendations. three hours in length, Web support Roxborough’s interpretive “On the edge” site info on things to do with efforts. They are designated as different increments of time at short term (one- to two-years) or • WWIP exhibit, island Roxborough (e.g., half day— long-term (three- to five-years) biogeography class, native bring the kids to a Roxy Kids projects. Short-term projects garden, neighborhood classes Corner program, take a short are further designated as priority walk along Willow Creek, enjoy projects () and/or works Geologic story a picnic lunch on the visitor in progress (). • geology day, geology exhibit, center patio) To facilitate the process of mining programs, paleontology Inspiration for the artist identifying appropriate projects hikes, native garden, and priorities, the following improvements to geology exhibit • photography classes, art classes, interpretive service correlation was Plants early park openings, summer created. These correlations match concert series, wildflower all Roxborough Statements of • wildflower festival, wildflower sketching classes, Rox Art Significance and Desired Visitor scarves, Native Plant Master Club—a monthly gathering of Experiences with current and classes and public contacts, creative materials inspired by recommended programming and wildflower book signings, Roxborough—meant to be projects. In this way, holes in our wildflower café exhibit, front shared and admired by all programming are easily identified. desk wildflower book in attendance

Wildlife watching Cultural history

• bird hikes, mule deer hikes, • lamb spring tour, Persse open lightning beetle hikes, raptor house, edible and medicinal programs, tracking class, plant hikes, hogbacks and Colorado Spider Survey classes, history book, visitor center front desk animal book, wildlife history exhibit sightings board, Wildlife Watch Program, WWIP exhibit The story of a park

Unsurpassed scenery all year long • hall of fame, southdowns dedication exhibit, National • Web site updates to include Natural Landmark sign seasonal pictures, gearing up for winter hikes, astronomy programs 22

B. Interpretive Services and Project and Product Recommendations Desired Visitor Experience = priority project Correlation = work in progress = eliminate Tranquil experience ✔ = completed project • continue to purchase surrounding properties, limit development, limit broad-based uses, ensure that interpretive programs minimally impact others’ C. Short-term (one- to two-year) ability to enjoy the resource Recommendations Interact with wildlife and resources as a steward Visitor Orientation/Comfort

• strong volunteer core to be eyes and ears for Short-term (one- to two-year) goals potential harm, stress wildlife/human interaction safety in all wildlife watching programs, Halloween ✔ Product: A large, user-friendly, topographical map Tales program, bear and mountain lion country of Roxborough State Park for the information signs, rattlesnake exhibit, Wildlife Watch Program desk, the after-hours area, and possibly the entrance station.Project completed 5/30/00. Appreciate and relate to the unique natural resources Product: Improved visitor comfort at the visitor • all environmental education, personal interpretation, center. We would like to provide a better socializing and non-personal interpretation; weed melodrama, place for visitors in our lobby. Currently it is stone, conservation day, moonlight hikes, conservation concrete, and has only one comfortable chair biology training for volunteers, sustainability (which gets a lot of use). class, Junior Naturalist Passport program, visitor orientation, weed warrior program, trail maintenance Theme: The Roxborough Visitor Center is a comfortable program, self-guided tours (Fountain Valley Trail place to relax, research, discuss natural history, and Guide and Willow Creek Guide) enjoy the company of friends.

Understand role as stewards Goal: To make visitors feel comfortable and welcome, research natural history topics or discuss • weed melodrama, conservation day, moonlight hikes, with a ranger or naturalist, and in general, hang sustainability class, Junior Naturalist Passport out in an inviting space. program, visitor orientation, weed warrior program, trail maintenance program Visitor Objectives:

Comfortable interactions with park staff • feel welcome to stay as long as they’d like and volunteers • know there are books for them to use, peruse, • volunteer naturalist training, staff training, Rambles and buy if they’d like classes, school tours, scout tours, Rox Ride, all • feel welcome to share sightings or discuss personal interpretation questions with a naturalist

• be inspired to think, discuss, and process their visit by the surroundings at the visitor center 23

Procedure or Process and Timeline:

May 2000: Capital budget or the wildlife/wildflower books 4. Create a volunteer training requests submitted for year round, matching chair by the plan for Persse Place open $5,000 for furniture and picture window with a small table house interpretation $900 for ceiling fans. Bob for browsing books or looking up a Robinson has been contacted sighting. 5. Develop written training about construction of a materials and/or notebook coffee and end table. He Cost Estimates: $4,000 could to augment training program needs dimensions and ideas. come from RMNA or capital budget requests 6. Conduct a Persse Place open January 2000: Space use house interpretation volunteer consultant (Jack Curkman) training for Roxborough volunteer naturalists will tour the visitor center Personal Interpretation Timeline: 2000: Roxborough will receive Short-term (one- to two-year) goals recommendations from Jack. Completion of research paper— Park manager, visitor center Product: Persse Place open Feb 15, 2000 supervisors, and interpretive house volunteer training services ranger will look at Completion of training Topic: Persse Place interpretation recommendations, evaluate materials and program design— for feasibility, and prioritize Theme: Yet to be determined July 30, 2000 based on budget and other Present training program constraints. Goal: Create a fun, relevant training for Roxborough to volunteers—August 19 Waiting for Jack 2000: volunteers on the and 26, 2000 Interpretive services ranger Persse Place Complete grant closeout— will come up with short- October 1, 2000 term, to-do list and long- Procedure or Process: term, to-do lists including 1. Review, organize, and label Cost: possible funding sources. Roxborough history photos, negatives, and files $4,752 for consultant Design ideas: More lighting around library and on exhibit 2. Review and inventory all $2,618 cash match pieces, A “Park Meadows”-like current Roxborough history $7,370 total grant living room area near fireplace interpretation (non-personal that has Roxborough-appro- and personal interpretation) priate furniture (a couch, 3. Identify appropriate interpre- loveseat, chair, coffee table, tive themes and storylines for pillows, etc.) for relaxing and future history interpretation enjoying the fire in the winter at Roxborough; specifically identify salient themes and storylines for interpretation at the Persse Place 24

✔Product: Information packet Product: Puppet camp! A meeting for all and training on Scouts and interested puppeteers to gather for some frequently requested Scout badges training and for a revamp of the for volunteer naturalists puppet program. Project completed 4/00. June 2000: Set date and advertise in Volunteer ✔Product: Outreach revival meeting Naturalist newsletter Product canceled due to lack of interest in July 2000: Host puppet camp. Gather new ideas and training. Many of the interested volunteers act on them. While at puppet camp create script are already accomplished public speakers and of the following wildlife/human interactions simply wanted to be asked to do any outreach show (the product following this one). programs for which we get requests. September 2000: Have first of new ideas implemented ✔Product: Spring tour season kick-off for first fall show Product completed 3/00. Product: Puppet show addressing positive Follow up product: Published tour tips and wildlife/human interactions with bears, tricks newsletter for the September mountain lions, and rattlesnakes volunteer newsletter Topic: Positive wildlife/human interactions Should include the following: Theme: What should I do when I see you? • cool tour ideas Goal: Provide young children with the tools • new tour tools they need to act appropriately when they • new logistics items encounter wildlife

• any other tour savvy we can come up with Objectives: Students will be able to explain what they should do in the event of an encounter with a Timeline and work program: bear, mountain lion, rattlesnake, bee, or spider

May and June 2000: Mary and Joann discuss what Procedure or Process: needs to be in this newsletter. Joann records ideas and articles on disk. Mary completes April 2000: Interpretive services ranger and assistant “Story of a Pebble” to be included in will write script the packet. May 2000: Script will be distributed to the puppeteers June and July 2000: Solicit ideas from volunteers in for practice the newsletters to be added to the document September 2000: Puppeteers will perform the new show August 2000: Joann and Mary finish the document for publication Cost estimate: four hours of interpretive services ranger time to write a script and to train volunteer puppeteers in performance techniques 25

Product: Create a well- Procedure or Process and Timeline: October 2000: Implement this prepared hiker station hot topic—oriented January 2000: Suggestion and curriculum for the fall Topic: Preparedness overwhelming approval teacher workshop for inclusion in the tour Theme: Hiking is fun if you are process Product: Current bird study prepared for it. skin box September 2000: Include this in Topic: Birds of Roxborough Goal: Volunteers will use the tour tips and tricks themselves to illustrate newsletter for September Reason: Study skins are in very and outline the elements bad shape, detracts from of a well-prepared hiker Product: Orient teacher their value as a teaching while sprinkling in some workshop training to tool Roxborough rules, top five requested regs, and stewardship school program topics messages. Goal: Gear this training more to Non-personal Visitor Objectives: its audience—teachers Interpretation—Exhibits Even if they did not Visitor Objectives: Our current arrive prepared today, Short-term (one- to two-year) teacher workshops get they will be able to list products rave reviews, but they at least two ways to be could be made more Product: Visitor center space better prepared for a relevant to teachers by analysis. Hire a consultant hike. Volunteers will correlating them more to examine the current illustrate: proper shoes; closely to the topics condition of the visitor layers; sun protection; they request the most. center for possible exhibit water; a sense of the rules Interpretive techniques space while considering and regulations; knowl- should accompany all of visitor flow and architec- edge of the trail length, the topics addressed. tural limitations. difficulty, and start and finish; knowledge of local Procedure or Process and Timeline: Goal: Analyze existing space hazards; the importance for best use with this of letting someone know May 2000: Evaluate 1998 and interpretive plan in mind where you are and what 1999 tour information you are doing. This for top-requested topics Procedure or Process and Timeline: for school tours discussion should happen December 1999: Contact before they hit the trail August 2000: Compile ideas for consultant (Jack and should take no more ways to address these Curkman) with scope than five minutes. hot topics in the teacher of work and time line workshop format for project 26

January 2000: Consultant tour of facility. Provide him Visitor Objectives: Basic geologic orientation, habitat with building plans and DRAFT Interpretive introduction, native gardens can be beautiful, Master Plan. Park manager, assistant regional basic plant identification for charismatic flora manager, and interpretive services ranger will be present for tour. Procedure or Process:

April 2000: Consultant completes analysis and September 1999: Amend soil, weed out dead plants, provides us with recommendations. Park and prepare garden for winter. Interpretive manager, assistant regional manager, and services ranger works with Windflower interpretive services ranger meet to discuss, Garden Club members to create a plant list prioritize, and assess recommendations and plant location map. for feasibility. January 2000: Interpretive services ranger sends list of May 2000: Interpretive ranger compiles all comments desired plants to local nurseries to determine and suggestions into short-term and long- availability of desired plants. term goals and product/procedure plan for February 2000: George Brinkmann will begin work improving flow and layout at the visitor center. on a four- to five-year garden plan to include: Cost estimate: $1,000 for consultant, cost of garden map, recommended plant list, care improvements yet to be determined and feeding instructions for each month/ season, technical information, and interpretive Product: A beautiful, native garden in front of the sign recommendations. visitor center. Currently the Roxborough Visitor Center Garden is a mix of non-native March 2000: Interpretive services ranger will outline alpine rock garden species and native “volun- deliverables and deadlines for elements of the teer” plants. We would like to slowly convert four-to five-year plan. George, garden club this space to a showcase of local species and members, and interpretive services ranger natural beauty. It will also serve as an exemplary will agree upon the deliverables for the plan. native garden for adjacent neighborhoods to April 2000: Windflower Garden Club and volunteer follow. It will serve to introduce visitors to naturalists do spring weeding and planting the plants they may soon see along the trail. May 2000: Complete Volunteer Partnership Grant request for 00/01 grant money

August 2000: Plan fall planting and winter prep schedule. Begin discussion of interpretive signs in the garden. Revisit the stand-alone “rock garden” outside in the courtyard garden (large, touchable rocks oriented the same as what they see around them helps visitors see and touch the basic picture). 27

Cost estimate: In the short term, Goal: Help visitors learn how to December 1999 – February 2000: Roxborough has a read the geologic land- Identify and contact Volunteer Partnership scape of Roxborough. potential funding Grant for $2,170 to sources. Contact improve soil ($120), Visitor Objectives: designers, fabricators, purchase plants and • describe one past land- etc. to get an idea of seeds ($1,300), four- scape at Roxborough and cost for each chunk. to five-year plan ($600), how we know it was here and landscaping “bones.” March – May 2000: Determine George Brinkmann, • describe one past plant the theme and storylines volunteer naturalists or animal that lived at to be covered in exhibit and Roxborough’s Roxborough and how June – July 2000: Finish conceptual Windflower Garden Club we know it was here work on project. guided by George will • ponder the mind-bog- Determine the cost and provide the labor. gling story of life and feasibility of ideas. Weed Product: New geology exhibit landscapes in the western out what we can’t afford inside the visitor center. interior they can discover and come up with a Currently our geology through geology and scope of work. exhibit consists of several paleontology August 2000: Begin design and rock samples accompanied • complement and tie into fabrication phase by descriptions of their the Ancient Denver’s age and deposition. We December 27, 2000: Dedication Project with the Denver would like to jazz up of exhibit Museum of Nature and this exhibit a bit by Science Cost: $50,000 including some illustra- Parks Foundation has tions of possible wildlife Procedure or Process: provided $4,000 watching opportunities that may have existed in Timeline: Roy Swanson Memorial the past. We would also October 1999: Write Foundation Fund is at $3,500 like to improve the story- for Colorado State Parks lines and the quality of Other contributors yet grant request for the output. to be determined improvements Topic: Roxborough geology

Title: The Shape of Roxborough

Theme: The unique rocks at Roxborough tell a 1.3- billion-year story of past landscapes and creatures if you know how to read them. 28

Product: Move Visitor Studies hall of fame into the auditorium Short-term (one- to two-year) goals

Process: Product: Visitor survey in conjunction with the Park Management Plan revision in 2000 July 2000: Meet with park manager to determine Design: There are many questions we would like to which items need to be formally ask our visitors that we believe would on display and desired improve our interpretive services. Some of location for each these questions include: object. • What is the most enjoyable part of your visit? July 2000: Draw map of new locations • Did you notice anything on the hike that July 2000: Fill out maintenance request for relocation. brought questions to mind or you would like Will be completed as a “rainy day” project. to learn more about? How would you like it addressed? Product: Edit and reprint Fountain Valley self-guiding trail brochure • If there was one thing you could change about this park, what would it be? Process: • What would make your visit more enjoyable? January 2001–April 2001: Park manager, naturalist assistant, and interpretive services ranger will • How did you find out about compile, complete, and approve text edits and Roxborough initially? artwork by April 2001. • What is it about Roxborough that invites April 2001: Copy to State Parks art director you here?

November 2001: New edition goes to print • Did you discover anything during your visit that you can take home? Use somewhere else? December 2001: New version available to visitors Use for another outing to another place?

Product: Evaluate and reprint or redo the ✔ Product: Improve return on group and public Hogbacks and History Booklet program evaluations

Process: Process: Hand out evaluations at the beginning of each tour or at the end when groups are gathering February 2001: Complete application for Colorado back at the visitor center. Make public Historical Society mini grant for this project. program evaluations readily available for Continuation of this project depends on if we volunteers and advertise their use in the receive the grant. newsletter. Implemented tour season 4-6/00. ✔ Product: Place new mountain lion in a safe and appropriate place. On the ledge above the fireplace.

Process:

June 2000: Project complete 29

D. Long-term (three- to five-year) Projects and Products

Visitor Orientation/Comfort Product: Additional funding for Product: Fountain Valley visitor center supervi- aerial view sign Long-term (three- to five-year) goals sor position. Either create a permanent Topic: Fountain Valley orientation Product: A ten-minute full-time position and/ introductory slide Reason: Outdated, faded, not or increase SWP funding show to Roxborough necessarily for orientation. for extended hours State Park Will need to market the (summer evenings self-guiding trail brochure and weekends). Topic: Roxborough State Park somewhere else. Product: Rambles (naturalist- Title: To be determined Procedure or Process: Coordinate guided, public with Park Manager II for Theme: Roxborough State Park is program) publicity the removal of sign a unique resource to display explore and discover. Topic: Rambles (naturalist-guided, Goal: To orient new Roxborough public) programs Personal Interpretation visitors to this exciting resource Theme: Join a naturalist for a Long-term (three- to five-year) goals guided program! Visitor Objectives: Product: Bird study box to Goal: Inform visitors of the many replace deteriorating • list two significant public programs available bird study skin box resources found at to them Roxborough Product: Evaluation of skins Objectives: and skulls cart • describe one event that helped Roxborough • know there are a variety become the unique park of naturalist-guided it is today opportunities at Roxborough • articulate one resource- driven regulation • describe where visitors Roxborough has (e.g., can find out about dogs, bikes, no off-trail guided hikes and use, no climbing) programs at Roxborough

• pick an appropriate • list at least one upcoming Roxborough trail or activity that is being activity for his/her ability offered at Roxborough and interest 30

Product: Volunteer naturalist training on top four Product: Visitor center exhibit on mountain lion teacher-requested school program topics ecology/etiquette at Roxborough (based on 1996-1997 tour season). Kits to cover each topic (mentioned Topic: Mountain lions in next section) should be created as these Theme: Because Roxborough is mountain lion country, trainings happen, so ideas that volunteers mountain lions have certain inalienable rights. have during training can be incorporated into the kits. Product: A seasonal/movable exhibit on weeds and weed management • geology (8), K–8 grade Topic: Roxborough weed management • ecosystems (8), 3–12 grade Title: To be determined • plants (7), K–6 grade Theme: To be determined • animals (7), K–6 grade

The number in parenthesis represents the number of times a similar program Non-personal Interpretation was requested. Long-term (three- to five-year) goals Product: Permanent Roxborough ecosystem exhibit Product: Discovery packs on top five teacher-requested Topic: Four main ecosystems at Roxborough topics at Roxborough (based on 1996-1997 tour season). These should happen in Title: To be determined conjunction with the training for volunteers, only slightly delayed, so their ideas from Theme: Roxborough State Park is a patchwork of training can be incorporated. interesting ecosystems that are easy to identify. • geology (8), K–8 grade Goal: To introduce Roxborough visitors to the four main ecosystems found at Roxborough and • ecosystems (8), 3–12 grade how to identify them: grassland, montane shrubland, montane forest, and riparian. • plants (7), K–6 grade

Product: Replace information covered in old visitor • animals (7), K–6 grade center history exhibit with a new exhibit Product: Roxborough geology/paleontology Product: A movable/seasonal exhibit on rattlesnake booklet—Story of a Pebble ecology and etiquette Product: Edit/update/evaluate Willow Creek Topic: Rattlesnakes self-guiding trail brochure

Title: Rattlesnake Bill of Rights Product: Create Roxborough Teacher’s Guide

Theme: As residents of Roxborough State Park, Product: Willow Creek self-guided brochure rattlesnakes have certain inalienable rights. Reason: Outdated, based on seasonal wildflowers that Goal: To help visitors appreciate the rattlesnake and aren’t necessarily there anymore. understand that they are in rattlesnake country. Product: Junior Ranger/Family Adventure Program Maybe slight adjustments to the school- specific program kits could fill this need. Roxborough State Park 4751 Roxborough Drive Littleton, CO 80125 (303) 973-3959 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.parks.state.co.us