Editor's Note: Plans for New Mountain Bike Skills Park at Lory Appeals to Riders of All Ages, All Levels

Supporting the natural legacy of Lory State Park

Editor’s Note: Plans for New Mountain Bike Skills Park at Lory Welcome to the first 2016 is- Appeals to Riders of All Ages, All Levels sue of the Friends of Lory State Park Newsletter! The Friends of Lory State Park recently Lory State Park hosts various annual We have a new design and launched a major fundraising campaign for mountain bike competitions that engage layout, as well as a new method the construction of a revitalized regional riders from beginner strider bikes, such as of delivering the issue in the mountain bike skills training park for youth Ciclismo Youth Foundation’s Lory Mountain form of a PDF file that can be and adults at Lory. The facility would replace Challenge, to family events such as Take a cached or printed. We have new the aging and outdated 70,000 square foot Kid Mountain Biking Day, mountain bike sections within the newsletter, bike skills park that currently exists; and skills classes presented by the REI Outdoor but the same commitment to would also serve as a trailhead, a venue for School, and advanced cross country races news about opportunities for special events, and a location for annual such as 40 in the Fort, sponsored by Overland partnerships, projects and vol- youth, family and adult cycling programs. Mountain Bike Club. unteering at Lory. The estimated cost of the project is $95,000. “Skilled riders are respectful of the Park’s We would like to thank our Lory State Park made history in October trails and of the other visitors who share previous Editor, Patricia Haley 2006 as the first State Park in Colorado to them, which is important on multi-user trail Miller, for her dedication, talent open a dirt jump/pump track area, but now, systems. Improved handling skills also means and her attention to quality in as an enterprise agency, Colorado Parks and fewer accidents and injuries on the trail,” said each issue. She will continue to Wildlife does not have funding to allocate for Lory State Park Manager Larry Butterfield. contribute to the newsletter as this project. “This project is a good example of Park staff, an associate editor. Working with a project planning team the Friends group and the biking commu- We hope you enjoy this that includes Park management, bike park nity working together for a project that will “new” issue. We welcome your specialists, riders and advocates, FoLSP com- benefit many.” comments. Please email us at: missioned a professional planner to develop Lory is an outdoor recreation enthusiast’s [email protected] and a conceptual design that would contain space dream with, in addition to mountain biking, write “Comments to the Editor” and features appealing to families and youth, opportunities for hiking, bouldering, kayak- in the subject line. as well as skilled adult riders. The design ing, paddleboarding and wildlife viewing, would incorporate a Tot Lot, a pump track thanks to its prime location on the western Karen Wheeler and several flow trails of progressive tech- side of Horsetooth Reservoir, near Fort Editor nical difficulty as well as integrate modern Collins. drainage, native landscaping and shaded viewing areas for spectators. Inside this Issue “The sport of mountain biking has Jump, Pump and Flow exploded in popularity in recent years, and • Bike Skills Park Mountain biking has a language unique to Northern Colorado’s climate and terrain • Equestrian Jumps the sport. “Jump,” “pump,” and “flow” refer have contributed to a healthy local fan base,” • FoLSP Scholarships to not only riding techniques, but to areas of said Mick Syzek, a member of the FoLSP • Call for Volunteers the skills park where they can be honed. Dirt board of directors and leader of the bike park • Parks and Libraries jumps, launching platforms and flow trails project. “Modern bike parks offer features • New Park Personnel for various technical levels make the facility that challenge novice and experienced riders • Citizen Science challenging, but also provide a controlled, alike to gain bike handling skills that improve • Comings and Goings safe and fun environment to learn and build their ability for riding trails or bicycling as • Nature Programs skills. transportation.” • Park Calendar of Events

SUMMER 2016 Bike Skills Park at Lory (cont. from page 1)

According to the International engaged throughout the planning and for this special project. ” Mountain Bicycling Association, a design stages, and will be working These partners have already commit- non-profit, public-supported organiza- working alongside professional builders ted their support for the bike skills park: tion that promotes enjoying the sport in during the construction phase to learn • Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Lory environmentally and socially responsi- the necessary skills for ongoing mainte- State Park (http://www.cpw.state. ble ways, pumping refers to “generating nance and daily operation. co.us/lory) momentum on a bike without pedaling. • Colorado Parks Foundation (http:// By shifting weight on the bike and www.coloradoparksfoundation. ‘pumping’ over rollers and through Next Steps org) turns, a rider can produce a forward mo- With the completion of the new con- • REI and the REI Outdoor School tion.” This technique builds focus and ceptual course design, the Friends group (http://www.rei.com) concentration while the rider learns the is shifting to a more active fundraising • International Mountain Bicycling advantages of shifting body positions. phase, seeking grants, and individual, Association (http://www.imba.com) Flow refers to the “roller coaster-like non-profit and corporate donors to com- • Overland Mountain Bike Club sensations a rider experiences when plete the project. (http://www.overlandmtb.org) piloting a bicycle through a thought- “This will be a long-term asset for • Ciclismo Youth Foundation (http:// fully designed route.” A good flow trail the Park and the bicycling community,” www.ciclismoyouthfoundation.org) creates a rolling rhythm by combining said Diana Dwyer, president of the • mtbtime (http://www.mtbtime.com) features such as banked turns, roll- Friends of Lory State Park board of • Your Group Ride (Fort Collins ers, berms and jumps to guide riders directors. “As a destination, it will help Cycling News) (http://www.your- smoothly through the landscape. All of get kids and families outdoors, promote groupride.com) these trails, of different skill levels, will healthy living, encourage a connec- include fall zones and room for spotters. tion to the Park and its trails and will Interested in contributing? Visit offer opportunities to teach sustainable http://www.loryfriends.org/support for recreation values. We are asking the more information or to make a contri- Tot lot, Community Areas and community to join us in funding support bution to the Mountain Bike Skills Park Landscaping Project at Lory State Park. Approximately 3,000 square feet is dedicated to very young visitors in a “Tot Lot” to be located directly adjacent to a planned 6,500 square foot community area, making it easy for parents to help younger riders while still monitoring an older child. Contributing to the overall bike park experience, Lory State Park is updating and expanding its adjacent Soldier Canyon Picnic Area to provide a more comfortable visitor experience. Updates include a remodeled stage and picnic area, an electrical source, better drainage and an improved water source.

Volunteers and Maintenance Plans for maintenance and regular improvements over the long term involve a team of volunteers, who have been

2 Friends of Lory State Park Equine Jump Course Complete!

dedication and co- Michaels of Mountain States Eventing, operation shown in FoLSP Volunteer Coordinator Mick bringing the project Syzek and his lead man Glen Akins plus to fruition, and a many volunteers, members of the CSU grand barbeque was English Riding Club organized by Tiare enjoyed by all. Santisteven, and the Volunteers for The 2013 Galena Outdoor Colorado (VOC) led by Dan wildfire destroyed Williams, the work finished earlier than the existing course, expected. and Park Manager In addition, Boy Scout Josh Knebel Larry Butterfield organized the volunteer construction debated whether of two complex portable jumps for his to replace it. Eagle Project. By all accounts, the new Communication course surpasses the former one and has with the local received good reviews from the eques- equestrian com- trian community. Vicki Baker on Lintaro, owned by Elaine Colvin, takes a jump on munity helped him “Although private courses exist, the newly-rebuilt course at Lory State Park. Photo: Glen Akins make the decision to we are one of the only public lands in proceed. A generous northern Colorado with an equestrian September 20, 2015 marked the grant of $8,000 from the Foundation for jump course,” said Park Manager Larry completion of the Equine Jump Course Colorado State Parks helped initiate he Butterfield. at Lory State Park with a grand open- design process. If you have not yet seen this profes- ing celebration. Riders were onsite to The project has been underway since sional course, come to the Park and take demonstrate how equestrians will use January 2014, and thanks to the sup- a look, or watch: https://www.youtube. the course, Park officials spoke of the port of designer James Atkinson, Dan com/watch?v=4dC9raNUgIw.

Get the Kids Outside Environmental Education Scholarship Program, 2016 Five schools received scholarship disadvan- assistance this past spring to bring stu- taged groups dents to Lory State Park for a hands-on of children outdoor learning experience with Park may exist. Naturalist Alicia Goddard, Park staff, With this and volunteers. These schools partici- scholarship, pated: Gilcrest (Weld County) Cache La we aim to Poudre Middle School (LaPorte), Fossil support Ridge High School, Laurel Elementary, underprivi- CLP Middle School students, Weed control project, April 2016. and Preston Middle School. The leged schools program, celebrating its second year, and those pockets of disadvantaged stu- • Maximum number of people per trip continues to be successful in bringing dents within economically-advan- is 120. underserved populations to the Park. taged schools,” said Ms. Goddard. • Scholarship deadlines are March 31st Older students participated in weed Ms. Goddard hopes to accept even for Spring or August 26th for Fall. control projects and received custom more applications for the Fall 2016 and t-shirts, while younger pupils learned Spring 2017 seasons. Look for an article For an application and a complete about local geology, animals and plants in the Coloradoan this fall, and spread brochure about our Get the Kids in the Park. All field trips are designed the word if you know of a deserving Outside Scholarship, contact Alicia to meet grade-specific educational school that would benefit. Goddard at dnr_loryinterp@state. standards. Applications are being accepted for co.us. Tax-deductible donations can be Jason’s Deli of Fort Collins delighted the fall of 2016. See details and contact made to support the scholarship fund in the Preston ESL group with delicious information below to pursue securing a any amount and at any time by visiting: boxed lunches, some of which were scholarship for your school group. http://www.loryfriends.org/support. made to accommodate food allergies. • Maximum scholarship amount is “Even within a well-supported school, $500.

Friends of Lory State Park 3 Call for Volunteers! Native Seed Collection Check Out a Pass and Backpack Project in the Park Slated for Aug. 27 at Colorado Libraries

goal that benefits all,” Lamb said. “This project welcomes all volunteers: families, students, young adults and seniors, because it is not labor intensive and only runs for a half-day. People love the experience.”

Where do the Seeds Go? The types of seed to be collected may include western wheatgrass, slen- der wheatgrass, prairie Junegrass, Idaho fescue and bottlebrush squirreltail. All This program is a partnership with are native to this area. the Colorado Department of Education, Collection will be done manually State Library, local library systems and by picking or pruning off the top of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The goal grass, depending on the species. is to encourage Coloradoans to get out- After collection, seeds will be doors and visit Colorado State Parks. cleaned and distributed to partners who Beginning June 20, 2016, partic- Don’t judge each day by the harvest will “grow-out” the seeds over the next ipating libraries across the state are you reap but by the seeds that you plant. few months to seedlings that will be offering two “Check Out State Parks” ---Robert Louis Stevenson used in restoration projects next year. passes, each for distribution with an These partners include a couple of Fort activity backpack containing binocu- We all know the importance of native Collins elementary schools that will be lars, brochures and other educational plants to an overall healthy environ- growing the seeds as part of environ- materials to library patrons. To check ment. Native plants are adapted to local mental science projects and to improve out a backpack, individuals must have soil, rainfall and temperature conditions the landscape of their schools; and pri- a library card, or apply for one that day. and provide native wildlife species with vate individuals who regularly volunteer Backpacks cannot be placed “on hold” food and habitat that helps preserve the to grow out seeds in their own homes in advance as with other library materi- balance of nature. for WRV as part of their seed collection als such as books, CDs or DVDs. In an effort to help preserve nature’s and restoration projects. balance here in Northern Colorado, and “We believe that by gathering and How to Use Your Pass and Backpack help to offset losses due to recent wild- using native seed we are not only The park pass, which is a hang tag fires, floods and related erosion events, improving what we do on the ground,” for the library patron’s rear view mirror, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers is Lamb said, “but also building a stronger is good for entry into any Colorado partnering with Lory State Park to network for people who are invested in State Park for up to seven days. sponsor a native seed collection project the care and restoration and conserva- The pass is only for entrance into the in the Park on Saturday, Aug. 27, from tion of this community.” state park, it does not provide discounts 8 a.m. to noon. for camping, special programs or activi- The project is being led by Ashton Interested? To sign up, please call ties requiring a license (hunting fishing, Lamb, a graduate student in the the Lory State Park Visitor’s Center at boating, etc.). Conservation Leadership Through 970-493-1623 and let them know how The backpack includes binoculars, Learning Program at Colorado State many in your volunteer party. a wildlife viewing guide, a tree and University, and is part of his graduate wildflower identification guide, a park thesis. The project is not only about brochure, suggested activities list and the ecology and economics, he said, but Leave No Trace outdoor ethics principles. also about building a strong, engaged Visit your local library or http:// community that is invested in itself. www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/checkout- “A large part of a native seed collec- coloradoparticipatinglibraries, to find tion program is the social interaction of a library near you. people working together to achieve a

4 Friends of Lory State Park Welcome New Seasonal Park Staff, Interns and Volunteers!

Sarah Lewis, Visitor Services Sarah Bakken, Seasonal Ranger Connor Norris, Seasonal Ranger Technician Originally from Wolcott, Colo., in Growing up in Hammond, Indiana, Originally from Cortez, Colo., Sarah the mountains near Steamboat Springs, hearing stories about his grandmother’s Lewis came to Fort Collins to attend Sarah Bakken is a student in the College life in beautiful, but rugged Colorado, Colorado State University where she of Natural Resources at Colorado State Connor Norris was always curious just completed a degree in psychology University studying Recreation and about the West. with a minor in music performance. Tourism with a concentration in parks After earning a degree in geography She developed an appreciation for and protected areas management. Her from Valparaiso University in May the outdoors at an early age since her goal is to work in the conservation field, 2015, he worked full time seasonally father is a cattle rancher and her mother possibly in a park or with a non-govern- for Yellowstone National Park and then is a veterinarian; but she learned much mental organization. moved to Fort Collins in October 2015. more when she led an Alternative Bakken’s parents introduced her to Norris said he always wanted to be a Spring Break for CSU to the Catalina many outdoor experiences while grow- park ranger, but after his first backpack- Environmental Leadership Program, ing up, which led to a respect for nature ing trip through Wyoming’s Big Horn in Santa Catalina Island, California. and an understanding of the seasonal Mountains after high school, he decided The CELP program, geared for student changes for plants and wildlife. backcountry rangering was his career of grades four through twelve, aims to Experience working as a seasonal choice. engender a greater understanding and ranger at Lory provides hands-on ex- Having worked at Indiana Dunes connectedness to self, others and the perience that applies toward her degree National Lakeshore and at the Lassen environment. and insight on career choices, while al- National Forest in California during col- “I had the opportunity to teach kids lowing her to connect with the public. A lege; as well as earning his red card as about teamwork and a respect for the previous internship at Sylvan Lake State a forestry technician fighting wildfires outdoors, while also showing them Park, a remote park in Colorado’s Eagle on public lands around the country (“a ways to live more sustainably,” Lewis County, offered a different, wonderful great time, but a rough job that deserves said. “I came away with a real interest experience that confirmed her desire respect”), Norris knew an office career in the field of environmental education, to both preserve natural land and raise was not for him. and that is one reason I am excited to awareness in others about our connec- So when he heard about an opening work in Lory State Park. Each day I’m tion to--and need for--the experiences of at Lory State Park in February 2016, he gaining experience in ways to educate natural spaces. applied for it. citizens about the beauty of the out- “Lory is a busy, semi-urban park, “I love coming to work every day doors and why we should protect and and I enjoy connecting with visitors and talking with visitors” Norris said. preserve it.” and encouraging everyone to explore When not at the Park, Norris hits the When at the park, Lewis can be different aspects of the park,” Bakken wilderness trails with his Border collie/ found at the Visitor’s Center or on one of explained. “I love being outside and I Aussie shepherd mix, Link. Lory’s many trails. On her own time, she want Park visitors to see, experience “We enjoy each other’s company,” loves rock climbing or hiking the beauti- and respect the outdoors.” he explains, “and the beauty and quiet ful spots in Colorado and Wyoming. of the wilderness.”

Friends of Lory State Park 5 Welcome New Seasonal Park Staff, Interns and Volunteers! (cont. from page 5)

Kristen DeWolf, Intern Mark and Brenda Horst, Park Hosts Erin Bonam, Interpretive Intern Kristen started as a seasonal intern The Horsts are recent “snowbirds” From Front Range Community at Lory State Park in June and will con- who summer in Colorado and winter in College clude her internship in mid-September. Arizona, and this is their first season as Erin is currently enrolled at Front She is a Colorado native from Park Hosts at Lory State Park. Range Community College pursuing a Arvada, Colo. and a Senior at Colorado Mark considers himself a Colorado degree in Forestry, Wildlife and Natural State University studying Natural native, but Brenda grew up in Tennessee Resources. She has a Bachelor’s degree Resource Recreation and Tourism. In and enjoyed a career as a flight atten- in elementary education from the accepting this internship, Kristen hopes dant with United Airlines, hopping from University of Northern Colorado. that the experience will help her shape a domicile to domicile until she landed in Erin considers herself a Colorado career path in this field. Denver and decided to stay. native since her family relocated fre- As a child, Kristen was always out- “We became snowbirds because all quently for her father’s work as a bio- doors with her friends, biking, explor- five children live in Colorado,” they chemist. Her parents instilled a respect ing nature and the local wildlife. As a explained. “We bought an RV and while for the outdoors in their children. family, they enjoyed camping out while visiting Colorado’s state parks, we As an environmental education and visiting family in California. discovered Park Host volunteering. We interpretive intern, Erin works with park When she arrived at Colorado State, applied to several parks via the website staff and volunteers to lead nature pro- Kristen opted for a business major, and a week later we got a call from grams for children and families under but found that she was lured again to Lory.” the guidance of Lory’s naturalist, Alicia the outdoors and tourism. “I would The Horsts were working the day Goddard. She is also involved in Lory’s definitely love to explore eco tourism, lightning struck a tree in the park and butterfly monitoring project, assisting combining a career in hospitality and started a wildfire which park person- with preparation of educational materi- educating the public about the impor- nel and Poudre Fire Authority quickly als for seasonal programs, and coordi- tance of preserving natural resources.” worked to contain. nating special activities in the park. As a Lory State Park intern, she “We kept a radio with us to listen As part of her studies at Front Range is gaining a well-rounded experience for a call should they need our help, but Community College, Erin regularly working with the public at the Visitor’s they quickly got things under control,” checks and maintains the wildlife Center on certain days; and with the trail Mark said. cameras at Lory and Larimer County’s crew, the Rangers, or the Park Naturalist Other than that, the experience has Horsetooth Mountain Park. outside in the park other days. been a smooth one for the Horsts, who “I’ve enjoyed getting to know the “I had been to Lory only once before say they are enjoying learning about the staff and volunteers at Lory and sharing prior to my internship,” she said. “It history of the park, native flora, fauna the camaraderie as we work together to was a great experience. Now, I’m and even geology. They like it here so ensure that visitors have an enjoyable learning about all the trails, the types much they hope to return next year! and safe visit to the park,” Erin said. of resources we manage here, and the “I’ve learned so much that is directly partnerships we develop with other enti- relatable to my career goal of becoming ties to preserve those resources.” an interpretive park ranger or naturalist with a state or national park, a national forest or wilderness area.”

6 Friends of Lory State Park Comings and Goings Citizen Science at Farewell to ... Lory State Park Sarah Melby, formerly Myers, ini- Lory State Park is participating, for tiated and served on the FoLSP Steering the third year, in a long-term citizen Committee from the spring of 2012, science project that monitors butter- through the destruction of the High Park fly populations in various locations Fire, to summer 2013, when the FoLSP throughout Colorado. Board of Directors was formed. As Led by Denver’s Butterfly Pavilion, the first President of the Board, Sarah whose mission is to foster an apprecia- worked tirelessly on the 501(c)(3), and tion of invertebrates while educating the FEIN applications with fellow Board public about the importance of conser- member and attorney Christy Leonard, vation of threatened habitats around while overseeing the reconstruction of the world, volunteers from Friends of burned bridges and equestrian jumps. In 2012, Connie and Bob Johnson Lory State Park, park staff and mem- Under her guidance, the Friends’ joined the steering committee for the bers of the Bellvue and Fort Collins 501(c)(3) status was approved in April group was to become the Friends of Community will have spent many hours of 2013, when the first 990 IRS form Lory State Park. They had just moved on the Well Gulch Trail recording data was filed. Sarah was a key player in to Loveland from Colorado Springs in on the type and number of butterflies establishing open communication with: May and brought the same strong com- seen from May to first frost, 2016. officials at CPW; LSP Park Manager mitment to provide volunteer assistance Citizen Science is the collection of Larry Butterfield; Lory State Park to parks and city/county agencies. scientific data by individuals who are staff; and the neighborhood community As members of the BOD for the not professional scientists. There are service group, the Lory Does. She led Friends group for the past four years, many projects ongoing and citizen sci- the effort to establish fundraisers and they helped establish a well-defined set ence networks are very important to the promote various Park events. After de- of bylaws, served on several commit- success of these monitoring programs. parting the BOD in July 2015, long time tees, and helped reconstruct trails and Without these dedicated volunteers, too Board and Steering Committee member burned bridges after the Galena Fire, few data would be collected to accom- Diana Dwyer took the reins and contin- build buck-n-rail fences, and repair plish research objectives. Much of ues to build on Sarah’s work. work on various trails in the Park. what we now know about the monarch Both will continue to volunteer with butterfly and its migration is the result the Friends when they are not building of citizen science projects. trails all over Colorado or vacationing Interested in signing up to help? in Panama. Contact Alicia Goddard, Lory State Park Patricia Haley-Miller participated Naturalist at 493-1623; or email her at in the early discussions about estab- [email protected]/lory. lishing a Friends group to support Lory Welcome Other citizen science projects are State Park, and served on the Steering ongoing nationally. A search of “Citizen Committee. Science” on the internet will locate one She helped of interest to you. Examples include: form and then joined the Monarch Joint Venture at http:// Board in 2013, www.monarchjointventure.org. taking on the task of news- Project Noah, is a tool to document letter writing wildlife and a platform to harness the as well as power of citizen scientists everywhere: helping with http://www.projectnoah.org. grant writing, fund raising, and general volunteering. Audubon Hummingbirds Home Trish served on the Board until July of Welcome, Madelyn Frances uses a mobile-optimized web portal 2015 and continues with the group as a Butterfield! Madelyn was born April 5, and smart phone apps to allow people volunteer and as associate editor of the 2016, to Park Manager Larry Butterfield across the United States to report hum- FoLSP Newsletter. and wife, Alexis. Congratulations! mingbird sightings. Please visit: http:// www.hummingbirdsathome.org.

Friends of Lory State Park 7 Nature Programs at Lory Upcoming Events at Lory Adult and Family Programs Tues., Aug. 9,16,23 & 30: Ciclismo Like to Contribute? Fri., Aug. 18: Full Moon Hike. West Youth Foundation “Lory Mountain Valley to Arthur’s Rock Trail, to Overlook Challenge” (http://ciclismoyouthfoun- Friends of Lory State Park wel- and down Well Gulch Trail. Hike: dation.org/lory-state) comes pledges from private donors, moderate, 3.1 miles. For adults, families corporations, nonprofits, and other with kids age 8 and up. Meet: Homestead Sat., Aug. 27: Seed Collection Project in organizations interested in support- parking area at 6:30 p.m. partnership with Wilderness Restoration ing the Park and its programs. Fri., Sept. 16: Harvest Moon Hike. Well Volunteers. To make a dontation, please visit: Gulch Trail. Hike: easy to moderate, http://www.loryfriends.org/ family-oriented hike. Meet: Well Gulch Sat., Sept. 10: Black Squirrel Half support Trailhead at 6:30 p.m. Marathon. (http://gnarrunners.com/ or by sending a check payable Sat., Oct. 15: Hunter’s Moon Hike. Well black-squirrel-half/) to: Friends of Lory State Park. Gulch to Timber to West Valley trails. Donations may be mailed to: PO Hike: moderate to difficult. Adults in Box 11, Bellvue, CO 80512 or good physical condition and kids 5th Sept. 17 & 18: Volunteers for Outdoors Colorado Trails Day delivered to the Park Visitor Center grade and above. Meet : Eltuck parking c/o Friends. area at 5:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 24: Campfire Storytelling. * For all Hikes: Bring a water bottle, a Invitation Only - FoLSP Members flashlight (red lens preferred) and wear closed-toe supportive shoes. Sun., Oct. 2: Mountain Goat Kid’s Run *Reservations required: Call the Lory Visitor’s Center at 493-1623. Sat., Dec. 10: Holiday Open House

Lory State Park is highly valued for its historic, cultural and natural resources, and deserves strong support so that others may continue to enjoy and cherish its unique character.