Latest news with #DenverParks
CBS News
27-06-2025
- Science
- CBS News
Emerald Ash Borer spotted in Denver, millions of trees at risk
The Emerald Ash Borer has been detected in Denver nearly a decade after city officials began preparing for the invasive wood-boring insect. According to the City and County of Denver, the EAB was confirmed by entomology experts from Colorado State University and Denver's Office of the City Forester after being identified on June 17. The EAB is a non-native pest that has the potential to dramatically change the landscape of the Front Range. An emerald ash borer CBS The city told CBS Colorado that there are 1.45 million ash trees in the Denver metro area, with 330,000 of them in the City and County of Denver. That means about one in every six trees is an ash tree and one in every 10 trees on public land in Denver is an ash tree. "We're grateful that our Office of the City Forester has been preparing for this inevitable discovery, yet this is not a low-stakes battle. EAB has devastated ash tree populations in 37 U.S. states and parts of Canada, costing those communities billions of dollars. Based on this widespread destruction, we've been proactively battling EAB for nearly a decade," said Denver Parks & Recreation Executive Director Jolon Clark in a statement. "In 2016, the Office of the City Forester launched a public education campaign, Be A Smart Ash, to encourage residents to be smart about their ash trees—take action, identify ash trees and, when necessary, treat or replace them." When the EAB was found in Denver, city officials said the Office of the City Forester immediately provided a specimen from the tree to the Colorado State University Entomology Department for confirmation, and the suspect tree was also visited. Arborists recommend using pesticides to treat ash trees before a possible infestation because once beetles attack, it's likely the tree will die and have to be cut down. According to the city, properly administered treatments are 95% effective. Tree removal and replacement can be dangerous work, so it's highly recommended that residents work with a reputable tree care professional, no matter which course of action they choose to take in battling EAB. "Denver has replaced small ash trees on city-maintained land, and a rigorous treatment schedule is in place for some of the historic ash trees on city property. Denver residents who have room in the public right of way next to their property may be eligible for a free replacement tree, and we encourage community members to learn more about that to help sustain our urban forest," said Luke Killoran, Denver's City Forester, in a statement. Additional Information from the City and County of Denver: EAB Tips for Denver Residents: 1. Don't procrastinate: Early detection is key to managing the threat posed by EAB, so don't wait to identify if you have an ash tree. 2. Develop a plan: So you have an ash tree—now what? The short answer is that you have two options: treatment or replacement. Contact a licensed tree expert to help execute your EAB defense plan. 3. Know what to look for: How can you tell if your ash tree is infested with EAB? Look for D-shaped exit holes, bark falling off the tree, wavy trail lines and Northern Flickers (type of woodpecker), among other things. Residents can view a full photo gallery of what they should be looking for. 4. Share what you know: Talk to your neighbors, friends and co-workers about EAB and what they should look for on their ash trees. 5. Buy local, burn local: If you don't move any firewood, you won't move any borers. People unknowingly contribute to the spread of EAB when they transport firewood or other products from ash trees, as EAB larvae stealthily survive and travel hidden under the bark. If an ash tree absolutely must be moved, work with a licensed tree care professional to remove and take all debris.
CBS News
20-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
The Urban Farm celebrates 30 years in Denver but concerns mount over future
The Urban Farm is a hidden gem just miles from Downtown Denver The Urban Farm is a hidden gem just miles from Downtown Denver The Urban Farm is a hidden gem just miles from Downtown Denver Horses, sheep, and donkeys, oh my! For the past 30 years, The Urban Farm has taught kids, summer campers, and adults what it's like to work at a farm. Located on Smith Road, just off Havana Street and I-70, The Urban Farm sits on 23 acres of property owned by Denver Parks and Recreation. According to the farm's executive director, Paige Heydon, more than 65% of funding comes from the city, the rest is through ticket sales, donations, and capital fundraising. The Urban Farm CBS It's easier in the summer months when summer camps are booked, but during the Fall and Winter, it is when things slow down considerably, said Heydon. And, in the uncertain economic times, like what other non-profits are experiencing, The Urban Farm is also concerned about its future. "There's a lot of competition both for government funding as well as private foundations, and all of us are hurting," she said. The summer season is considered the bread-and-butter for the farm. It averages 25,000 visitors a year, with about 20,000 visiting during the warmer summer months. It's the slow season, along with the city's financial resources also being hindered, that is concerning. "It is concerning time. I am mostly concerned because of the overhead of the farm and the cost of feeding and taking care of our animals," said Heydon. Summer is a busy time with camps at The Urban Farm. CBS Especially when it comes to the farm's horses. According to Heydon, there are 20 horses on the property. 13 are rescues, and 6 are going to "retire" over the next few years. With budgets tight, cost is a big concern. "The average cost of care for a horse is $7400 a horse, and that's a lot higher than a younger horse, and that's because they have special needs," said Heydon. Kate Barber is the farm's equine program manager. She's been at that position since 2024. As a CSU grad in Equine Science, she came to the farm after working for a saddle company in Kentucky, specifically to work with kids and horses. "I wake up with a smile on my face, and that is the most amazing feeling in the world," said Barber. On a daily basis, however, the budget on the horse's care is consistently top-of-mind. "You see a lot of issues, so medications that come up with problems from their past lives," said Barber. "We have a prevalent dental disease called EOTRH (or Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis), which requires a lot of dental work." The Urban Farm CBS On a Wednesday afternoon, when CBS Colorado came to visit, about 200 campers were taking part in farm activities including horticulture.
CBS News
11-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
City of Denver wants input on the old Park Hill Golf Course development
Denver community is closer to helping to give a new look to the old Park Hill Golf Course Denver community is closer to helping to give a new look to the old Park Hill Golf Course Denver community is closer to helping to give a new look to the old Park Hill Golf Course When the city of Denver purchased the land at the old Park Hill Golf Course, it was a historic acquisition. It's been more than a century, dating back to the development of Washington Park, since it's taken on a project of this magnitude. Now that it's back in the city's hands, rather than private developers, people who live in the community are excited about what the land can become. CBS Through the end of the year, Denver Parks and Recreation will hold community events to gather detailed feedback. "I would say nothing's really set in stone," said Stacie West, the planning supervisor for Denver Parks and Recreation. With a blank canvas for the 155-acre park, residents can give their input on potential designs, features and focal points, as well as communicate their desires for the area. "We're dreaming with you, and we're trying to think about how all these many ideas come together," West added. So far, they've seen a tremendous response. "Between our first survey and our first couple of events where we're out talking with people in the community, it's over 5,600," West said. "I think I'm excited that it's not going to be just walled off anymore," said Jacob Mayercsik, who lives in the area. "It's just basically wasted space at this point. I really like the amphitheater and something more like community open spaces. I think we have lots of great parks in Denver, but I think making it unique is great." While some might like the option for live entertainment, others are more focused on opportunities for their four-legged children. "We missed having a dog park when we lived in Sloan's Lake, and so when we moved here and heard about the new park, we were like, 'Yes. We have to give our input," Sarah Gupta said. "Because he's our little baby." In the end, the top priority is listening to the people who call the area home. The city just launched a new online survey where anyone can review potential uses, designs and give their feedback virtually. The results will then be used to create the framework for the development. "I think it's just most important for the community that lives around it to feel like they chose this and they had a say in it," Gupta added.
