NEWS
16 May, 2026
🌿 2,200 Willows, One Strong Conservation Community! 🌿
On May 16, I joined volunteers from the Pikes Peak Chapter to help restore the Dream Stream section of the South Platte River. Over two days, volunteers planted more than 2,200 willows along eroding riverbanks to improve stream health, stabilize habitat, and support the fishery for years to come.
The day was filled with hard work, great conversations, and valuable insights from CPW aquatic research scientist Matt Kondratieff, who highlighted the importance of restoration projects and volunteer partnerships. Even better, we made a connection that may bring Matt to a future Cutthroat Chapter meeting as a featured speaker!
This project is a great reminder that conservation succeeds when chapters work together. From the Dream Stream willow planting to our support of the Bear Creek trash boom project, collaboration makes a real difference for Colorado's rivers and trout.
11 May, 2026
The Cutthroat Chapter proudly served as a volunteer sponsor for the City of Englewood’s Fins and Feathers event on Saturday, May 9, at Centennial Park.
At the CCTU booth, kids and parents had the opportunity to study live macroinvertebrates and learn the fundamentals of forming a fly-casting loop. Participants also enjoyed testing their fishing skills during the fishing derby and exploring the area on a guided nature walk along the water.
The event welcomed more than 50 attendees and featured participation from the City of Englewood, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and other community partners, making for a fun and educational day outdoors for everyone involved.
ALMA RIVERWALK PROJECT UPDATE
On July 23, 2021, three CCTU board members paid a visit to the Alma area. We were there to confer with representatives from National TU and USFS about a CCTU volunteer project that will be coming up very soon. Spoiler alert, mark Saturday, August 14, on your calendars to come help us near Alma on an abandoned mine reclamation effort (see separate Mineral Park Project event). Since we were in the neighborhood we stopped by to admire recent progress on the Alma River Walk. CCTU has contributed funding and volunteer time to this wonderful effort by the Town of Alma. Their goal is to conserve and protect a stretch ecologically important wetlands of the Middle Fork of the South Platte River that runs through the center of town. The River Walk will eventually include ADA accessible trails, educational opportunities, and fishing access, while shielding this sensitive headwater environment from development and abuse. Jara Johnson of the Alma Foundation gave us a tour of recent work done by the youth of the Southwest Conservation Corps. The young people are working on a trail spur leading to the interior of the River Walk property. The first part of the spur is roughed in and will be soon be finished in cinder fines. The second part of the spur will be a boardwalk that extends into the wetlands ending in a fishing/observation platform overlooking a beaver pond. This part of the spur has already been cleared of willows, the lumber has been obtained, and a contractor has been hired to start work soon. This entire spur with trail and boardwalk will be finished this summer. A new rock garden is coming along well, with native plants like currant and sedge providing both beauty and and educational opportunity. By fall we will should see the first couple of many interpretive signs and kiosks that will welcome and inform visitors. When you come up to volunteer with us on August 14, please take time afterwards and check out the River Walk!
