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.
CCTU BEAR CREEK EARTH DAY CONSERVATION PROJECT - PROJECT WRAP-UP
On Saturday, April 23, 17 CCTU members drove to Bear Creek Lake Park to continue our tradition of assisting the park with restoration efforts on Bear Creek near Stonehouse. The Chapter provided $2,000 to the city of Lakewood to purchase 10 narrow leaf cottonwood trees and 20 bushes. After a light breakfast and short safety discussion by a ranger, we headed off to Stonehouse. Once we arrived at the location, we met with park staff. They provided the plants and all the tools we needed. After breaking into groups and getting instruction from the staff, digging began in earnest! Each cottonwood was placed and then two smaller bushes planted nearby. The final step was setting steel posts and surrounding everything with wire to prevent our work from becoming lunch for beavers. If you have not seen the large beaver dam near the Stone house, it is worth the trip! Bring your 3wt and fish downstream from the dam for a while. Thanks again to Lee Blair and his team for making this happen.
