Itap a bright July morning, and Lookout Mountain is atwitter with activity. Mountain bikers grind furiously up steep inclines, kids smother their faces in sunblock before sprinting toward trails, and hikers plan their day’s journeys, with all of Jefferson County spread out in front of them.
Itap spaces like these that PLAN Jeffco, an advocacy group based in Jefferson County, will celebrate in late August as members mark 45 years of protection, advocacy and stewardship. PLAN Jeffco has been fighting to protect natural lands since 1972, when the group introduced a ballot resolution to use sales tax to create the Jefferson County Open Space Program. The program has since supported the preservation of 55,000 acres and some 236 miles of trails. PLAN Jeffco will celebrate this success at Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 29 with guided hikes and nature talks for the community to enjoy.
Mary Ann Bonnell, visitor services manager and park ranger for the county’s open space, will give a keynote lecture at 6 p.m. about stewardship of the land.
“Recreation is important, but itap important to be good stewards,” said Julie Enderby, education specialist for Jefferson County Open Space. “Whether you’re sitting and listening to the birds or having an intense bike ride, itap important you pick up your trash and take care of the space.”
Sweeping views of Jefferson County, picnic tables and scenic trails await at Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve, a quiet and close getaway for nature lovers. Glen Anstine, a Jefferson County native visited Lookout Mountain Tuesday morning with his dogs George and Titan. Anstine has been coming to the mountain since he was a kid and remembers family outings in the area and coming to the summit with friends during high school.
“A lot of people like to come up here, especially at night. Itap cool to see the city,” he said. “I love it up here.”
The nature center offers two short trails and also connects to nearby Windy Saddle Park and Apex Park, Enderby said. Hikers and bikers often stop at the nature center for a brief respite after the difficult climb. The center offers wildflower walks, nature journaling, lessons in astronomy and a number of educational opportunities for people of all ages.
Jocelyn McGrath of Golden and Stacie Moses of Evergreen met Tuesday atop Lookout Mountain, their kids in tow, for a morning of exploring.
“They’ve been coming here since they were babies,” McGrath said, while helping her kids, ages 4 and 6, apply sunblock. “They love it here. They love the views.”
Jefferson County’s ample natural space attracts both locals and travelers. Brenda Dunklau of Dallas came to Lookout Mountain during a weeklong stay in Colorado. She came specifically to see the Boettcher Mansion, a historic mountain lodge next to the nature center that turns 100 this year. (A celebration will be held 4-8 p.m. July 27.)
Helena Ny and Andrew Wolff of Denver spend much of their free time exploring trails in Jefferson County. They try to pick up 10 pieces of trash every time they go on a hike.
“Itap not just for us, but for the forest as well,” Ny said. “We need to keep it clean so we can keep it alive.”
Summer Picnic in the Park
When: 4-8 p.m. Aug. 29
Where: Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve, 910 Colorow Road, Golden
Why: Celebrate PLAN Jeffco’s 45 years of work to save open spaces
Features: Guided hikes featuring birding, history and biodiversity; talks; picnic either bring your own or food trucks; keynote lecture by Mary Ann Bonnell on stewardship at 6 p.m