135: The Future of Fountain Creek - Panel and Community Discussion

135: The Future of Fountain Creek - Panel and Community Discussion

Author: Dave Gardner April 3, 2025 Duration: 1:14:42

A panel discussion with Fountain Creek Watershed District Executive Director Alli Schuch and Jim O’Donnell, author of Fountain Creek: Big Lessons from a Little River, followed by a dynamic community conversation.

Alli provides an overview of watershed basics and shares insights on the current state of Fountain Creek. She highlights future opportunities and challenges facing the watershed.

Jim dives into key themes from his new book. Together, they explore environmental issues, community engagement, and the economic and cultural dimensions of the watershed—while offering a forward-looking perspective.

Mary Barber of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future hosts, while Allen Beauchamp of Trails and Open Space Coalition moderates. Melody Daugherty delivers the land acknowledgment and blessing.

Presenters’ Slides: https://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Complete-Presenters-Slides-SIP-March-19-2025.pdf

Thanks to These Hosts & Sponsors:

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future: https://peakallianceco.org/

Fountain Creek Watershed District: https://www.fountain-crk.org/

El Paso County Parks and Recreation: https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/parks-and-recreation/

Fountain Creek Nature Center: https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/fountain-creek-nature-center/

Peak Environment podcast: https://studio809podcasts.com/podcasts/peak-environment/

 

Thanks to These Participating Community Organizations:

Colorado Springs Stormwater: https://coloradosprings.gov/stormwater-enterprise

COS Creek Plan: https://coscreekplan.org/

Trails and Open Space Coalition: https://www.trailsandopenspaces.org/

Pikes Peak Chapter of Trout Unlimited: https://www.ppctu.org/

 

Jim O'Donnell, MCRP, CPD

Freelance Writer/Photographer

Fountain Creek: Big Lessons from a Little River https://www.aroundtheworldineightyyears.com/books/fountain-creek/

http://aroundtheworldineightyyears.com

http://www.jimodonnellphotography.com/

This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on March 19, 2025. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The next event is:

Fountain Creek Water Quality – What the Data Tells Us

How fire, flood, drought, and human development are shaping the watershed—and how partnerships and science are helping to protect it. In this Earth Week presentation, water quality expert Annie Berlemann shares what we know from 68 monitoring sites.

April 16, 2025

Virtual only, noon to 1 p.m.

Register here to get the link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Oan8kU2MR02EG_nmOT4J7Q

Thanks to these Peak Environment sponsors:

Pikes Peak Permaculture

Visit pikespeakpermaculture.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking.

Old Town Bike Shop - your local bike shop since 1976

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

350 Colorado https://350colorado.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.


Hosted by Dave Gardner, Peak Environment digs into the real-world choices and conversations shaping life in the Pikes Peak Region. This isn't a distant global overview, but a local look at how environmental care weaves into the fabric of our community, from the trails we hike to the policies our leaders debate. Each episode explores the intersection of our society and our surroundings, considering how sustainable practices impact both our physical health and our cultural values. You'll hear from neighbors, advocates, and experts discussing practical steps for stewardship, the nuances of building a resilient local economy, and the ongoing work toward balanced public policy. Tune in for a thoughtful, grounded dialogue that connects personal fitness and well-being directly to the health of the place we call home. Find this podcast for a deeper understanding of what it means to live well, right here.
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