Red Rock Canyon Open Space - Colorado Springs, Colorado · 2/14/2008 · Red Rock Canyon Open Space consists of 789 acres of land located on the western edge of Colorado Springs

Red Rock Canyon Open SpaceRed Rock Canyon Open Space

Interpretive Plan

2 RED ROCK CANYON OPEN SPACE INTERPRETIVE MASTER PLAN

City of Colorado Springs Parks,Recreation & Cultural ServicesDepartment

Paul D. Butcher, Director

Master Planning Team Don Ellis, Friends of Red RockCanyonSarah Keith, Landscape ArchitectChristian Lieber, Design,Development and TOPSJulie Levi, Public CommunicationsMatt Mayberry, Cultural ServicesEugene Smith, Cultural ServicesKarlee Thompson, Friends of RedRock Canyon

Additional Assistance by: Scott AbbottBill ArbogastMark IzoldCelinda KaelinMel McFarlandSharon MilitoMike PoltenovageKurt SchroederScott Thompson

Table of ContentsAcknowledgements...........................................................................3

Introduction......................................................................................4

Topography .......................................................................................5

History ..............................................................................................6

Interpretive Planning........................................................................8

Interpretive Topics of Significant Interest........................................9

Verbatim Responses by Question..............................................10-30

Notes from Small Group Discussion ..............................................31

Small Group Responses by Topic ...................................................32

City of Colorado Springs Parks &Recreation Advisory Board

Jim Schwerin (Chair)Kent Obee (Vice Chair)Daisy Chun RhodesMona DouillardNancy HobbsJill GaeblerMary Mashburn Carl ReinhardtRichard Stettler

Colorado Springs City CouncilLionel Rivera, MayorLarry Small, Vice MayorScott Hente,

Councilmember District 1Darryl Glenn,

Councilmember District 2Jerry Heimlicher,

Councilmember District 3Margaret Radford,

Councilmember District 4Tom Gallagher,

Councilmember At-LargeRandy Purvis,

Councilmember At-LargeJan Martin, Councilmember At-Large

Project ConsultantsKezziah-WatkinsTweed Kezziah, FacilitatorSusan Watkins, Facilitator

Kimmell GraphicsMaureen Kimmell, Graphic Design

CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGSPARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Approval Date: February 14, 2008

RED ROCK CANYON OPEN SPACE INTERPRETIVE MASTER PLAN 3

Area Off-Limits(Old Landfill)

Hwy-24 (Cimarron St)

To ManitouSprings

DowntownColoradoSprings

RidgeRd

W High St

WColorado Ave

S31stSt

S26thSt

Crystal Hills Blvd

GreenleeTrail

RedRockCanyonTrail

Quar ryP a s s Trail

MesaTrail

RedRockCanyonPath

ContemplativeTrail

LowerDog Loop

UpperDog Loop

Section 16Trail Connection

Greenl e

e T

rail

MesaTr

ail

SandCanyonTrail

IntemannTrail

SandCanyonTrail

SandCanyo

nTrail

MeadowlarkTrail

RoundupTrail

LionTrail

HogbackValleyTrail

RedRockRim

Trail

Lower HogbackT

rail

Red Rock Canyon: Master Planned Trails

CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGSParks, Recreation &Cultural Services

Trailhead & Parking

Park Boundary

Restrooms

Contour Interval: 10'Map Version: August 2007c 2007 City of Colorado Springs onbehalf of the Colorado Springs Utilities.

Picnic Area

Thematic Trails:

Contemplative Trail

Geology Trail Loop

History Trail Loop

Off-leash TrailSolid Line: Existing TrailDashed Line: Planned Trail


IntroductionRed Rock Canyon Open Space

consists of 789 acres of land located onthe western edge of Colorado Springs. Itis situated at the interface between theGreat Plains and the Rocky Mountains.Here, a series of hogbacks expose layersof sedimentary rock that have beenturned upward at the base of Pikes Peak.Canyons run between the hogbacks andprovide shelter for a variety of plantsand wildlife, while the rocks of thehogbacks form colorful backdrops ofsalmon, gold, and other shades.

Red Rock Canyon has hosted avariety of human endeavors over time.Among these are several quarry sites,where sandstone was extracted from thevertical fins and gravel mines in thevalley portions of the eastern half of theproperty. A large landfill operation wasclosed and sealed off in 1986, at thesoutheast end of the property. Other

activities on the site included acampground and a number of mobile-homes sited throughout the lowerportions of the property and along 31stStreet.

Several ambitious plans in the pastfor resort development of the propertynever materialized. A large-scale modelof the site showing high-rise towers,convention facilities, a golf course, andschematic drawings, are all that remainof this dream.

The site was in private ownershipuntil 2003, when it was acquired by theCity of Colorado Springs as open space.Acquisition was accomplished withfunds from TOPS (Trails Open Space andParks), GOCO (Great OutdoorsColorado), and conservation trust funds.The land was divided into five separatetracts, and each track has specificrestrictions as to how it can be utilized.

To see a world in a grain

of sand,

And a heaven in a wild

flower,

Hold infinity in the

palm of your hand,

An eternity in an hour.

– William Blake


TopographyThe dominant topographic features

of Red Rock Canyon are a series ofridges or hogbacks trending from northto south through the site. These are theresult of bedded sedimentary rock stratathat were upturned during theformation of the Rocky Mountains.Differential weathering of the strata hasresulted in a series of ridges and valleysas the softer material eroded away. Thethird canyon in this series is known asRed Rock Canyon. It is the heart of thesite and gives the property its name.Red Rock Canyon contains many of thesite’s unique cultural features, includinglarge quarries cut into the sandstoneridge that forms the western wall of thecanyon. A small cave is containedwithin the sheer sandstone of theeastern wall. The Bock Residence, withits associated outbuildings, ponds, andlarge lawn area, is located within thelower portion of Red Rock Canyon.Valleys between these ridges carry waterfrom higher ground south and west ofthe site through the open space. Someof this water collects in reservoirsconstructed by previous owners. Insome places, the valleys are fairly steepin their northward descent towardsFountain Creek. There are five primaryvalleys on the property, each one a bitlarger and more vegetated moving fromeast to west. The first two are notnamed at present, but the names WildHorse and Gypsum may have beenapplied to them in the past. The nextthree are known today as Red Rock,Greenlee, and Sand Canyons.

Each canyon offers a different andunique experience for the visitor. Theeasternmost valley has mostly lowvegetation, resulting in an opencharacter that allows the erodedlimestone rocks of the adjacent ridgesto show prominently. This canyon andits ridges harbor some of the site’s moreunique flora.

Moving to the west across the site,the next canyon is the most altered ofthe four. Reportedly once deeply cutand densely vegetated along its bottom,it has been mined extensively for graveland later filled in with a sanitarylandfill. This operation ceased in 1986and the landfill was sealed. Monitoring

of the landfill and other restrictions arerequired until at least 2020. North ofthe landfill, gravel has been extractedand the area reclaimed with grasslandvegetation.

The third canyon in this series isknown as Red Rock Canyon. It is theheart of the site and gives the propertyits name. Red Rock Canyon containsmany of the site’s unique culturalfeatures, including large quarries cutinto the sandstone ridge that forms thewestern wall of the canyon. A small caveis contained within the sheer sandstoneof the eastern wall. The Bock Residence,with its associated outbuildings, ponds,and large lawn area, is located withinthe lower portion of Red Rock Canyon.The core features of this structure, therock walls and chimneys, will bepreserved when the house is convertedinto an open air pavilion.

West of Red Rock Canyon is a rollingarea with sandstone outcrops and ridges,known as Greenlee Canyon. West ofthat is Sand Canyon. Sand Canyon isthe least disturbed of the canyons, andis densely vegetated along its bottomand sides. The west wall of Sand Canyonforms the boundary between the openspace and Manitou Springs, and is arugged collection of sandstone outcropsand dells.

Elevations on the site range from alow point of 6,130 located at thenortheast part of the site, to a highpoint of 6,740 at the ridgeline on thehogback in the southeast part of thesite. South and west of the site, the landrises steeply, culminating at the summitof Pikes Peak, approximately 9 milesaway.

The natural topography has beensignificantly altered in many places onthe property. Roads have been cut,diversions and conveyances for waterhave been constructed, and bothmining and landfill operations haveoccurred. An area along the northernedge has been significantly altered bycut-and-fill operations that resulted in asteep cut bank paralleling the Highway24 right-of-way, with a wide level plainon some 20 feet or more of fill inbetween the bank and the highway.


HistoryAccording to an archaeological study

prepared by Snyder, et al in February of2004, the earliest evidence of humanoccupation of the Red Rock Canyon sitecomes from projectile points foundthere that appear to be from theArchaic Stage, which dates from 7000years B.P. (before present) up to 250 AD.Archaeological evidence from theGarden of the Gods, a short distancenorth of Red Rock Canyon, dates to6,000 B.P. Given the proximity toFountain Creek and the abundance ofdeer and other wildlife found at RedRock Canyon, it is likely that this sitehas offered food and shelter to humansthroughout the habitation of theregion.

The period from 100 AD until 1725AD is known as the Later PrehistoricStage.

Although the only official record ofprehistoric use of the site is a smalllithic scatter near the heart of theproperty, it is known that manyAmerican Indian tribes were presentthroughout the Pikes Peak region. TheJicarilla Apache and the Utes both

considered Pikes Peak and other nearbysites to be sacred.

In the late 1800s the canyons yieldedbuilding supplies used in the settlementof Colorado City and the communitiesof Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs,Fountain, and others. Gypsum andbuilding sand were mined from theupper reaches of the site, andsignificant quarrying of the large ridgeof sandstone running through themiddle of the site occurred up until thevery early 1900s.

A quarrying operation into themassive Kenmuir Sandstone formationwas owned by the Greenlees of Denver.The Kenmuir Quarry site was a bustlingoperation, running seven days a week,and supporting offices, a boardinghouse, numerous cottages, and severalbuildings for machinery, livestock,shops, forges, etc. A rail line carried thequarried stone from Red Rock Canyonto be used in buildings throughout theregion. The quarry closed in the earlyyears of the 20th century due todeclining demand, as building stonewas replaced with concrete and steel.

Photo courtesy Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum


On the eastern edge of the site wasthe Colorado-Philadelphia ReductionCompany mill, which refined oreshipped in by train from the gold minesof Cripple Creek. Opened in 1896, it wasthe largest mill of its kind in the UnitedStates. It operated until competitionfrom the newer and more modernGolden Cycle Mill nearby caused itsdemise in the early years of the 1900s.

The property now known as Red RockCanyon was assembled in the 1920s and‘30s by John George Bock. He firstpurchased land near the entrance to RedRock Canyon and started RoundupStables to offer horseback rides into thescenic canyons nearby. He eventuallypurchased several parcels from hisneighbors, bringing his spread to a sizeof 650 acres.

The land that John G. Bock acquiredhad been severely altered from itsnatural state. It was pockmarked withmines and quarries and littered with thedebris of a half-century of occupationand exploitation. Attempting to mitigatesome of this damage, he began toconstruct water diversions, dams, andother structures to control runoffthrough the site.

John G. Bock willed the property tohis two sons, John S. and Richard Bock,who continued to live there until thelate 1900s. The younger Bocksconstructed residences and outbuildingsin the lower end of Red Rock Canyon.A landfill operation, campground, gravel

quarries, and mobile home rentalswere some of the ventures by whichthey “lived off the land” in Red RockCanyon. John S. eventually bought outRichard’s share of the land. The City ofColorado Springs purchased theproperty from John S. Bock and set itaside for public use, enjoyment, andprotection as Red Rock Canyon OpenSpace. Strong public support urged theCity to take this course of action.

Red Rock Canyon was identified inthe City’s 1997 Open Space MasterPlan for possible acquisition. Supportfrom the Red Rock CanyonCommittee, TOPS WorkingCommittee, and Parks Board ultimatelyled to unanimous support on CityCouncil for the protection of Red RockCanyon.

Today Red Rock Canyon is heavilyused by the public. A master plan forthe site was approved in 2003. Inaccordance with this plan there arenow over thirteen miles of developedtrails open to the public with another5 miles yet to come. Also, new parkinglots are currently under construction toaddress the overwhelming demand. In2007, the Parks, Recreation andCultural Services Department alongwith the Friends of Red Rock Canyonhosted a series of public meetingsmeant to guide the development andimplementation of interpretive signsand other educational activities. Thisdocument is the result of that effort.

Photo courtesy Colorado SpringsPioneers Museum


Interpretive Planning

Red Rock CanyonEducational Series

The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department,in collaboration with the Friends of Red Rock Canyon, initiated the interpretiveplanning process for Red Rock Canyon Open Space in 2007. The interpretive masterplanning team developed a series of public meetings to educate the communityabout the history, natural resources and abundant interpretive possibilities of RedRock Canyon. Five evening event were held at the Colorado Springs PioneersMuseum. They were publicized through press releases generated by the City’s PublicCommunications office and widely distributed with the help of the Friends. Theseries was exceptionally well attended, with an average of 174 people participatingin each event. The evening programs lasted two hours and featured two 30-minutelectures on that night’s topic. This was followed by a discussion and public inputsession meant to guide the development and methodologies for interpretation. Asummary of these discussions and the public’s input follows.

Project PrinciplesGuidelines for planning meetings and the Interpretive Master Plan were

established and include:u The Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Master Plan must be consistent with the

goals in the adopted Red Rock Canyon Master Plan.

u Because of City budget constraints, full implementation of the InterpretiveMaster Plan may be phased in over multiple years.

u The process to develop the Interpretive Master Plan is open to all who areinterested and all voices will be considered equally.

u The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Boardwill make the final decision on the Interpretive Master Plan.

Schedule of Sessions and SpeakersJuly 12 History of Red Rock Canyon

“History Along the Hogbacks” – Don Ellis“Mills and Railroads” – Mel McFarland

July 26 The Geology“The Geology” – Mark Izold“The Paleontology” – Sharon Milito and Mike Poltenovage

August 16 Native Cultures“Archaeology of the Pikes Peak Region” – Bill Arbogast“American Indians of the Pikes Peak Region” - Celinda Kaelin

August 23 The Biology of Red Rock Canyon“Plant Ecology of Red Rock Canyon” - Don Ellis“Wildlife of the Pikes Peak Region”

Wild Forever Foundation- Elaine Web and Annette Kohnert September 13 Interpretive Concepts

Presentation of responses from all sessionsPresentation of innovative interpretive toolsDiscussion and deliberation

Red Rock CanyonMaster Plan Goals:

l Preserve, protect and enhance thenatural, visual and cultural valuesof the property.

l Facilitate regional connections totrail and open space systems.

l Create a plan that is attainablewithin a reasonable period of timeand budget and is sustainableover time.

l Foster a legacy of stewardshipthrough experience and learning.

l Provide for recreational use andaccess compatible with the othergoals of the Red Rock CanyonOpen Space Master Plan.

Climb the mountains

and get their good

tidings.

Nature's peace will flow

into you as sunshine

flows into trees.

The winds will blow

their own freshness

into you...

while cares will drop off

like autumn leaves.

– John Muir


Interpretive Topics ofSignificant Interest

Red Rock Canyon Educational Series

u Geology

u History

u American Indian History

u Paleontology

u Preservation and protection ofRed Rock Canyon Open Space


Verbatim Responses by Question

About the Canyon Itselfl That it is a new open space we as

citizens can shape and be a part ofl That the Canyon is open every day

to be appreciated by alll That the Canyon has a long and

interesting historyl How fortunate we are to have this

Parkl The importance of such a jewel for

Colorado Springs to inheritl That the project principles are being

carried out with much care andcooperation

Geologyl Geologyl Geology l Geology of the areal I am more interested in the

geological history than the humanhistory of this area. Hence the mills,etc. was not as interesting. I didn’tknow about the landfill issues

Historyl That there is a long history to the

Canyon and how it was formed andthe many uses of the rock

l That there is a long history to theCanyon

l History of the area l The entire history of the Canyon.

The significance of the quarries, theIndian history; significance ofeconomic—early Colorado

l The history of the Indians, thequarries, the mills and railroads

l The history of the Bock boys andtheir family life. Plans of the hotel,golf course and what the familyvisioned for the property—luckily itis in the best interests of the publicto all enjoy and protect this beloved,historic, beautiful area

l Historic importancel History

l The history of dinosaurs and fossilsl Past history l The very interesting story of the

placel All of the information Don Ellis

included in his talk—“History Alongthe Hogbacks”

l Most of the presentation was generalto the Colorado Springs area andexcellent for residents of ColoradoSprings. Visitors to Red RockCanyon, however, will probably bemore interested in the specifics ofRed Rock, e.g. the Bock House, etc.

l History of the mines and railroad areprobably not known by most whovisit

American Indiansl Native American historyl The existence of Native American

structuresl Native American land usesl Indian artifacts and dwellingsl Indian artifactsl The bracelets and the carrion. I

learned people have been in the areasince ancient times and that thereare sites still visible today of thatearly occupation of the area

Preservation and protectionl Need for preserving for futurel That the area is not ‘pristine’ but has

been reclaimed from industrialexploitation, and that it can still beimproved

l Its vulnerabilityl Need to preserve past history

Red Rock Canyon Educational Series

Date: July 12, 2007Subject: History and Mills/Railroads

What did you hear tonight that you believe is mostimportant for Red Rock Canyon visitors to know?1


Quarriesl History and operation of the quarriesl Where all the mills and quarries were

and when they were in usel Information about the quarries.

Basically is the background andinformation about what I’m seeing asI hike

Otherl The history, pre-history, the use—

everythingl Everything—geology, archeology,

history of ‘modern’ use of the land,etc.

l How the Park and its resources wereutilized both by the Indians (mostinteresting) and later for settlementand development

l It is a work in progress, with anopportunity for input to theevaluation of the open space

l Man’s impact on the areal Archeological informationl Conversion of Bock House

(immediate). That the City and RedRock Foundation are both workingtogether to make this area a first classrecreational area

l Development of interpretive trails

Study nature, love

nature, stay close to

nature. It will never

fail you.

– Frank Lloyd Wright


Verbatim Responses by QuestionRed Rock Canyon Educational Series

Date: July 26, 2007Subject: Geology and Paleontology

Geologyl I enjoyed the history of what the

world looked like during theseperiods

l Geologic history and how the rockswere formed to make the Park sobeautiful and unique

l Geological historyl The variety of environments

represented at Red Rock Canyonl Geology of North Americal Comparison to the Grand Canyon

l Repeated coverage by seasl Source of Pikes Peak. Guts of

volcanol Geologic historyl That Red Rock Canyon is an

important part of the natural historyof North America and planet earthand not just a pretty City park

l The amount of geologic historyrepresented

l The geologic historyl Life adapts to geologyl That RRC is a very rich geologic area l Very interesting. However,

disappointed the Red Rock Canyonand tonight’s speakers all proclaimedevolution / “billions of years” as fact.Evolutionary geology is still a theory!In fact, there is very strong evidencethat the geologic and fossil recordsmuch better support a young earth,not old earth! People who visit RedRock Park should hear this!

l The rich geologic historyl The geology l The broad range of geologic history

found in the parkl Geology l The richness of the park in terms of

the geologic record (as well as thenatural beauty of the open space)

l Paleozoic / Mesozoic earth historyl The geology is fascinatingl Geology of Red Rock Canyon,

especially pictures of theenvironment of deposition

l Geologyl The many cycles through sea, shore,

and land that created the manydifferent layers

l The fact that there is such a broadrange of geology

l The multitude of geologic exampleson site

l The age and ability to see theformation of this land

l Colorado Springs used to be quite



close the equatorl Historical formation l Environmentl Rich geologyl The fascinating story of geology

immediately visible to visitors to RedRock Canyon. The paleontologicalstory is equally exciting but alsoproblematic

l Geologyl How ridges formedl The maps as they relate to timelines l Picture interpretations of erasl How much history is revealed, even

more than the Grand Canyonl The remarkable spread of time visible

in the Garden of the Gods and RedRock Canyon

l Program was very good. Informationon the various periods andenvironments (photos you showed)would be good

l That we have rocks spanning 300million years

l The age of the Canyonl Recognizing time zones in rocks or

what the land looked like during thetime zones

l Just how old the Canyon isl Span of time revealed—300 million

yearsl Overall age of the materiall How old the rocks arel The geologic time connected to

Colorado Springs. Using the artworkfrom Ancient Denvers is very helpfulto understanding the paleo-environment

l Agel Number of periods / years

representedl Long time span represented therel The fact that Red Rock Canyon is

comparable to Grand Canyon in itsgeologic importance—300 millionyears!!!

l The vast time expanse the rockscomprise

l The many different time periodsshowing stages of geologicformations

l The age span of the rocks /formations

l How old the formations are!l Rock formationsl The huge amount of valuable rock

examples—and how fortunate we areto have the park

l How fragile the rocks are l I was pleased to hear about the

different types of sandstone, etc. l How much “history” the rocks

containl Older rocks on west, newer on east

Interpretive programl Sign plots pointing out the

important geology features (pictures,etc.) on them

l Trails with numbered stopsl We have a great resource that if well

displayed could be of great economicvalue

l Plans for creating signs andinterpretive information in the park.Communication avenues

l Variety of things to do, “endurances”of hikes

l The story of the tectonic phases andclimate change. The age range of thepark—show possibly using a trail,“Path through time” with signagetelling of the formation and periodof time

l I would like to have signs showingdifferent types of sandstone at thepark

l During the talks to visitors I think allthe information should be about RedRock Canyon, Garden of the Godsand a little about the ancestral PikesPeak. Second talk—paleontology

Historyl The huge range of history that is

exposedl The history—the valuable knowledge

and interesting facts that ColoradoSprings holds

l Historyl The various ways people have made

use of the Canyon through theyears—prehistoric to present

Paleontologyl Rich paleontologyl Paleo-environmentl The animals, plants and paleo-

history of the areal The paleontology and paleo-

environmental significancel Depositional environments and

associated paleontologyl The paleontologyl The paleontology of the areal Paleontology of the parkl The fact that fossils, pre-historic

animals are throughout the park

July 12 - continued on next page

To me a lush carpet

of pine needles or

spongy grass is more

welcome than the

most luxurious

Persian rug.

– Helen Keller


l Dinos done lived herel The richness of the paleontologyl Paleontologyl The dinosaur and marine life

previously existing in abundance allaround the area

l The apparently vast number of fossilfinds so far in the Park

l When I walk through the Red RockCanyon I will look for fossil rockformations

l Fossil informationl The fossils foundl The fossilsl The fossils found in the rock

formationsl Presence of fossils—all l Details in numbers of fossils, etc.

located in Red Rock Canyonl Fossil origins in ancient seas at 280

million years ago. Still here(interpretive master plan necessary)

l Fossil indexing

Preservation and protectionl Visitors take pictures, look at fossils

but leave only footprints in RRC sothe beauty and amazement is therefor future generations

l How necessary it is to not take anyrelics from the Canyon

l To stay on the trails and preservewhat is there

l Importance of preservationl For people not to steal the fossils in

the rocks so younger generationsmay look upon them. I think that itis important to label and exhibit asmuch as possible so that people canlearn

l Leaving fossils, rocks, plants in placel That we represent such an enormous

amount of scientific examples tostudy and preserve!

l The importance of appreciating RedRock Canyon and not destroyingformations by inappropriateclimbing, etc.

l To leave fossils alonel How to preserve everything for

people to come seel Don’t take the fossils

Otherl We have a real treasure herel Five shark speciesl I would have liked to have seen the

slides better. The screen was too lowl This park was almost developed

without knowing what was therel Friends of Red Rock Canyon websitel Hard to answer as people come to the

park for a variety of reasonsl How many sets of Rocky Mountains

have there been?l Flora, fauna

July 12 - continued from previous page

Nature teaches more

than she preaches.

There are no

sermons in stones.

It is easier to get a

spark out of a stone

than a moral.

– John Burroughs


Archeology l Overview of archeology l People have been in this area over

11,000 yearsl Ancient historyl Archeological periods represented in

this areal The length of time humans have

been herel The ages and places of the

archeological digsl Time periods—Bill’s informationl Excellent presentation [on

archeology]. Would like to learnmore in greater depth

Preservation and protectionl Continue to preservel Preservationl That the area has been disturbed and

so it’s not in its earlier condition.Visitors need to be taught to respectthe land

l Respect signs and trials, geology/archeology of Red Rock CanyonOpen Space

American Indian Historyl Native Americans had sacred sites in

this area, near the Red Rock CanyonOpen Space

l Pikes Peak is a sacred mountain tothe Utes, including their creationstory

l Overview of American Indiansl Indian forts on hogbackl How important Pikes Peak is to

history of migration of NativeAmericans

l The tribes that probably occupied theCanyon over time

l What about the matate site that DonEllis has a picture of? We need moreinformation

l Indian history and lorel I realize that inclusion of this topic is

politically correct. However, the lack

of evidence of their [AmericanIndian] presence can be construed asa sacred place OR that they weren’tthere to begin with

l That both Red Rock and Garden ofthe Gods are considered as one placeto Utes, et.al.

l Tribe names and datesl Would like to hear Jan Pettit or better

yet, William Roth speak on thesubject [of American Indians]. AlsoAustin Box, Aulden Naranjo and JackWilliams

l I love the stories of the NativeAmericans

l Indigenous people visited, but didnot live in the area

l The fact that pre-Western NativeAmerican peoples lived in andaround Red Rock Canyon for the past12,000 years

Otherl Connection

to NationalForest andlifestreamof wildlife

l Trails builtbyvolunteers(manypeople stillthink paidCityworkersbuild trails)

l Ecologicalsignificance/ respect

l I liked allthat I heard

l I would like to see information signsthroughout Red Rock Canyon


Date: August 16, 2007Subject: Archeology and American Indians



Biology/Ecologyl Native / non-native plantsl The ecological balance MUST be

maintained in the Canyon. I knewthis, but this program was a greatreminder of that fact

l The diversity of plants in the areal Specific identification of plants and

animals and the ecosysteml Ecology of the area—details about

animals and plants and what isfound there

Interpretive programl Everything mentioned. Everything

covered in all the lectures needs to beavailable for visitors to know

l Online available information site

Preservation and protectionl Preservation of native plantsl Preservation of habitat for animals

and birds

Wildlifel Fawns are not abandonedl That a fawn by itself is not

necessarily abandonedl Do not feed the animals!l Bull snakes eat rattlers!l There are bear sitings!


Date: August 23, 2007Subject: Wildlife and Biology


I will be the gladdest

thing under the sun.

I will touch a

hundred

flowers and not

pick one.

– Edna St. Vincent Millay


Bock Housel There is a plan to save the Bock

Housel Bock House pavilionl Early history of the park (and it’s

always fun to hear about the“developer’s” big plans. Too bad that[Mr. Bock’s model] wasn’t left at thehouse / garage for viewing as is)

l That you are keeping some part ofthe Bock building

l Conversion of Bock House(immediate). That the City and RedRock Foundation are both workingtogether to make this area a first classrecreational area

l That the Bock home will be an open-air pavilion

Historyl History l Use of land through historyl All the historyl All the history related to the Canyonl All of the information Don Ellis

included in his talk—“History Alongthe Hogbacks”

Geology l Geologic historyl Geologyl History of the hogbacksl That Garden of the God rock

formations were once connected toRed Rock Canyon

l Geology, rock formations

Gold Processingl Five gold processing plants in the cityl Discussion of gold processing

Quarriesl The early quarriesl Quarriesl I thought it was very interesting that

some quarries got completely takendown

l Quarriesl Links of quarried stone to familiar

buildings like Redstone Castlel Discussion of quarriesl The overall history of the areal The quarrying backgroundl The stones in the quarry (redstone,

lion and fountain), Dakota sandstone,limestone, etc. The interrelationbetween quarry, mills, railroads,growth of Colorado City

American Indian Historyl The ‘virgin’ sites of artifacts—bracelets

and crystalsl More Indian involvement than I was

aware ofl Information about Indian activity in

the areal The wonderful old Indian sites can be

foundl Indian artifactsl Indian artifacts, etc.l The existence of Native American

structuresl The intricate uses by Native

Americansl Native American uses of this landl For Red Rock Canyon specifically, the

Indian background

Preservation and protectionl The extent of reclamation—done and

plannedl That the buildings will be utilized as

much as possible preserving the soundarchitecture

l The preservation will increase

Otherl No plans for a ‘visitor center’ in the

park. No entrance fee in the futurel The human impact on the areal Many more things to look for when

hikingl The walls built and the areas which

may have been used as blinds or guardposts

l The importance of the many mills andrailway’s influence in the area


Date: August 23, 2007Subject: History and Mills/Railroads

What did you learn tonight that excited you most? 2




Geologyl Knowing that the different

formations are visiblel Geology—labeled slides pictures of

Red Rock Canyonl The rainforest north of Colorado

Springsl That Pikes Peak is an old volcanic

magma chamber and that it cameway up from deep within the earth

l The coming and going of inlandareas

l That we were inland seal There used to be a rain forest three

miles northl How much geology / archeology is in

Red Rock Canyonl That the oldest rainforest was north

of Colorado Springsl That Pikes Peak was the interior of a

volcanol Rainforest in Monumentl Former sand dunes, ocean, inland sea

and marine lifel Geologyl Rock formationsl I thought it was really interesting

that one of the oldest rainforests wasin Colorado

l Geology—current rocks; historicaldevelopment

l That Pikes Peak is the core of ancientvolcanoes

l Age and strata of rocksl The extent of the geologic age in Red

Rock Canyonl The discovery that the reason the

climate change occurred was due tothe location of the continent relativeto the equator at that point in time

l The mud cracks photo explained aformat which I saw in ArchesNational Park

l The photo of Pangaea which showedposition of North American relativeto the equator

l The seas herel Geology

l The widely varying environsl The size of the Appalachians versus

Rockiesl The many rock stages l The knowledge to understand the

geology of Red Rock Canyonl The amazing formations in the parkl That the ocean area was herel Fault lines shown were interestingl Geologic history of areal The tremendous range of observable

geologic items, i.e. fossils, rock types,formations, etc.

l I enjoyed all of this. Ongoing andrepeat presentations may be ofinterest to others

l Oldest rainforest few miles north ofColorado Springs

l Overflow of geology l The history dating back to

Pennsylvanian times that is all partof where we live

l Plate tectonicsl The many, many formations in the

Canyonl History of the wonderful rock

formations, etc.l I didn’t realize that there was so

much natural history available forviewing so close to the Springs

l The amount of geological timerepresented

l Length of the timeline showing inRed Rock

l Exposed 300,000,000 years of historyl Identifying the time zone l The geological periodsl The whole content of time, age and

mechanismsl Age of areal I think understanding how various

foundations are representative ofdiffering time periods is invaluable

l Age of Red Rock Canyon Open Spaceand a great timeline

l The space of geologic timerepresented

What did you learn tonight that excited you most? 2I only went out for a

walk and finally

concluded to stay out

till sundown, for

going out, I found,

was really going in.

– John Muir


l Three hundred million year timeframe

l Environment for different periodsl The age—300,000 years!l Geologic time span of the parkl The story of the geologic history. The

oldest rocks in the park are to thewest. They were the bottom ofseveral layers that were tipped upwhen the mountains rose

Interpretive programl The research and study being done in

the Canyon that is connected tofuture instruction and display ofCanyon finds

l Interpretive information and futureplans for the park

l There is, in Colorado Springs, ageologic laboratory site; with visiblecross-sections that are like a library.This usually takes miles of walkingand mapping, plus interpretation

l That we probably walk past examplesof things we saw tonight and don’trecognize them for what they are (wewill look more closely in the future)

l Teaching potentiall The possibility of a public exhibitl The potential for a great place for

school field trips to study geologythat is close by and free besidesGarden of the Gods

l Understanding the future possibilitiesfor Red Rock Canyon

Paleontologyl Paleontology—Sharon’s pictures make

me and my wife want to go therenow!

l The paleontology l The evidence of ancient life availablel Paleontologyl The paleontological aspect was very

fascinating; all the samples withfossils were great

l The paleontology l The presentation on paleontology

really opened my eyesl Evidence of paleontology in parkl The presentation on paleontology

really opened my eyesl The paleontological finds of Sharon

Milito and Michael Poltenovage. Thedilemma here is how to tell the storyand still protect the resource

l The dinosaursl All the marine creaturesl Didn’t know so many dinosaurs and

marine creatures lived herel Canon City dinosaurs

l Canon City “foot prints”l That dinosaurs were in Red Rock

Canyon and Colorado Springs. Wow!l Dinos done lived here. If we lived

here plenty of million years ago, wewould all be eaten anyway

l Clamsl The existence of so many paleo-prints

in the rocks in the Parkl The giant clamsl The numerous fossils found in Red

Rock Canyonl Fossils foundl Fossil record that is being discoveredl The amount of fossils available for

viewingl Six-foot clams protecting fish and

hosting oystersl Identifying the fossilsl Fossils available here at Red Rockl Fossil findsl Finding fossils!l Fossils! I will look for them and be

more aware of other interestingformations

l The slides and fossil examplesl That there are fossils in real rockl Fossils at Red Rock Canyonl Fossilsl To know there were so many fossilsl Fossilsl The large area of fossilsl The fossilsl Evidence of fossils in the parkl The fossils and information were

fascinatingl Fossils l Presence of fossils l Fossil timelinesl The fossils in the parkl Fossils

Otherl Photos of the areal Progress to being an open and

protected parkl Ongoing researchl Actually nothing newl Number of folks interested in our

new parkl How deeply involved our local

talented people arel Very interesting. Hope to walk in Red

Rock tomorrow. Excellent discussionl Everything!




Archeologyl That no subsurface investigations

have been conducted yet—there ismuch yet to learn

l The number and quality ofarcheological excavations in the PikesPeak area

l Carbon dating in Garden of the Godsl Existence of hearths and rock out in

the area

American Indian Historyl Different tribes in the areal Indian forts on hogbackl The many Indian tribes of the regionl Where the different tribes were and

are located now; how the tribes weresplit

l Ute connected linguistically toAnasazi

l Anasazi connected to Toltecl Sixteen million bison; 1,640 horses

were taken by Utel Shisoni came from Utel The nomadic quality of the earliest

Indians. The variety of “tribes” whorelated to our area and the reasonsfor their shifting territories. Theincredible shrinking Indian lands

l Indian lore—Ute creation storyl Indian origins and migrations of

different tribesl The spirituality of the native peoples

as related to the red rocks—“motherearth”

l I liked the history of the NativeAmerican people

l That both Red Rock and Garden ofthe Gods are considered as one placeto Utes, et.al.

l What impressed me the most(“excited” is the wrong word) is howvery little we actually know—or arelikely to know—about the details ofthat presence of these peoples in RedRock Canyon

Otherl Overall historyl All excellentl It was all greatl All was very interesting





Biology/Ecologyl Definition of ecologyl That exotic and native plants will be

controlledl Inter-relationships between geology /

plants / animalsl Different species of plants were

interestingl Presentation on plants, flora and the

slides were great. Covered all areas.Don’s so knowledgeable

l Don Ellis’ slide show and talkl Plant informationl Keeping the Park ecologically sound

is the big goal

Interpretive programl Conversion of the Bock home into a

pavilion

Preservation and protectionl That there is a plan in place to make

sure the Canyon is well preserved

Wildlifel Local wildlife foundationl Learned that there is a wildlife

rehabilitator


I myself am quite

absorbed by the

delicate yellow,

delicate soft

green, delicate violet of

a ploughed and

weeded piece of soil.

– Vincent van Gogh



Date: July 12, 2007Subject: Wildlife and Biology

History and Mills/RailroadsYes – 18No – 0

Comments:l Everythingl General history of Utes and how they

interacted with Red Rock Canyonl Your scheduled programs seem to fill

my needsl I’ll be here in two weeksl Both parts of tonight’s presentationl Geologyl Definitelyl Your ongoing programs will be helpfull More photographic documentationl Am looking forward to lecture next

week

l History of Canyonl I would be willing to pay for an

interpretive program on this or othersubjects

l Why is the Canyon in the place it is?l The very early history of the valley as

far back as one can go with any kindof documentation photos

l Native American rock art andartifacts

l Interested in more petroglyphs orpictographs. Possible burial grounds

l I belong to the Red RockFoundation—well informed

l I will stop off at Pioneers Museum forviewing more early photos

l I’ll find it in the [Red Rock] Rag

Would you like to know more about this topic?(This question was only asked at the July 12 session)3I love to think of

nature as an

unlimited

broadcasting station,

through which God

speaks to us every

hour, if we will only

tune in.

– George Washington Carver



Date: July 12, 2007Subject: Wildlife and Biology

Interpretive signage on-site 33 mentionsComments: Signs with a clear cover that could be removed to add updatedinterpretive information

MP3 player 5 mentionsWeb-based text and images 26 mentionsCell phone 0 mentionsPrinted materials 31 mentions

How would you prefer to receive theinterpretive information?4

Otherl Similar to Stonehenge in England.

You can rent audio that is triggered byelectronics near the area you arelooking at

l Guided interpretive hikes on specifictopics

l Self-guided walks where you purchasethe booklet guide

l A compilation of all photographs andaccompanying narration in one book/ booklet would be great

l Printed materials for a small fee at thetrailheads with maps, guides for self-education. Return at the end forrecycling (similar to national parks inthe 1980s)

l Yes, I would be willing to pay forinformation, programs and hikes

l Printed material: for sale at the sitel Not surel I would like to know more about the

history of the Bock House!l I would be most interested in the

signage; however, if the use of MP3player and web text and images wouldencourage usage by young people, itwould be money well spent

l I am very interested in the geology /paleontology!

l Information / pictures presented inchronological order

l Thanks for working so hard on thisproject!

l I would pay money for interpretivewalks, talks, etc. They could be basedelsewhere and meet on-site. Schoolprograms could be run as well

l Would Friends consider fencing a

large area foruse with off-leash dogs?

l Like the ideaofinterpretiveguide beingavailable fora small fee.

l As a teacherof excitedlearnersfrom theRenaissanceAcademy, Iwould loveto be able totake themon field tripsof discovery,particularlyon thedinosaur /geologicelements.Hence,interpretivesignage andhard copies /maps wouldhelp toinsureinformationI gave was accurate. As a teacher, Ilike the idea of paying a small fee forinterpretive guided tours for schoolgroups – this would allow forincorporating ‘new’ information,controlling impact, offering accuracy



Date: July 26, 2007Subject: Geology and PaleontologyInterpretive signage 86 mentions

Comments:Need for hikers

Best for kidsMP3 player 11 mentionsWeb-based text and images 58 mentions

Comments:Absolutely!Good for teachers

Cell phone 3 mentionsPrinted materials 80 mentions

Comments: Shouldn’t this be a community education project?Chamber of Commerce, visitor center. Kiosks on-siteFor sale—yes


Otherl Sell vials of volcanic ash (Mt. St.

Helens does) to raise moneyl Use plexi-glass to protect fossilsl Have guided toursl You are on the right trackl Personalized, behind-the-scenes toursl Hikes where participants can see

fossils in the rocksl AM / FM short-range transmissions

not unlike highway informationl A program like this of the Garden of

the Gods would be goodl Need to have a way to preserve itemsl Guided walksl Series in the Gazette would be nicel As I walk through the Red Rocks

please make lots of simple signsshowing fossils and rock formations,not long explanations. Please don’ttake rocks from the Canyon and putthem in museums

l Need to see the dinosaur footprintsl Bluetoothed to pocket PCs, for

podcast audio / visuall Perhaps e-books, Blackberry filesl Small numbered signs—before (not

directly at) a site with a printed guideone buys or borrows at the VisitorCenter. Don’t put signs or othersignage precisely at a fragile site (fossilor dinosaur footprint) because itdraws vandalism. If before a bit

people will need to read and look—less apt to see damage

l Build interpretive exhibits in thePioneer Museum

l Interactive recreations of formationswith a museum or visitors center thatclearly connect Red Rock with eachformation

l Guided tours with experts—geologists, paleontologists, etc.

l Videos—like Izold’s presentation—improved!

l Computer / TV and 3-D show—as atGarden of the Gods Visitor Center

l Alliances with experts at UCCS, CC,PPCC, Denver Museum, etc.

l Field trips, etc.l Numbered signs on the ground keyed

to printed materiall Optional educational specific

material, for example a scavengerhunt, observation-based inquiry

l Better trail markers!l An east-west trail with the contacts

labeled, a trip through time. Howmany years to a step? (I know itvaries with deposition / erosion.Geologic time span is hard to grasp,however it is necessary in order tounderstand that the “solid earth” isnot so solid)

l Paved trails seem to prevent freelancedirt paths from happening. Mayhelp protect fossils (railings?)

The poetry of the

earth is never dead.

– John Keats


l Visitor Centerl Continued lecturesl Guided tours—docents? l Also might explore performing these

talks on an educational TV site, likethe local school district or even a PBSprogram

l Continued publicity of outreachprojects such as these lectures

l Pre-Cambrian in Section 16 shouldbe tied in

l Comprehensive bookl I have seen several articles on the

park but never knew where it wasuntil the last article. I didn’t know itwas so close

l Will there be a bird list?l A book would be nicel Pamphlet with self-guided walksl It would be most informative to have

a small center to house movies suchas the Garden of the Gods Centertheater. Markers with descriptions ofwhat to look for on your hike wouldbe beneficial to classes and anyoneinterested in knowing. Donatedmoney for benches along the trailevery one or two miles could bemade in memory of loved ones

l People, people, people. Please giveus live people to tell us the story inthe form of campfires, nature walksand presentations like these

l Guided (park) toursl A natural museum in the Springs

would be fantastic for the areal Interpretive walksl Way too much information for signsl How about a rock garden (quarry?)

destination for young children wherethey would have the opportunity tofeel and climb on rocksrepresentative of different types?This could be in a small park setting(rock benches for caretakers?). Ithink it would make the parkenjoyable and visible for the 2 – 5year-old range. Thanks

l MP3 could be downloadable from thewebsite

l Fascinating—loved the enthusiasmand correlations to Plate Tectonics

l Site maps and pictures on trailsl CD of park and findsl Not quite sure what is meant by

signage. I like talks, a person withknowledge, a place I can gather withothers, listen and ask questions. Ilearn best that way

l I would love to see detailedinterpretive signage at the Bockhouse site telling the geologic storyof RRC—much more actual detailthan you get at Garden of the Gods.This could include 2 and 3 of Vol. 3,No. 6 of the “Red Rock Rag”. Iwould also recommend signage alongthe trails (a la those in WaldoCanyon) identifying specific rockformations. To avoid setting off afossil hunt, the paleontology story isprobably going to have to be handledin more general terms

l Interpretive signage should be at thetrailhead and at the Bock house. Ithink signage along the trails wouldbe too intrusive and would take awayfrom the enjoyment of the naturalsurroundings



Date: August 16, 2007Subject: Archeology and American IndiansInterpretive signage 22 mentions

MP3 player 3 mentions

Web-based text and images 12 mentions

Cell phone 2 mentions

Printed materials 14 mentions


Otherl Guided walksl Anxious to read about recent history

of Red Rocks Canyonl Let the Indians build a medicine

wheel for all people in Red RockCanyon Open Space. The Garden ofthe Goddesses Club would like to doannual support and maintenance of atraditional medicine wheel. Pleasehave Native American Elders do asacred ceremony to activate the wheeland direct the building. Then theClub would take care of it. (If nativeElders don’t want to do it, we canguide the process)

l Please do these educational programsevery year

l Afraid that signage could bevandalized

l I suspect this part of the Red RockCanyon story is probably best told byan interpretive sign at a visitor center(or at the revamped Bock house) thatsimply tells a bit about these peoplesand the fact they lived in the region.This would probably be a sign prettymuch like the sign at the Garden ofthe Gods Visitor Center

l Map showing the geologic strata


Interpretive signage 14 mentions

MP3 player 2 mentions

Web-based text and images 11 mentions

Cell phone 0 mentions

Printed materials 11 mentions

The sun, with all

those planets

revolving around it

and dependent on it,

can still ripen a

bunch of grapes as if

it had nothing else in

the universe to do.

– Galileo


Interpretive MethodsSummary overview of Response Form Question #4: Howwould you prefer to receive the interpretive information?

History/Mills Geol./Paleo Arch./Am.In. Wldlf./Biol. Total

On-site signage 33 86 22 14 155

Printed materials 31 80 14 11 136

Web-based text 26 58 12 11 107and images

MP3 player 5 11 3 2 21

Cell phone - 3 2 - 5

Other methods mentioned:Personal interaction: 19l Guided interpretive hikes on specific

topicsl I would pay money for interpretive

walks, talks, etc. They could be basedelsewhere and meet on-site. School programs could berun as well

l As a teacher of excited learners fromthe Renaissance Academy, I wouldlove to be able to take them on fieldtrips of discovery, particularly on thedinosaur / geologic elements. Hence,interpretive signage and hard copies /maps would help to ensureinformation I gave was accurate. As ateacher, I like the idea of paying asmall fee for interpretive guided toursfor school groups – this would allowfor incorporating ‘new’ information,controlling impact, offering accuracy

l Like the idea of interpretive guidebeing available for a small fee

l Have guided toursl Personalized, behind-the-scenes toursl Hikes where participants can see

fossils in the rocksl Guided walksl Guided tours with experts –

geologists, paleontologists, etc.l Alliances with experts – geologists,

paleontologists, etc.l Field trips, etc.l Continued lecturesl Guided tours – docents?l People, people, people. Please give us

live people to tell us the story in theform of campfires, nature walks andpresentations like these

l Guided (park) toursl Interpretive walksl Not quite sure what is meant by

signage. I like talks, a person withknowledge, a place I can gather withothers, listen and ask questions. Ilearn best that way

l Guided walksl Please do these educational programs

every year

Technology: 10l Similar to Stonehenge in England.

You can rent audio that is triggeredby electronics near the area you arelooking at

l AM / FM short-range transmissionsnot unlike highway information

l Bluetoothed to pocket PCs, forpodcast audio / visual

l Perhaps e-books, Blackberry filesl Videos – like Izold’s presentation –

improved!l Computer / TV and 3-D show – as at

Garden of the Gods Visitor Centerl MP3 could be downloadable from the

websitel CD of park and findsl It would be neat to have an Internet

walk-through of certain features withpictures and explanation of thegeology and other history

l Also might explore performing thesetalks on an educational TV site, likethe local school district or even a PBSprogram



Date: July 12, 2007Subject: History and Mills / Railroads

l Sometimes in the back it was a little difficult to hear!l Please provide future speakers with a microphonel Note: J. McFarland’s presentation: had little to do with Red Rock Canyon; too

slow; should use light pointer

Anything else? / Additional comments5


l Thanks for the program!l Very interesting—thank you!l You are on the right track—keep up

the good work!l Thank you. This was very interesting!

I truly enjoyed it!l Great turnout for a great presentationl Could the dinosaur tracks be encased

somehow so they could be shown tothe public (and still be protected)?

l Stronger enforcement of Canyonrules, i.e. dog droppings

l Sounds great with your dreams andwork

l Love it !!!!!l It would be neat to have an Internet

walk through of certain features withpictures and explanation of thegeology and other history

l Great informationl Wonderful presentation! Good job! I

am really excited that volunteers aretaking the park beyond a set of trails

l PBS or local television educationalprograms about Red Rock Canyon

l I was disappointed with thepaleontology. As a geology andpaleontology professor I am shockedthat such an important paleontologystudy is being conducted by amateurs

l Because of the number of peopleattending tonight and the interest,perhaps another venue would better—Centennial Hall?

l In a recreation area it could be a greatchallenge to preserve fossils, with sucha variety of activity. Foxborough StatePark serves as a good model bylimiting—even prohibiting activities.Hope you can find a balance

l Thanks for the presentationsl I think this find is a great added

attraction for touristsl I hope that interpretive information

will not conflict with the opportunityto enjoy hiking and the sheer beautyand pleasure of the open space

l I have not been to the park but wouldlike to when it gets cooler. Are theresigns to mark the trails or is it left toyour imagination?

l Don’t do reservations for nextmeetings. Either first-come-first-served or change the venue toCentennial Hall

l Thank you!l Good presentation!l So much information, so little timel These are great seminars—thank youl Keep up the excellent workl Thanks for information session—look

forward to rest of seriesl How about a larger auditorium for

future programs? Why leave anyoneout?

l I got crabs from this lecture! I gotcramps sitting in this chair. Have youever tried sitting in one of these for 55minutes straight? Thank you forreading this (or trying to read this).It’s been fun!

l Provide better seating and largerpresentation screen so those sitting /standing in rear can read the slides

l Very interesting!l Would like to learn more on these

subjectsl Red Rock Canyon is a wonderful park.

I am glad it has been acquired andmade available to us. I hope it canremain much as it is without a lot ofdevelopment for various activities.Please keep it a place to just visitnature. The way it is is precious.Creating activities would be a mistake





l More programs, pleasel Very good presentationsl Please have someone focus the slide

projectorl Thanks for doing these open housesl Have write-up of more Native

American mythsl Are all voices REALLY considered

equally as stated in the project

principles? I hope the City “walks itstalk”

l Very interesting!l Do the Red Rock Canyon Dig—

sharing results with the communityalong the way!

l Respect for the earth as NativeAmericans did





l Have the Audubon Society do a censusof all the birds in Red Rock CanyonOpen Space. Do it in the spring

l Keep up the good work!l The first part of the program did not

seem to relate at all to Red RockCanyon—it was more about the WildForever Foundation (greatorganization) but the talk was boring

l It would have been nice to knowmore about the wildlife in Red RockCanyon, not necessarily about WFFneeds

l Thank youl Distribute your information /

literature also in Bear Creek andFountain Park

General comments from one participant about the series as a whole

What did you hear that you believe is most important for Red Rock Canyon visitors to know?

From the presentations we have learned a great deal about Red Rock Canyon and havefound it to be a special area for further educational field study in: history; geology; andarcheology

What did you learn that excited you the most?A. The use humans made of the area historically. Loved the old photographsB. Easy access to early layers of rock formations with evidence of life and climate long

agoC. How lucky we are that mining and landfill activities did not destroy everything. Field

study will no doubt reveal more interesting and valuable information about the PikesPeak Region

How would you prefer to receive the interpretive information?l Interpretive signage is necessary so others can be made awarel Web-based text and images—optional l No MP3 playerl No cell phonel Printed materials available for sale through the City or local bookstores—possible

OtherTrails should be laid out to be least intrusive and on contours easily maintained withprotection of geological and archeological features being given the greatest priorities. Acentral display of signage is necessary to inform visitors of the value of preserving thearea (in site) for future generations. Human activities permitted should not be inconflict with the area’s importance for field study

When one tugs at a

single thing in

nature; he finds it

attached to the rest

of the world.

– John Muir


Notes from Full Group DiscussionRed Rock Canyon Educational Series

Date: September 13, 2007

Where is the best balancebetween illuminating points ofinterest and risking theirdestruction?

l It’s something that matters; provideup-close shots on a computer sopeople won’t know where valuablethings are located

l Any printed materials should refer tothe website to see up-close shots ofthings

Some people have expressedinterest in having interpretivesigns only at trailheads so theydon’t intrude on the naturalsurroundings. Others havesaid they would like signagenear the points of interest.What do you think?

l We need both – signs at a centrallocation and at specific sites (forexample, where formations join)

l Older people won’t use high-techmedia so you need some signs

l Big displays are good but signage on ageological trail is also good. Thereshouldn’t be on-site signs forpaleontology information - don’tprovide “roadmaps”

l Where the signs are located dependson the story you’re telling

l The visitor center can set the tone andprovide general information

l Use unobtrusive numbers on signswith brochures at trailheads so youcan follow along

l Download information off the websitel The open air pavilion is a good place

for brochures. Keep it simple. I likethe idea of numbers keyed to sites.Using high-tech is good way to bringin youth but we have to remembersome people are not into that

l Pick your message first and then pickyour method, for example downloadhistorical information that’s too muchto provide on-site

l Allow people to buy brochures for 25cents or have them free of they’rebrought back – there’s a perceivedvalue


Small Group Responses by Topic Red Rock Canyon Educational Series

Date: September 13, 2007

Interpretive Topic: AmericanIndian historyPriority subjectsl Preserve all American Indian artifacts,

e.g. pits, petroglyphs, ceremonial sites,wall used as forts

l History of Indian tribes, era they werehere; is it a place where differenttribes would meet?

Methodsl Put information about tribes on an

interpretive sign without knowledgeof exact location. Possibly sign couldbe located at Bock House

l All Indian artifacts to be displayedonly on Internet with a story abouttheir history. Close-up pictures onlyso no one can figure out exactlocation of these artifacts

l Signage – geologic layers should havesigns next to layers but only a generalsign in a proper location, should beused for artifacts so their location willnot be known and disturbed

Interpretive Topic: Biology/WildlifePriority subjectsl Preserve all American Indian artifacts,

e.g. pits, petroglyphs, ceremonial sites,wall used as forts

l History of Indian tribes, era they werehere; is it a place where differenttribes would meet?

Methodsl Put information about tribes on an

interpretive sign without knowledgeof exact location. Possibly sign couldbe located at Bock House

l All Indian artifacts to be displayedonly on Internet with a story abouttheir history. Close-up pictures onlyso no one can figure out exactlocation of these artifacts

l Signage – geologic layers should havesigns next to layers but only a generalsign in a proper location, should beused for artifacts so their location willnot be known and disturbed

Interpretive Topic: GeologyPriority subjectsl Timelinel Origin / sourcel Identification of rock formationsl Geological mapl Interaction: geology and human use—

where did the rock go?Methodsl Signage – overview and site-specificl Printed materiall Web and electronics

Interpretive Topic: HistoryPriority subjectsl Use of the land - story of people

- American Indians- Ownership history

LandfillCommercial plans

- Politics / citizenship


- Future citizen involvement, Friends of Red Rock Canyon

- Quarries – where operated andwhere rocks were used; howquarrying was done (science andtechnology engineering)

- Railroads to and in Canyon- Trail history

l Blend personal (make connection topeople) and fact

Methodsl Pamphlets

- Overview (teaser) and trails- Topical, such as plants, American

Indians- Twenty-five cents, recycle or buy

l Web – visual focus- Overall history- Significant events- Flash “movie” like CNN events

l Booklet- Numbering system

l iPodl Garden of the Gods Visitor Center

- May be pick-up point?- Part of same story

Interpretive Topic: PaleontologyPriority subjectsl Pictures on web only; leave for

professionalsl Dinosaurs; kid focus—“This type of

dinosaur lived in the same place asme.” Link with Woodland ParkDinosaur

Methodsl Pamphletsl Tie into Garden of the Gods film –

how much related and modified?l Guided special tours with event fee

run by Friends of Red Rock Canyonl Display at Bock House

Interpretive Topic: Preservationand protection of Red RockCanyonPriority subjectsl Teach respect for open spacel Consequences of dogs off-leashl How to protect the naturalness – to

keep it in a natural statel How to keep it like it is

Methodsl Information for teachers to give to

studentsl Signage at a minimum; not invasive

signagel Rotating exhibit in open-air pavilion

explaining in detail:- Why not to create social trails- Why keep dogs on leash- Why not pick flowers; take

photos instead- Why not leave trash- Explain flora and fauna- Chart showing where to find

certain plants and animals /wildlife

- Suggestion box – what toimprove

l Keep methods simplel Staff member on-site



Red Rock Canyon Open SpaceRed Rock Canyon Open Space

Implementation


Red Rock Canyon Interpretation

Statements of Significance The following statements capture the essence of Red Rock Canyon Open

Space. They identify what is special about the area and why it is preserved forpublic use. These statements relate to the core interpretive concept for theopen space as a natural and cultural crossroads that illustrates theinterdependency between geology, paleontology, nature, and human history.

u 300 million years of geologichistory are exposed in Red RockCanyon Open Space, representinggeologic processes such assedimentation, uplifting, faulting,erosion and fossilization.Paleontological finds demonstrateextensive representations of plants,sea creatures and animalsthroughout ancestral times.

u The area is a north-south, east-westand altitudinal crossroads for floraand fauna. The resultant blendingof ecosystems represents a varietyof plants and wildlife throughoutthe open space. It serves as animportant corridor between theurban wild land interface ofColorado Springs and theuntrammeled wild lands on theeastern flanks of Pikes Peak.

u The presence of water in the openspace provides habitat for wildlifenot found in more arid foothillsenvironments.

u Red Rock Canyon is adjacent to USForest Service property that greatlyextends the biodiversity well beyondits boundaries.

u As a part of the extended landscapeof Garden of the Gods Park to thenorth, Red Rock Canyon containsrepresentations of humanoccupation from mid to late Archaicuse by American Indians. Thisoccupation occurred over anextensive period of time from pre-European contact to post-contactand included the Ute and a host ofplains nations such as the Apache,Kiowa, Comanche, Lakota,Cheyenne and Arapaho.

u The close proximity of the openspace to the Ute Trail and Ute Passcorridor made it a popular meetingplace and staging ground forAmerican Indians and earlyAmerican explorers, trappers, goldseekers and settlers.

u After the founding of Colorado Cityand Colorado Springs, the areabecame an important resource forbuilding materials quarried from therock formations.

u Red Rock Canyon Open Spaceprovides easy public access for awide variety of recreational usessuch as hiking, bicycling, horsebackriding and picnicking.



Interpretive GoalsRed Rock Canyon Open Space is most widely used by local residents and,

unlike Garden of the Gods, is not used as heavily by tourists. Communitymembers use the site for a wide variety of recreational purposes and makeregular return visits. This presents unique opportunities and challenges forinterpretation. The intent of this plan is to encourage ongoing research into thenatural and cultural history of the site and to utilize this research to provide agreater depth of interpretation using both traditional and none traditionalmethods. The goal is to reward repeat visitors with new and compellinginformation about the open space and to inspire an enthusiasm to learn more.

u Interpretative information andmethods will balance thesometimes competing need foreducation and preservation, andwill seek to impart a greaterunderstanding and respect for theresource.

u Interpretative methods shouldcomplement the setting and notinterfere with the naturalexperience.

u Information presented on-siteshould be easily updated, eitherseasonally or by theme.

u Basic information regardingorientation, wayfinding and rulesand regulations should be clearlydefined.

u All types of recreational activities inthe open space should be clearlyidentified as to where they may beenjoyed.

u On-site interpretation shouldinclude information about where tolearn more.

Multiple Levels ofInterpretation

A variety of message delivery methodsare available for the diverse needs ofcurrent and future park visitors. They willbe addressed in both on and off-sitecategories.

On-site opportunities involvetraditional methods like interpretivepanels and guided hikes. Off-siteinformation may include web sitedownloads, Podcasts and print materialsavailable at public distribution points.


INTERPRETIVE LEVEL A - kiosks at parking lot andtrailhead locations:

North Trailhead (Hwy 24) 3 sign stanchions, 6 panelsAt this main portal to the park, the trailhead kiosk should address:

1. Map, rules, regulations and safety. 2. The concept of interdependency or a crossroads of geology, flora &

fauna, paleontology and human use.3. Overview of the history of the land and how it became a park.

Timeline format.

East Trailhead (31st St.) 2 sign stanchions, 4 panels Somewhat smaller than the North Trailhead, this kiosk should address:

1. Map, rules, regulations and safety. 2. The human use of the area and how it has shaped the land.

Southeast Trailhead (26th St) 1 sign stanchion, 2 panelsThis kiosk should address:

1. Map, rules, regulations and safety. 2. Crossroads concept.

On-SiteThe goal of on-site interpretation is to provide interesting information about thesite while ensuring resource protection and keeping the site as natural aspossible. The master planning process indicated a strong interest among thepublic in guided hikes and tours. These programs may be developed in thefuture depending on partnerships and funding; however, the current focus willbe on creating interpretive text panels. These on-site interpretive methodsshould enhance the visitor’s experience, and they are best implemented at twolevels and styles of signage.


Geology (multiple-panel grouping):

l Pages in Time - rock formations of the park

l Ancestral Rockies

l Inland sea

l More from Dr. Paul Groger’s study

Paleontology (multiple-panel grouping):

l Fossil detectives - how we know what was here

l How quarreys have exposed more information

l More from the Milito/ Poltenovage study.

Ancient Water

l Ripple marks on the rocks

l The inland sea of long ago

Plant Communities Todayl Plant life that clings to rock

l Unusual species in the park

l Trees: cottonwoods, twisted juniper, etc.

l Human use and plants

l Microclimates

l More from Dr. Tass Kelso’s report.

Ancient Plants l Plant fossils that provide clues

l Animal species that fed on ancient plants

Water Today - H2O in a Dry Climate:

l How did this water get here?

l The pond’s influence on species visiting the park


INTERPRETIVE LEVEL B - Low-profile interpretive signsthat are designed to be easily updated:This type of interpretive sign is intended to communicate to park users interestedin learning more about the area while enjoying their outdoor experience. One ormore signs will be placed at particular points of interest and explain the morestunning natural and man-made features. Each of these signs will touch on thefour crossroads elements at different levels as dictated by their location. Signlocations will be carefully selected to impart detailed information about nearbyfeatures, but they will also be worded generally enough to protect those featureswhile still protecting the natural resources and features of the area.

Each sign will touch on one major topic, a secondary related topic and a Fun Fact.Interpretive subjects may include:

On-Site

Wildlife

l Mule deer and other species feeding on shrubs inthe park relationship, including access to water

l Natural corridor through section 16 from PikeNational Forest into the park, predators follow

l Food chain and the habitat provided in the park

l Interesting species and survival

l Animals that live in and on the rocks

Birds (multiple-panel grouping):

l Summer residents and migratory patterns

l Winter residents and migratory patterns

l Mexican Spotted Owl

l Canada Geese

l Hummingbirds

l Water species

l Bird habitat on the rocks

l Birds of Prey

l Birdwatching

The Bock House - Human Activitiy in the Park, Then and Now(multiple-panels):

l Early residents - evidence of occupation

l Ute Indians

l Explorers, homesteaders and white man culture

l The gold rush and mills in the area

l Quarrying - how they did it

l Quarrys and the use of the stone removed

l Bock and other residents history

l Recreation today



For more information...In addition to traditional on-site interpretation the master planning processindicated a strong interest in other, less traditional educational methods. TheParks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department may explore the followinginterpretive methods using current and emerging technology. These may alsoprovide opportunity for revenue generation, sponsorships, advertising or otherfunding methods.

Web Site Info and Downloadsl Web stationary information with photos, graphics and illustrations

l Downloadable MS Word .doc or .pdf formatted information

l PodCast narrated information

Printed Informationl Red Rock Canyon Booklet: 4” x 9” multiple-page booklet that can be taken to the park or reviewed off-site

Off-Site

Documents

Red Rock Canyon Open Space - Colorado Springs, Colorado · 2/14/2008 · Red Rock Canyon Open Space consists of 789 acres of land located on the western edge of Colorado Springs