Learn about the comprehensive vision for future investments and stewardship, with a focus on downtown Colorado Springs. We’ll hear from Chris Lieber, COO for Pikes Peak Waterways, Principal at N.E.S. Inc. and Chair of the Downtown Development Authority. He is joined by former city councilor Jan Martin, cofounder and board member for Pikes Peak Waterways.

The COS Creek Plan establishes a comprehensive vision for the future investments and stewardship of the Fountain Creek Watershed with a specific focus on segments of the Monument and Fountain creeks adjacent to Downtown Colorado Springs. The COS Creek Plan establishes an implementable vision, which respects our communities’ values, responds to infrastructure needs, and leverages opportunities. Implementation of the Plan is being pursued through a unique partnership between Pikes Peak Waterways (non-profit), the City of Colorado Springs (Stormwater Enterprise), and Colorado Springs Utilities. It is intended to create excitement, foster collaboration, and identify public and private partnership opportunities.

Pikes Peak Waterways is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded on the premise that visionary planning, research, and action is vital to making our region’s waterways sustainable and enjoyable for generations to come. Pikes Peak Waterways serves as a catalyst for change and is turning Fountain and Monument Creek’s challenges into opportunities: opportunities for restoration, opportunities for preservation, opportunities for recreation, and opportunities for community and economic development.

Chris Lieber is leading efforts to implement the COS Creek Plan and supporting the non-profit work of Pikes Peak Waterways. For nearly two decades Chris managed the Colorado Springs Parks, Trails and Open Space (TOPS) Program.

LINKS:

Presenters’ Slides

https://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/COS-Creek-Plan-SIP.pdf

Pikes Peak Waterways

https://Ppwaterways.org

This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on January 15, 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:

February 19, 2025, 12 Noon

Topic: Connecting Colorado with the Outdoors - Great Outdoors Colorado and Generation Wild

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3NQwgJHAScGcXFVygi4bow

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 mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at

Chelsea and Melissa at 350 Colorado discuss hope and art, in addition to specifics on exciting events in CO Springs coming up in 2025. This episode is a must listen!

Also discussed:

• COP29
• Climate Lobby Day – Friday, March 7

350 Colorado is the largest Colorado-based grassroots network focused on taking action to stop climate change. It’s an independent state affiliate of 350.org, the well-known global organization. Learn more at http://350colorado.org/, or email Melissa @ melissa@350colorado.org, and Chelsea @ chelsea@350colorado.org

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:

There is a divide among sustainability advocates concerning urban development. At a glance, it may seem that halting all development would be beneficial. However, John Olson urges us to look beyond the surface and consider the implications of how we develop our cities, as well as the potential consequences of stopping development altogether.

He believes we need to shift the status quo mindset of development. Rapid urbanization, suburban sprawl, and the degradation of natural resources have strained infrastructure, exacerbated social inequalities, and threatened environmental sustainability. New urban planning approaches foster deeper human connections, mitigate climate change, and build communities that are resilient, equitable, and prosperous for future generations.

John’s passion and dedication is creating inspiring places that foster deeper connections with each other and our natural environment. With over two decades of experience integrating smart growth principles across various project types, his strength is creating innovative and sustainable solutions, engaging a wide variety of stakeholders, and leading projects from vision to implementation and beyond.

John earned his Landscape Architecture degree from Kansas State University. He has a passion and vested interest in projects that enrich the Colorado Springs area in which he and his wife of over twenty years have lived and raised their family of five.

His commitment extends to serving on multiple boards. Recognized for his impact, he currently serves as Chair of the Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority and Co-Chair of ULI Southern Colorado. He helped found the Colorado Chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism, and Colorado Springs Urban Intervention. He is an Accredited New Urbanist, Registered Landscape Architect, and LEED Accredited Professional.

LINKS:

Video of this Presentation https://youtu.be/Wai4GHPGKGA

Presenter's Slides https://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Olson-Sustainable-Development-Nov-2024.pdf

Urban Landscapes https://urbanlandscapes.design/

Loving the Springs podcast https://studio809podcasts.com/category/loving-the-springs/

This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on November 20, 2024. 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:

January 15, 2025, 12 Noon Topic: TBA Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpduuopzMuHdf7Nk4vUgzyYVjJ69f1d402

Thanks to these Peak Environment sponsors:

Pikes Peak Permaculture Visit https://pikespeakpermaculture.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and...

Learn how local arts nonprofit Concrete Couch has turned a concrete dump into a community asset – a park and learning center. Caitlin Hannigan and Jorge Estevez also share how Concrete Couch has contributed to increasing interest and engagement in the arts and sustainability in Colorado Springs. Concrete Couch is a nonprofit that works with kids and community groups to create public art, build community, and create environments and experiences that humanize our world.

Speakers:

Caitlin Hannigan is the Education Director at Concrete Couch. She was raised in Colorado Springs and worked as a teacher in China before working at Concrete Couch. Over the last 4-years she has worked with Concrete Couch to help make Concrete Coyote into a 7-acre community park and helped design and develop educational programming for community members.

Dr. Jorge Estevez is an instructor with Concrete Couch. He has a doctorate in physics. He is passionate about trees, biking and the Colorado Springs community. With his work at Concrete Couch, he has helped plant over 50 native trees and plants and build over 2 miles of hiking and biking trails.

This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on October 16, 2024. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free), normally the third Wednesday of every month. The next event is:

November 13, 2024 John Olson of Urban Landscapes LLC Register here to receive Zoom link

LINKS:

Presenters' Slides

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future

Concrete Couch

Thanks to these Peak Environment sponsors:

Pikes Peak Permaculture Visit https://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 https://www.oldtownbikeshop.com/

The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at https://peakallianceco.org/.

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/

Discover how the symbiotic relationship between our environment and our economic development can lead to a more sustainable future with national speaker and Colorado author, John Giordanengo. John has spent the last three decades in the trenches of conservation, restoration ecology, non-profit development, and small-business ownership. That work, coupled with investigative research from across the globe, led to his recent book, Ecosystems as Models for Restoring Our Economies, which was a finalist in the 2023 Colorado Book Awards. Drawing from his systemic experiences, Giordanengo will share insights on aligning environmental values with critical economic and social goals, bridging the gap between the inherent values of our environmental and economic systems in the Pikes Peak Region.

John Giordanengo began building his career in ecological restoration throughout the Western U.S. While studying business in the late eighties, he became intrigued by a universal challenge: preserving earth's ecosystems while meeting humanity's economic needs. Giordanengo offers lecture series at universities and public venues across the U.S. and several other countries, and works with entrepreneurs, non-profits, and industry leaders to create sustainable solutions to complex challenges. He lives in Fort Collins, where he plays music, gardens, and strengthens his professional networks.

If you wish to see John’s slides, view this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/eCyc2VTp2ew

LINKS:

Book: Ecosystems as Models for Restoring Our Economies - By John H. Giordanengohttps://economicrestoration.org/book

Economic Restoration Serviceshttps://economicrestoration.org/

Contact John: John at EconomicRestoration.org

This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on September 18, 2024. 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:

Concrete Couch October 16, 2024, Noon to 1 p.m. Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpcu6pqzIoHt1Djz6KOns5dM1rjdNDXm4-

Thanks to these Peak Environment sponsors:

Pikes Peak Permaculture Visit https://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 https://www.oldtownbikeshop.com/

The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at https://peakallianceco.org/....

What is a permablitz? Ally Richardson invites fellow permaculturists Alexandra Malecki and Beth Carbone to discuss this engaging social permaculture event. We couldn’t contain our giggles! Together, we share our experiences with these community gatherings, which we believe truly enhance our ability to achieve the impossible. In alignment with Mayor Yemi’s initiative on 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings Initiative, a permablitz not only tackles seemingly impossible tasks but also addresses mental health issues and isolation, all while offering support and sunshine. Find more information about a permablitz here: https://www.permablitz.net/ Since the recording in August, Alex Malecki has joined the 1,000 Neighborhood Gathering Initiative! We’re now at 767 gatherings. We need 233 more, with just over two weeks to go! Have you hosted a gathering recently? Register yours here: https://coloradosprings.gov/1000Gatherings Mentioned in the episode: The mystery book that was referred to by Beth, given by Alex, is the SKIP book by Paul Wheaton and Mike Hasaal. Skip is short for Skills to inherit property. There are many people who have built wonderful permaculture systems on their land, but with no heirs. This program allows for an opportunity to prove you have the skills to take care of the land. For more information on the SKIP program, look here: https://wheaton-labs.com/skip/

To purchase a physical copy of the book, look here: https://permies.com/wiki/160690/physical-copy-SKIP-book Chip Drop was also mentioned. We love wood chips in permaculture. See more information here about getting your wood chips delivered: https://getchipdrop.com/

There is a free resource pile from the City Parks Department at 1601 Recreation Way in Colorado Springs.

Thanks to Old Town Bike Shop for sponsoring the Peak Environment podcast. Check them out at https://www.oldtownbikeshop.com/

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/

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:

Learn about the GRIT Program that offers training in a brief conversational intervention used to support effective coping for those in your natural social network. In these trying times, we could all benefit from free training in effective coping to build our collective grit. We get the details from Dr. Lauren Shaw, GRIT Program Manager at UCCS’ Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience. The program is intended to function as one element within more comprehensive planning to help individuals and communities to be as resilient as they can be in the wake of stress-related problems or disasters. In times of disaster, strengthening coping, spreading support, and providing resources can have a positive impact on healing and resilience for everyone.

Dr. Shaw is the GRIT Program Manager with the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience. She received her Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs in 2009, and her Psy.D. in Organizational Psychology, with a specialization in Health and Wellness, from the University of the Rockies in 2018. Her professional background includes teaching resilience, mindfulness-based training, and leadership development in military and organizational settings. Additionally, she holds certifications as a health coach and personal trainer from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

LINKS:

Presenter's Slides https://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GRIT-Presentation.pdf

GRIT Programhttps://grit.uccs.edu

Pikes Peak Rising 360https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/prevention-services/pikes-peak-rising-360/

Contact Maggie Youkhana for a Pikes Peak Rising 360 platform demo: maggieyoukhana@elpasoco.com

This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on August 21, 2024. 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:

Ecosystems as Models for Restoring our Economies (to a sustainable state)Wednesday, September 18, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAuc--vqj0uG9DCLX0N-3Bo4oyOLJu62nQa

Thanks to these Peak Environment sponsors:

Pikes Peak Permaculture Visit https://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 https://www.oldtownbikeshop.com/

The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's

Learn how 350 Colorado can help you become a climate activist, or have more fun and be more effective if you’re already an activist. Chelsea Alexander and Melissa Burrell share what 350 Colorado is and does, and then drill down to some activities and events coming up in Colorado Springs and Pueblo.

350 Colorado is the largest Colorado-based grassroots network focused on taking action to stop climate change. It’s an independent state affiliate of 350.org, the well-known global organization. After listening, you’ll understand why 350.org co-founder Bill McKibben said, “It’s hard to imagine a place more important to the climate fight than Colorado.”

In this episode:

Melissa BurrellDenver, Boulder, & CO Springs Team Coordinator, 350 Colorado

Chelsea AlexanderMovement Building & Volunteer Director, 350 Colorado

Dave Gardner, Peak Environment Host

Learn more and plug in at https://350colorado.org/

or find @350Colorado on social media

Join 350 Colorado, The Butterfly Pavilion, Rocky Mountain Bee Supply, Cronk Art, Rick's Garden Center, Pikes Peak Beekeepers Association, Heroes To Hives, and The Horticulture Society at:

Pollinating Climate ActionAugust 4, 2024 2 to 7 pmSoda Springs Park (at farmers market)Manitou Springs, COInfo & RSVP: https://secure.ngpvan.com/Yr2N45vPpUeOCLrrqK6oTA2

Contact Melissa for Colorado Springs specific questions or suggestionsmelissa@350colorado.org

Contact Chelsea, as wellchelsea@350colorado.org

Thanks to these Peak Environment underwriters:

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

Old Town Bike Shop https://www.oldtownbikeshop.com/

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/

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: