July 2020 High Fire Danger! Please Celebrate Safely. High temperatures and low relative humidity, combined with sustained winds are a recipe for disaster when it comes to fire danger. Jeffco Open Space parks are always under fire restrictions, meaning no open flames, campfires, smoking, or grills are permitted in the parks. Only gas grills with an on/off switch are allowed. Unincorporated Jefferson County is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions as implemented by Jeffco Sheriff's Office. This means that fireworks are not permitted fireworks are not permitted on any Open Space property and violations are strictly enforced with a minimum fine of $300. Jeffco Sheriff's Office will close Lookout Mountain on 7/3 and 7/4 from 4 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. each day. Only residents will be allowed vehicle access during this closure. Deputies will contact people parked along the road to let them know it is closing. Please respect closures and make alternate plans. Remember, even during Fourth of July celebrations, do not congregate in groups larger than 10 and maintain social distancing while enjoying your time outdoors. Have a fun and safe Fourth of July weekend! Prevent Heatstroke in Dogs! Prevent Heatstroke in Dogs! Every year our Park Rangers rescue dogs in heat distress. If you are recreating with your dog this summer, please keep them cool and hydrated. Remember that trails and rocks are hot on their paws and they can't sweat like humans. Give them plenty of shade and consider leaving them home as temperatures soar. To report dogs in distress call 911 or Animal Control at 303.271.5070. How to recreate responsibly with your dog Park Safely, Park Legally Park Safely, Park Legally Jeffco Open Space parks continue to experience record high visitation. For a safe and legal parking experience: Arrive early (before 8 AM) or late (after 6 PM); avoid arriving in the middle of the day. If the lot is full, move on. Limit group sizes from separate households to 10 or less. For larger groups, carpool. If parking on the roadway shoulder, be sure your entire vehicle is outside the white line. Do not block driveways, intersection site lines, or gates. Temporary Closures for Park Temporary Closures for Park Capacity Capacity Expect temporary closures to occur at any Jeffco Open Space Park, especially on busy weekends and holidays. Rangers will close parks when parking is at capacity, parking has spilled out onto the roads and neighborhoods, or illegal and unsafe parking is occurring. During a temporary closure, there will be no admittance by vehicle, foot, or bike and entry will be prohibited indefinitely. There is no guarantee of entry into a park. Visitors should plan accordingly. Living in Coyote Country Living in Coyote Country Visitor Services Manager Mary Ann Bonnell was recently featured on National Geographic's Overheard Podcast . Listen to discover what she's learned over her years of work with coyotes on the Front Range. South Table Mountain Park South Table Mountain Park Update Update Trail building efforts continue at South Table Mountain Park with significant progress on Olivine Trail towards the Golden Summit Trail on The City of Golden property. Learn all about the work happening at South Table Mountain Park. Jeffco Trails Plan Public Comment Jeffco Trails Plan Public Comment Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) has completed a draft of the county-wide Jeffco Trails Plan envisioning a healthier, engaged community connected by trails. This draft is a result of a collaborative effort among JCOS, local, state and federal agencies, park and recreation districts, and non-profit partners to identify trail opportunities and implementation strategies that increase safety, access, and connectivity of Jeffco residents to outdoor recreation opportunities. Please review the Draft Jeffco Trails Plan and the Draft Jeffco Trails Plan Implementation Resources documents. Public comments associated with the draft plan can be sent to [email protected] between July 1 - July 30. Education Resources for Kids This summer is going to be a little bit different. These resources from JCOS and partners will help kids have a summer full of exploration and adventure! ENOR Online Summer Camps: This environmental camp for 3rd-6th graders is being offered virtually for free. Explore nature from home! Jeffco Open Space Learning from Home: JCOS has developed a wide array of nature printouts, games, and more! Summer Reading with Jeffco Public Library: Can you find any books about animals or nature to read? Hiwan Museum Junior Historian: Head to Hiwan Heritage Park with this print-out workbook to become a certified Junior Historian. Ecosystem Investigations Video Lessons: Discover all parts of an ecosystem through these video lessons from JCOS educators. Generation Wild's 100 Things to Do Before You're 12 : How many can you do this summer? Clear Creek Canyon Park - Gateway Segment Construction Update Progress continues on the newest trail segment in Clear Creek Canyon Park. Learn more about this exciting new trail segment! Have you taken any great photos in Jeffco Open Space parks recently? Send them to us at [email protected] or on social media, and you could be featured in next month's Panorama!