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September 2020

Virtual Poudre Pour Happy Hour – Sept. 25

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The Poudre Heritage Alliance (PHA) is hosting a virtual Poudre Pour Happy Hour – an educational celebration of the Cache la Poudre River – on Friday, September 25, 2020 from 4:00-6:00PM. The event will feature live stream music from Blues musician Grace Kuch, “Meet the Brewer” breakout rooms hosted by Horse & Dragon, Purpose Brewing, Timnath Beerwerks and Odell Brewing Co., infused appetizers to-go from Z Catering, a silent auction supporting PHA programs, guest speakers, giveaways, and more! Event information and FREE tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-poudre-pour-happy-hour-tickets-117676819535

Water from the Poudre River has nourished our region for centuries. Today, the Poudre and other rivers in the West are under exceptional stress due to growing populations, drought, and other demands on our water supplies. The Poudre Heritage Alliance raises awareness about water issues and connects people to their water heritage through a variety of year-round programs and events such as the Poudre Pour.

“We care deeply about the Poudre River. I grew up playing in and on it, and only in adulthood came to realize how much we and downstream neighbors rely on its abundance and health,” Said Carol Cochran, owner of Horse & Dragon Brewing Company. “For our product, delicious craft beer, a healthy watershed is vital.  For all of us in our community, this beautiful river is at the root of what drew us here and is the thread that connects us all.”

All proceeds from the virtual happy hour event will benefit the Poudre Heritage Alliance, the 501(c)3 managing nonprofit of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. The Poudre Heritage Alliance works to PROMOTE a variety of historical and cultural opportunities, ENGAGE people in their river corridor and INSPIRE learning, preservation, and stewardship. To view the silent auction and place your bids visit: https://www.32auctions.com/poudrehappyhour2020 

The PHA’s 3rd Annual Poudre Pour was scheduled for March 28, 2020 but, due to COVID-19, had to be cancelled. The PHA staff and board hope to continue the momentum around the in-person Poudre Pour event with this virtual happy hour, bringing together community members from around Northern Colorado to celebrate our shared Poudre River heritage. The next in-person Poudre Pour is scheduled for Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Boardwalk Park in Windsor, CO.

Celebrate Success: National Heritage Area’s 2019 Impact Numbers

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Photo: The Cumbres & Toltec zooms along the tracks in the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area in southern Colorado, one of 55 National Heritage Areas in the United States.

 

From the National Park Service – National Heritage Area’s blog:

National Heritage Areas are a grassroots, community-driven approach to heritage conservation and economic development. Through public-private partnerships, NHA entities support historic preservation, natural resource conservation, recreation, heritage tourism, and educational projects.

Check-out the NHA 2019 impact numbers:

In 2019, NHAs:

  • Leveraged $84.5 million in cash and in-kind support to carry out heritage projects and programs, greatly increasing the impact of the $19.3 million in federal Heritage Partnership Program funding received.
  • Engaged 2,674 formal partners and 5,286 informal partners in heritage area activities.
  • Benefited from 36,289 volunteers contributing over 475,511 hours for heritage area projects – a $12.3 million-dollar value.

Preserving our Heritage. Across the country, National Heritage Areas and their partners are reviving historic downtowns, preserving battlefields and industrial sites, and sharing our nation’s history through the arts. In 2019:

  • 214 historic sites and 13,840 acres of cultural landscapes preserved and maintained, including battlefields. •
  • 104 community development projects were carried-out, including streetscape improvement and art projects. •
  • 55 collections projects undertaken, including the conservation of artifacts and creation of oral histories.
  • 82 historic preservation grants awarded totaling $904,294.

Recreation and Conservation. Through recreational projects such as land and water trails, National Heritage Areas are improving connectivity and accessibility, creating more vibrant and healthy communities. In 2019:

  • 154 recreation projects undertaken.
  • 567 miles of trails maintained and 95 new miles of trails developed.
  • 72 recreation grants awarded totaling $1.2 million.

Conservation activities led by National Heritage Area entities and their partners improve air and water quality and support healthy ecosystems. In 2019:

  • 12,858 acres of land restored and maintained via invasive species removal, replanting and toxic site clean-ups.
  • 54 conservation grants awarded totaling $601,078.

Educating Current and Future Leaders. Through programs such as Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area’s National History Academy. National Heritage Areas and their partners are providing meaningful and inspirational connections to our nation’s heritage and exploring the qualities and skills of leadership. In 2019:

  • Capacity-building assistance provided to 1,162 organizations.
  • 302 educational programs were offered.
  • 2,700 grants to support educational programs were awarded totaling $2.1 million.

To learn more about National Heritage Areas please visit: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/heritageareas/index.htm

Intern Spotlight: Bekah Schields

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We are excited to welcome Rebekah “Bekah” Schields to our staff as a Programs Intern! Bekah comes to us through the Stewards Program run by Conservation Legacy, which “provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources.”  Bekah will be working on several programs and projects with PHA, including the Heritage Culturalist Volunteers program, Water Legacy oral history project and the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area Strategic Interpretive Plan.

Bekah is passionate about bringing history to the public in a variety of ways. She has worked in heritage and archaeology education for the past five years. She recently graduated from Colorado State University with an M.A. in History and she also holds a B.S. in Anthropology from Montana State University. When she is not researching or reading, Bekah can be found enjoying a local beer, playing board games, or working on an embroidery project.