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Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area

Nov 02
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2019 Annual Report Now Available!

By News

As we look back retrospectively at 2019, we realize what a wonderful and fun year it was for the Poudre Heritage Alliance and the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area.

This annual report celebrates so many significant accomplishments – educational programming, fun events, leadership within the Heritage Area, volunteer power, critical funds raised, and more! Then, as we moved into 2020, everything changed for so many of us in ways completely unforeseen.

This leads us to further appreciate the uniqueness of that 2019 journey to promote, engage and inspire people with the Heritage Area.

With this report, celebrate with us the achievements of 2019 that demonstrated the Poudre Heritage Alliance commitment to bringing our river legacy to life!

– Kathleen Benedict, Executive Director

 

Read the 2019 Annual Report

Oct 20
Love2

New Program: Study Outdoors, Learn Outdoors (SOLO) Field Trips

By News

The PHA’s new “Study Outdoors, Learn Outdoors” (SOLO) field trips provide students with the opportunity for a self-guided learning adventure within the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. Local educators have developed active, engaging curriculum routes in Greeley and Fort Collins, providing students with a safe, educational experience by biking or walking routes on the Poudre Trail while answering place-based learning questions related to the Poudre River. Plus, the route curriculums align with Colorado academic standards. Current routes include:

We believe that the Cache la Poudre River is an engaging and inspirational learning environment. Together, we can continue to build our next generation of river stewards, even during a pandemic!

Calling all educators! Interested in learning more about SOLO field trips for your classes? Follow the link below or email Linden at programs@poudreheritage.org.

Sep 21
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Virtual Poudre Pour Happy Hour – Sept. 25

By News

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.

Sep 10
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Celebrate Success: National Heritage Area’s 2019 Impact Numbers

By News
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

Jun 29
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New Heritage Trail Connects Sites Throughout the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area, Starting with Poudre River Whitewater Park

By News

(Pictured: Bikers on the Poudre River Trail ride past the new Heritage Trail Gateway located at the Poudre River Whitewater Park in Fort Collins, Colorado.)

The Poudre Heritage Alliance (PHA), managing nonprofit of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (CALA), is excited to announce the recent installation of the first marker and gateway of their new Heritage Trail. The marker and gateway are located at the Poudre River Whitewater Park in Old Town Fort Collins.

The Heritage Trail incorporates a coordinated family of interpretive signs, markers and gateways that will be used throughout the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area, drawing attention to and educating trail users about interesting and ingenious ways that humans have interacted and worked with the Poudre River to improve life on the high plains of Colorado. The Heritage Trail will highlight six main themes related to water and the Poudre River: Water for Agriculture, Water for Industry, Water for Recreation, Water for History, Water for Education, and Water for Nature.

The Heritage Trail program will also serve to connect town sites and neighborhoods, businesses, historic structures, natural areas, and recreational opportunities, such as the Whitewater Park, that are within or adjacent to the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. The CALA extends 45 miles through Larimer and Weld counties, and through towns and cities such as Bellvue, Fort Collins, Windsor, Timnath and Greeley.

poudre whitewater park

The new Heritage Trail marker at the whitewater park speaks to the history of the Coy Ditch and Diversion Structure and how it relates to water for agriculture, recreation and industry.

This first Heritage Trail marker and gateway, located at the Poudre River Whitewater Park, speak to the history and importance of the Coy Ditch headgate and diversion structure, which led to the first in-channel water right in Colorado. This type of water right supports “in-channel” river recreation, such as kayaking, as a beneficial use within Colorado’s Doctrine of Prior Appropriations. The site is also important to the history of Water for Agriculture and Water for Industry, with the CSU Powerhouse overlooking the park and the Coy headgate still intact. The marker and gateway include QR codes connecting visitors to additional online resources about these sites.

The Poudre Heritage Alliance worked closely with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), who helped to fund the project as part of their 5-year investment plan (2016-2020). In addition, PHA worked with the City of Fort Collins Parks & Planning and Art in Public Places (APP) departments to design and install this first Heritage Trail Gateway (located on the south side of the bridge across from the wave shelter) and second, smaller informational marker (located on the north side of the bridge).

Apr 20
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Colorado Heritage Areas Launch Virtual Heritage Journey

By News

During this unprecedented time in our Nation’s history, when over 250 million Americans, including the entire state of Colorado, are under stay-at-home and social distancing orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to offer you a way to continue to learn about and explore the State of Colorado’s National Heritage Areas from the safety and comfort of your home.

This week, working with our fellow Colorado Heritage Areas, we’re launching “Colorado’s Virtual Heritage Journey” on social media. Discover and experience Colorado’s culture, history, and recreational activities with high-quality, virtual resources provided by Colorado’s three National Heritage Areas – Cache la Poudre River, South Park, and Sangre de Cristo.

A National Heritage Area is a site where the historic, cultural, and natural resources combine to create a landscape of national importance. Its significance is like that of a national park, but these are largely lived-in landscapes. Of the 55 National Heritage Areas in the U.S., Colorado hosts three: Cache la Poudre River, South Park, and Sangre de Cristo. They boast the natural beauty, activities, and Western history Colorado is known for, while also representing Colorado’s many contributions to our nation’s diverse ancestry.

To join the virtual journey, follow #COVirtualHeritageJourney or look out for posts from the Colorado Heritage Areas on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Enjoy and stay well!

Apr 15
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PHA Awarded Grants for Strategic Interpretive Planning & Oral History

By News

Photo credit: City of Fort Collins

The Poudre Heritage Alliance (PHA), nonprofit managing entity of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (CALA), has received two large grants to support their programs that promote historical and cultural opportunities, engage people in the Poudre River corridor, and inspire learning, preservation, and stewardship.

Through the Colorado the Beautiful Grant Program, administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), PHA has been awarded $96,877 to complete a new Strategic Interpretive Plan for the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. Grant funds will be used to: 1) Update the original Feasibility Study and Resource Inventory completed in 1990; 2) Develop a Strategic Interpretive Plan to help CALA become more accessible to the public as a whole; 3) Provide visitors with a seamlessly integrated experience; and 4) Build partner capacity.

The PHA will collaborate with a variety of stakeholders throughout the strategic planning process, including partner sites, staff, user groups, neighbors, government agencies, towns and municipalities, community decision makers, and local businesses.

The PHA has also been awarded a $25,000 “Women in Parks Innovation and Impact” grant from the National Park Service (NPS) and the National Park Foundation (NPF). The goal of this grant “is to support projects and programs that help the NPS share a more comprehensive American narrative that includes the voices of women.” In particular, the initiative is meant to “increase awareness about the 19th Amendment’s centennial and highlight stories of women who continue to shape the world.”

Through their project, “Lifting Voices from the Shadows,” the PHA, Colorado State University’s Native American Cultural Center, the National Heritage Areas Program, and the Northern Arapaho Tribe will work together to compile stories from Northern Arapaho women that run in parallel with, or counter to, the Suffragette movement and modern society. Grant support from the Women in Parks grant will enable PHA to 1) record women’s oral histories; 2) create educational videos and interpretive videos; and 3) share relevant content that aligns with 19th Amendment milestones.

The Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area is treasured by a community that values it for a variety of recreational activities and the tranquility of a natural corridor, while also depending on it as a water source for municipal, industrial and agricultural uses. A wide range of cultural perspectives form our rich Poudre River heritage. These grant funds will help the PHA present creative and balanced interpretation, representing the variety of cultures that make up our river corridor and helping citizens find a sense of place and continuity in a rapidly changing world.

For more information or questions please contact Megan Maiolo-Heath, Communications Coordinator, at communications@poudreheritage.org.

Feb 14
Love0

Poudre Heritage Alliance Hosting 3rd Annual Poudre Pour: An Educational Celebration of the Poudre River

By News

The Poudre Heritage Alliance (PHA), in partnership with the Town of Windsor and 16 local brewers and distillers, is hosting the 3rd Annual Poudre Pour – an educational celebration of the Cache la Poudre River – on Saturday, March 28 from 2:00-6:00PM at the Boardwalk Park in Windsor, Colorado. Tickets to the family-friendly event include beer tastings, coffees and non-alcoholic beverages; complimentary paired appetizers at each beer and beverage booth; history and heritage activities; a silent auction; live Blues music with the award-winning Grace Kuch Band; educational speakers and more. Event information and tickets at www.poudreheritage.org/poudre-pour

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.

“The Poudre Pour is a unique community event that brings together people from all walks of life and from all over Northern Colorado to celebrate the Cache la Poudre River,” said Kathleen Benedict, Poudre Heritage Alliance Executive Director. “The educational activities and speakers will help bring an understanding of water law and our water heritage to guests.”

“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.”

Poudre Pour attendees will enjoy beverage tastings from breweries and distillers spanning the National Heritage Area, including Odell Brewing, Horse & Dragon, High Hops, Weldwerks, Gilded Goat, Intersect, Maxline, Snowbank, Rally King, New Belgium, Mighty River, Mash Lab, Red Truck Beer Co., Timnath Beerwerks, Wiley Roots, and CopperMuse Distillery. Attendees can also enjoy coffees from Human Bean. Water from the Poudre River nourishes the healthy farm produce that will be used by Z Catering to craft tasty appetizers made with local beers and spirits. This year kids 16 years old and under receive FREE admission to the event with a paying adult. The all-inclusive tickets for people 17 years and older range from $20-$40, and they can be purchased online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-poudre-pour-tickets-74729230139

poudre pour 2020 brewers and distillers

In the event’s third year, the Boardwalk Park in Windsor will serve as the backdrop for the family-friendly event, offering guests access to a beautiful outdoor space and a variety of historic buildings important to the heritage and history of the area, including the Whitehall schoolhouse, a train depot, a German farmhouse, and a beet shack. Attendees can dance to the music of 16 year-old Blues phenom Grace Kuch and her electric Blues band; engage in a “Heritage Trail” scavenger hunt; bid on silent auction items such as a week in Steamboat or a craft beer goodies basket; and participate in hands-on educational activities in each of the four 19th century cabins located at the Park.

The educational theme of the 3rd Annual Poudre Pour will be “The National Heritage Area: Discovering Your River.” The signature educational happenings of the day will include various speakers discussing the importance of water within the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area and how PHA informs the community, region, state, and nation through its projects and programs. The educational speakers will include Tim Cochran, Owner of Horse & Dragon Brewing; Matt Robineault, Executive Director of the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority; Yufna Soldierwolf, former Director of the Northern Arapaho Tribal Historic Preservation Office; Julie Chacon, Executive Director of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area; and Jep Enck, Executive Director of the Poudre River Trust.

Proceeds from the 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.

Dec 18
Love1

2019 Year-In-Review

By News

Thank you for a wonderful year! The Poudre Heritage Alliance was able to reach thousands of people within the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area, promoting heritage and culture, engaging citizens in the river corridor, and inspiring learning, preservation and stewardship. We look forward to continuing this work in 2020. We hope you will join us in these efforts! To make a year-end donation to the PHA please click here.

poudre heritage alliance 2019 year in review

 

OUR MISSION: The Poudre Heritage Alliance serves the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area, providing current and future generations the opportunity to understand and celebrate the area by careful planning and facilitation of educational programs and related amenities in collaboration with residents, private sector and government entities.

Nov 12
Love1

Volunteer of the Month: Judy Firestien

By News

Much of our work would not be possible without volunteer power! This month we are honoring Judy Firestien, one of our Heritage Culturalist Volunteers, who currently volunteers her time at PHA Board Meetings taking minutes while also promoting the CALA to the community through the Von Trotha Firestien Farm at Bracewell.  Thanks for all of your time and energy, Judy.

Question: Tell us about your career path and your work on the Farm.

Answer: I worked for several small biotech companies in Fort Collins as Office Manager for about 12 years before moving back to the family farm northwest of Greeley in 2005.  I had begun to gather genealogy and historic information on our farm and the settlement of Bracewell where the farm is located.  In 2008, I compiled much of this information into a nomination for the farm and in 2009, our farm, Von Trotha-Firestien Farm at Bracewell, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Since then, we have hosted educational groups and are continuing to work on “hands-on” activities to educate the public on the importance of agriculture and irrigated farmland in this area.  For several years we have had an “Open Farm” event with antique tractor displays, petting zoo, pony rides, irrigation demonstration, and educational displays to encourage people to come out and experience the farm.  We also regularly host gatherings such as graduation parties and birthday parties at the farm and have also hosted a couple of weddings.

Q: What do you like most about the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area?

A: I really enjoy the great history it holds with regard to agriculture and water law and the development of the Greeley-Fort Collins area.  It is also so special to me because a portion of our farm lies within the Heritage Area and I have many fond childhood memories of times along the river, mostly exploring with my dog, Duke.  We also had an ice skating pond on our property next to the river and spending time skating and having skating parties are some of my very favorite memories.

Q: Why did you become a volunteer with the Poudre Heritage Alliance?

A: I wanted to further solidify the knowledge I have gained over the past years with regard to history of the area, water history and water law, and historic preservation.  I hope to further use this knowledge on our farm to educate the public on history, water, and how awesome the PHA is and to inspire and encourage them to learn more!  (You can learn more about Judy’s farm and its history within the CALA at www.BracewellFarm.com.)

Q: When you aren’t supporting PHA as a volunteer or managing the Farm, what do you like to do for “fun”?

A: Sometimes it seems like my favorite hobby is mowing or doing “weed patrol”, as I call it, around the farmyard!  Not really a hobby, but seems to take up a lot of my time during the summer to try to keep the place looking nice.  I enjoy spending time with friends, hanging out on the “sky deck” at the farm, reading, watching movies, researching genealogy and history, and walking.  We built a structure at the farm awhile back that started as a picnic shelter, but we added a deck on top.  It’s fairly high and might be considered more of an “observation deck”, but we have dubbed it the “Sky Deck”!   It’s a great place to hang out with friends or relax and enjoy the sunset!

Interested in volunteering with the Poudre Heritage Alliance? Please contact Jordan Williams at programs@poudreheritage.org to learn how you can support the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area, or click here to sign up!

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