Thank you to everyone who attended the Markel and Wottge Open House on Feb. 16 and provided feedback on the alternative designs. Approximately 85 attendees came to the meeting! The project team is analyzing the comments received at the Open House and through the completed surveys for incorporation into the project designs. The survey closed on March 5. If you were unable to attend the open house, the alternative concept plans and a comment box to submit thoughts or questions can be found at broomfieldvoice.com/markelwottgeplan.

Broomfield staff is working with wildlife biologists from Smith Environmental on plan recommendations including protective measures, habitat enhancement, community outreach, and the development of a monitoring program. Hear an update on the plan presented virtually at the Broomfield Bird Club meeting on March 14 at 7 p.m. Please visit broomfieldbirdclub.com for meeting and connection details. Learn more about the plan recommendations, share feedback, or leave questions and comments at BroomfieldVoice.com/RaptorPlan.

A shamrock refers to many species of plants, all of which are trifoliate, i.e. have a leaf divided into 3 leaflets. Two common “shamrocks” include the common wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) and white clover (Trifolium repens). 

The fourth leaflet is due to a genetic mutation in the species white clover (Trifolium repens). Since it has a fourth leaflet, it is not a (three leaflet) shamrock. A four-leaf clover is a rare occurrence in the natural world, so it is said to ward off evil and bring good luck. This is also why we wear green on St. Patrick’s day – or you could carry around your own four-leaf clover! 

Don’t forget to “Spring Forward” on March 12th, Broomfield! That means one more hour to enjoy the sunshine. See below for some ideas for fun outdoor activities that you could enjoy with this extra sunshine on our open space, parks and trails. See you on the trails!

The new bikeway connection that connects the US 36 bikeway and State Highway 128 is now complete and open for public use! Open Space and Trails staff hopes that this connection will provide a valuable pathway for commuters, pedestrians, and cyclists around Broomfield. View the bikeway location to the right and photos of the new bikeway connection here.

As we enter the “shoulder season” of spring, the roads and paths could still be slippery, so make sure that you check out Way to Go's tips for winter biking video to ensure your ride is as safe as can be!

March 20 is this year’s Spring Equinox. An Equinox, meaning “equal night” in Latin, is a unique phenomenon during which the earth's day and night are of equal length resulting in 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night in nearly every part of the earth. This day marks the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere; after March 20th the northern hemisphere is closer to the sun, resulting in longer days and warmer temperatures. Welcome, spring!

The City and County of Broomfield (CCOB) is using a combination of focus group discussions, community events, a survey, and conversations with diverse populations to elicit feedback on the Plan Refresh. Resident responses to the survey included that Broomfield’s OSPRT contributes to the mental and physical well-being of community members, and that residents desire more open space, trails and trail connections, and more signage and wayfinding. See the project updates, submit comments or questions, and view the most recent presentation from the Joint Open Space and Trails and Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services Advisory Committee meeting on Jan. 26, at BroomfieldVoice.com/OSPRTplan.

Make 2023 the year of water efficiency. Save money and save water this summer by checking out some of Broomfield’s water efficiency programs. These range from replacing your lawn with a low-water landscape or evaluating your existing sprinkler system to ensure its efficiency to fixing household links that may have been costing you money for months. Visit Broomfield.org/SaveWater for more information.