February Bike Ride on South Table Mountain
Photo by Joe Delnero
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Monday, Feb. 9th
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Golden History Tours
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- All day - Golden Sports
- 8AM - Municipal Court Criminal Arraignments
- 10:15-10:45AM - Let's Dance - Registration Required
- 12-12:30PM - Mondays with the Mayor
- 2-3PM - Virtual: Active Minds Monday
- 5:30-6:30PM - Coffee With Councilors
- 5:30PM - GURA Board Meeting @ City Hall
- 5:30-7:30PM - The Fundamental Principles of Art
- 6-9PM - Teach Me to Play! Mondays
- 6:30PM - Movement Monday Running Club
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
A Tree We Would Rather Not Have – Tree of Heaven
Figure 1. Left. Top: the fruit of tree of heaven is a samara like a maple. Middle: Leaves and developing fruit. Bottom: Tree of Heaven root sprouts infesting a lawn. Right: Magnificent, large tree of heaven in north Golden, but note the root sprouts around the base (Google, 2025).
By Tom Schweich
Looking through old, old photographs of Golden, we see the original Golden landscape was prairie — grasses and wildflowers — with the few trees being cottonwoods and willows along Clear Creek and the gulches. With settlement, pioneers and later residents brought trees and planted them around town to make their environment something they considered more pleasant. So many trees were planted that Golden was designated a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2000. (Please don’t forget to water your trees during this warm, dry winter spell.)
There are some trees, though, that we would rather not have in Golden. At the time they were brought here, we may have thought it was a good idea. But sometimes a good idea turns out not to be so good after all.
Chief among them is Tree of Heaven — Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle — a perennial, relatively short-lived deciduous tree, originally from China.
Tree of heaven can grow up to 70 feet tall with a trunk 6 feet in trunk (Miller, 1990). The tree is very adaptable and can grow in areas affected by heat, drought, or pollution and has been troublesome in urban landscapes and woodland. Our tree reproduces by seed but also produces root sprouts that will infest a lawn and can be difficult to eliminate. Some people find the odor of the flowers objectionable.
Tree of heaven is probably the best-known plant in the Quassia family — Simaroubaceae — a small, tropical family known for its content of bitter substances that are responsible for its pharmaceutical properties.
Tree of heaven was brought to California by Chinese immigrants who came during the California Gold Rush of the 1850s. Separately it was introduced to the east coast by William Hamilton, a gardener in Philadelphia. The oldest record in Colorado is in 1934 at a plant nursery in Wheat Ridge (SEINet, 2026). My informal survey found 35 occurrences of tree of heaven in Golden north of Highway 58 (EDDMapS, 2026). There is no survey of Golden south of Highway 58.
The plant grows along roadsides, railways, fencerows, woodland edges, forest openings, or in riparian zones. Its aggressive root system can impact pavement and foundations, the wood is weak and breaks easily, and infestations crowd out native species. The plant has also helped advance the spread of the spotted lanternfly, an agricultural pest also originally from China, but not yet found in Colorado.
Tree of heaven is regarded internationally as a noxious weed due to its ability both to colonize disturbed areas quickly and to suppress competition with allelopathic chemicals. Chemicals produced by the tree proved able to kill nearly 100% of seedlings of many species (Heisey, 1990) and is either lethal or highly damaging to 11 North American hardwood trees and 34 conifers (Mergen, 1959). The tree also resprouts vigorously when cut, making its eradication difficult and time-consuming. This has led to its being called "tree of hell" among gardeners and conservationists.
Tree of Heaven was declared a Colorado List C Noxious Weed on May 15, 2023 (Department of Agriculture, 2023). This means that government agencies are authorized to prevent future sales of tree of heaven and local governments are allowed to focus on management techniques when desired.
References
Department Of Agriculture. 2023. Conservation Services Division. Rules Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the Colorado Noxious Weed Act. 8 CCR 1206-2. eDocket tracking # 2023-00037
EDDMapS. 2026. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available at http://www.eddmaps.org/; see: https://maps.eddmaps.org/point/eradication/index.cfm?notitle&records=current&sub=3003&zoom=15&lng=-105.22109973&map=distribution&lat=%2039.755543
Google. 2025. Street view of anonymous location, Golden Colorado. 6 February 2026. URL redacted because it identifies location.
Heisey, Rod M. (May 1990). "Allelopathic and Herbicidal Effects of Extracts from Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)". American Journal of Botany. 77 (5): 662–670.
Mergen, Francois (September 1959). "A Toxic Principle in the Leaves of Ailanthus". Botanical Gazette. 121 (1): 32–36. doi:10.1086/336038. ISSN 0006-8071.
Miller, James H. (1990). "Ailanthus altissima". In Burns, Russell M.; Honkala, Barbara H. (eds.). Hardwoods. Silvics of North America. Vol. 2. Washington, D.C.: United States Forest Service (USFS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
SEINet. 2026. Biodiversity occurrence data published by: SEINet - AZ/NM Node (accessed through the SEINet - AZ/NM Node Portal, https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet, 2026-02-04). https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/collections/individual/index.php?occid=27215381
2-3PM Virtual: Active Minds Monday
Today’s theme: The Olympic Games
As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano, Italy approach, join Active Minds as we explore the rich history of the Olympic Games and how they have been involved in a variety of international political issues over the years. Born of diplomatic and political design, the Olympics have always played an important role in international politics. The games provide a stage for both international cooperation and peaceful competition, as well as international conflict and confrontation. Save your spot for this Zoom program.
5:30-6:30PM Coffee With Councilors @ Golden Community Center
Photo by Chris Davell
Join Councilors Patty Evans and Lisa Vitry as they meet with Ben Moline, Coors Director of Water Resources & Environmental Compliance, and Annie Beierle, Golden Public Works Director, for a conversation on how Coors and the City work together to keep the Clear Creek Corridor healthy and beautiful. More information
Location:
Golden Community Center
1470 10th Street (Map)
5:30PM GURA Board Meeting @ City Hall
- Meeting Agenda
- Watch the meeting streaming live starting at 5:30PM
- Attend the meeting @ City Hall Council Chambers - 911 10th Street - (map)
- Provide in-person comment during the meeting, at 5:30PM.
- Send email comments to gura@cityofgolden.net.
Note: The equipment in Council chambers has been broken, so you may not be able to watch the meeting live. They generally post the recording the next day.
The Junction
This is a 52.42 acre parcel of ranch land at the north edge of town. The owners plan to redevelop it for industrial and commercial use. Staff will request authorization to conduct a blight study on the land. Once the property is declared blighted, GURA can make it an urban renewal area and provide Tax Increment Financing.
PSPS Grants
The DDA is offering grants to businesses in the downtown area ranging from $125 to $3500 to compensate for lost revenue during the Public Safety Power Shutdown. Apply here for a grant.
According to the meeting memo, ECOMM, which covers Golden businesses that are not in the downtown area or a GURA district, is offering grants to help pay for generators and backup power supplies. Apply here.
GURA will discuss providing relief to businesses in GURA districts. Staff recommends $1000/business, regardless of size.
Location:
City Hall Council Chambers
911 10th Street (Map)
"Very Net Positive"
Photo by Richard Luckin
Goldens in Golden was a lot of work for a lot of people, but it produced non-stop smiles for thousands.
I asked several of the downtown merchants whether the event was a "net positive." The response was a universal "yes!"
- It was great - we had great sales and, while it was a bit crazy (so many people and dogs!) everyone everywhere was happy and having a wonderful time. We walked from our house through the park and all through town and literally everyone we saw had a smile.
Baby Doe's Clothing - Goldens in Golden brings much needed business to our town during a traditionally slow period. We noticed visitors coming as early as Tuesday or Wednesday. That’s incredible!
The Golden Mill - Yes, very net positive. It was a very busy day for our businesses. It’s an excellent event especially during a slow time of year.
The Old Capitol Grill/Miners Saloon
The Golden Word - 02/09/26
Romance with a Discount!
Jefferson Symphony Valentine Concert: Shall We Dance? Saturday, February 14, 2026 1:00 p.m. at the Green Center
JSO Principal Flute Elizabeth Hicks-Kimmey performs the world premiere of Synchrony for Silver by local composer Cherise Leiter.
Dance is a shared human instinct, expressed across cultures and centuries. Today’s program celebrates that instinct in many forms through the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra.
From the earthy snap and sway of Hungarian Dance No. 5 and Slavonic Dance No. 1 to the elegance of the Blue Danube Waltz, these works translate social movement into sound—music written to evoke spinning couples, stamping feet, and the momentum of bodies in motion. Even when the dance is imagined rather than literal, the rhythmic drive is undeniable, carrying the audience along with it.
Ballet excerpts like the Adagio from Swan Lake emphasize poise and lyricism, while American and Latin-influenced works—Variations on a Shaker Melody, Danzon No. 2, Malambo from Estancia, and Mambo from West Side Story—lean into groove, pulse, and communal energy. The tango-inflected Libertango shows how dance has inspired composers in the modern era, blending tradition with contemporary color.
Taken together, these pieces form a global tour of music that invites you not just to listen, but to embrace the urge to move.
Use promo code GOLDEN to save 15% off tickets online at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/jeffersonsymphonyassociation/1730760
Location
Mines Green Center
924 16th Street (map)
Golden History: Summer School and a Co-Ed
Mines Campus, c. 1908-1910 – excerpt from X-9810, Denver Public Library Special Collections
Click to enlarge
98 Years Ago
The February 9, 1928 Colorado Transcript reported that the School of Mines intended to offer a summer session that year. They planned to offer a variety of undergraduate courses, including “makeup and advanced work for college students and preparatory courses for High school graduates that will allow many to complete college entrance requirements.”
The School’s leaders felt that this would position Mines to be THE “Engineering School of the Rocky Mountain Region.” In addition to the well-chosen curriculum, they assumed that the climate and scenery of Colorado would help attract summer students.
GOLDEN WOULD BENEFIT
The article went on to explain that attracting students for a summer session would help assure the town’s prosperity, so “…there is little wonder business men are backing the campaign.”
The same edition of the Transcript announced that
Mines Has First Co-Ed in Number of Years
H. E. Short was working as an assistant professor of physics. His wife,”unafraid of the difficult engineering courses at Mines,” had enrolled as a mining engineer.
The young wife, desiring to become an aid to her husband in his engineering work, nevertheless keeps up her household duties and also partakes in the social life of the faculty set.
Weather
Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Low around 41, with temperatures rising to around 46 overnight. West southwest wind around 9 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny. High near 69, with temperatures falling to around 64 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy. Low around 36, with temperatures rising to around 40 overnight. Southwest wind 2 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 36°F
Tuesday: Partly Sunny, 51°F
Tuesday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 35°F
Wednesday: Partly Sunny, 61°F
Wednesday Night: Mostly Cloudy then Chance Light Rain, 37°F
Thursday: Light Rain Likely, 55°F
Thursday Night: Light Rain Likely then Chance Rain And Snow, 33°F
Friday: Chance Rain And Snow, 49°F
Friday Night: Slight Chance Rain And Snow, 31°F
Saturday: Sunny, 52°F
Saturday Night: Partly Cloudy, 31°F
Sunday: Partly Sunny, 59°F
News About Golden - February 9, 2026
Downtown Golden, Colorado celebrates Super Bowl weekend in their own unique way
By Chierstin Roth
CBS Colorado
Colorado residents and visitors from across the country have flocked to Golden to celebrate their own version of Super Bowl weekend.
On Saturday, it started with an event to rival the annual Puppy Bowl... Read more...
Big Golden Retriever Energy Takes Over Golden
By Brandon Johnson
Westword
The 2026 Goldens in Golden celebration transformed the streets of downtown Golden into a vibrant river of fur and wagging tails, drawing record-breaking crowds for what has become a global pilgrimage for dog lovers... Read more...
Supporters
Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden? If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!
Sponsors:
($100/month and up)
Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Golden Hayride Outpost, Unite Fitness, Clothilde Elingbow, Michael Mason, Goosetown Station, and Earth Sweet Boutique
Friends:
($50-99.99/month or $550/yr)
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Goozell Yogurt & Coffee Paul Haseman, Donna Anderson, Carol & Doug Harwood, Stephanie Painter, Greg Poulos, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Mary & Don Parker, Saré Merrigan, The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, Vic DeMaria, and Joy Brandt
Supporters:
($25-49.99/month or $250/yr)
Laura King and Scott Wilson, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Forrest Jones, Barry & Liz Bettis, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Marjorie Sloan, Chris and Joyce Davell, Rick Flint, Forrest Jones, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Stephen Pero, Meg Van Ness & Steve Kalasz, Steve & Karla Schaefer, Bud Rockhill, Steve Enger, Kristie Brice & Mike Schwartz, The Golden Hotel, Kurt & Janet Siegfried, Ella Lyons & Jeanne Fritch, Robert Thresher, Tonie Mattox, Centennial State Wealth Advisors, Steve & M.L. Richardson, and Jeremy & Stephanie Keller
Members:
($10-24.99/month or $110/yr)
Brad Miller & Julie Bartos, Holly Thomas, Jim and LouAnne Dale, Ann Pattison, Thomas Hoffman, Carol Abel, Brian Quarnstrom, Sandra Curran, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Kathy Smith, Karen Smith, Carlos & Nancy Bernal, Robert Storrs, Michele Sannes, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, E Tom Hughes, Crystal M Culbert, Patrick A. Madison, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Deb Goeldner, Christopher Ball, 6th Chair Home Services, Dot & Eric Brownson, Rosemary Coffman, Emeline Paulson, Sandy Schneider, Mark and Cathy Pattridge, Cheryl G Leidich, Jen Rutter, Frani R Bickart, Jennings and Litz, Bill Sedgeley, Nancy Hughes, Justin L Wade, Kathi Eggers, Traci Case, Donna Owen, Leslie D Lutz, Karen Oxman, Catherine Skokan, Ross Fraser & KC Gilliland, Lynne Haigh, Elizabeth Hilliard, Frank Young & Terre Deegan-Young, Kathy Hirons & Jack Markin, Jess & Anthony Monasterio, Heather Duncan, Lee Ann & Pete Horneck, Carol Cameron, Cheryl Williamson, San Daugherty, Jim Garner, John and Carol McEncroe, the Golden Welcome Center, the Golden Transcript, Koshare Eagle, Ken and Colleen Krantz, Traci Neuman Lacey, Jo Barber, Jamie Cookinham, Kermit Shields, Meridee Cecil, Vicki Olson, Colleen & Michael Ramey, Nancy & Pete Torpey, Jax Baker, Simon Maybury, Rose McLaughlin, Cameron Chambers, Joyce Gravina, Patrick Klein, Barb Robie, Richard Caldwell, Janice Waring, Sam & Marilyn Baron, Carmen Johnson, Mary Eiberger, Kevin Nichols, Ed & Carol Freza, Laura and Curtis Moore, Ruth Hund, Shelley & Jerry Devitt, Eileen Masterson, Kate Olivier, Amy Korengut, Pam Logan, Clare Shier, Wendy Weiman, and Marge Frueh
Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Mel Perkins, Bob Hamilton, Steve Stevens, Vicki Olson, Emily Kurzinski, Nanette Johnson, Peyton Gibson, Sally Berger, Kristen Morgan, Joyce Sutton, Mary Rains, Craig Champlin, Stan Swisher, Bill Way, and Chris Toney
