Where the Buffalo Roam
Photo by Bud Rockhill
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Monday, Jun. 16th
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- All day - Golden History Tours
- All day - ARTSWEEK Golden
- 7-9AM - Clear Creek Corridor Cleanup
- 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
- 4-6PM - Artist Talk with Heather Mourer
- 5:30-7PM - Downtown Development Authority Meeting
- 5:30-7:30PM - The Fundamental Principles of Art
- 6-9PM - Teach Me to Play! Mondays
- 6:30PM - Movement Monday Running Club
- 6:30PM - Soundcheck Music Bingo
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
Pretty But Pernicious
A rogue's gallery of pretty but pernicious weeds.
By Tom Schweich
A reader wrote to Barb concerned that a recent composite photo in this column showing wildflowers on Schweich Hill included a very pretty, but pernicious and state-listed Noxious weed. Here are five common plants with pretty flowers, that are also very invasive weeds.
Dalmatian toadflax – Linaria dalmatica L.
Dalmatian toadflax has a bright yellow snapdragon-like flower with a long spur on the back side. It is a Colorado-listed Noxious Weed and is found in all Golden parks and open spaces. It is hard to eradicate because it spreads rapidly by seeds and by underground stems called rhizomes.
There is also less common and smaller Linaria vulgaris L. commonly called butter and eggs, though I see it more in the high country. The two Linaria also hybridize, producing an intermediate plant.
There is also a native toadflax in Golden – Linaria texana Scheele – but the flowers are blue making it easy to distinguish from Dalmatian toadflax and butter and eggs.
Hairy Willowherb – Epilobium hirsutum L
Hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) is a perennial, semi-aquatic plant also known by the names “codlins and cream” and “European fireweed.” The plant grows up to 6 feet tall and can reproduce via seeds or rhizomes. The entire plant is covered with fine, soft hairs, hence the name hairy willowherb.
Infestations can clog small waterways and displace native vegetation, increasing bank erosion and degrading wildlife habitat.
Hairy willowherb is a newcomer to Colorado, found for the first time at the Ward Road Ponds near Mount Olivet Cemetery in 2003. Since then, it has spread to numerous places in Golden on both private and public land.
We also have native willowherbs in and around Golden. Hairy willowherb is often found growing with them and eradication efforts require a careful identification to avoid eradicating the native plants.
Hounds Tongue, Gypsyflower – Cynoglossum officinale L.
Cynoglossum officinale L. “Gypsyflower” or “Hounds-tongue” has been found in almost every Golden open space and in many parks.
It was first seen in Jefferson County in 1961, about 1 mile east of Golden.
The common name of hounds-tongue is a translation of the Greek words in its scientific name Cynoglossum, "kynos" (κύων) meaning dog, and "glossa" (γλῶσσα) meaning tongue. The name refers to the shape and texture of the plant's leaves, which some have likened to a dog's tongue.
The seeds of hounds-tongue are covered by little hooks, and they will attach themselves to your shoes and pants, hitching a ride wherever you go.
Saponaria officinalis L. Bouncingbet
Around Golden, I see this plant primarily as a landscaping plant. I also notice that the white-lined sphinx moth (
Hyles lineata) is really attracted to the nectar of this plant in the evenings.
Bouncingbet is listed as a Noxious weed due to its toxicity to livestock and humans, its ability to displace native vegetation, and its potential to spread through seeds and rhizomes. It is also considered a nuisance weed due to its invasive nature in disturbed areas
Hesperis matronalis L. “Dame’s Rocket”
Dame’s rocket has been a cultivated species for a long time.
The successful spread of dame's rocket in North America is attributed to its prolific seed production and because the seeds are often included in prepackaged "wildflower seed" mixes sold for "naturalizing."
Dame's rocket poses ecological problems by outcompeting native plants, forming dense monocultures, and potentially acting as a host for viruses harmful to crops. It spreads to woodlands, prairies, and disturbed areas from a garden.
In Colorado, dame’s rocket is a List B Noxious Weed. In Golden it has been found at Heritage Dells, in Kinney Run, along the Welch Ditch, and at DeLong Park.
And … more that are not listed above …
There are many more plants that can be pretty and pernicious. Some of them not listed above are:
Myrtle Spurge – Euphorbia myrsinites L., was sold as an ornamental until recently, the sap is dangerous to humans and animals.
Leafy Spurge – Euphorbia esula L., not quite as dangerous as the above, but very invasive.
Thistles – Cirsium sp., etc. We have many non-native thistles invading our parks and open spaces but be careful when pulling out thistles, we do have one native thistle.
Mulleins – Verbascum sp., most everyone recognizes the common mullein – Verbascum thapsus L. – but we also have two less-common mulleins in Golden: V. blattaria and V. phlomoides. V. thapsus and V. blattaria are state-listed Noxious weeds.
Sweet Clovers – yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam.) and white sweet clover (M. alba Medik) are invading our parks. Honeybees really like them for their nectar. They are not listed noxious weeds, though they are in several other states.
Finally, we have two very valuable agricultural plants,
alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.), that are taking over large areas of our parks and open spaces.
ArtsWeek Golden 2025
This is the first day of ArtsWeek, an annual celebration hosted by Foothills Art Center. There will be special events every day this week, starting tonight. See the ArtsWeek page on their website to learn more about the events.
- Monday - Artist Talk with Heather Mourer
- Tuesday - Bob's Atomic Burgers Give Back Day
- Tuesday - Wearable Art Class
- Wednesday - Circus Foundry at the Golden Mill & Give Back Day
- Wednesday - Cyanotype Workshop
- Thursday - Create Your Tarot Cards
- Friday - Modern Kintsugi
- Friday - Live at Goosetown Station
- Saturday and Sunday - Artsweek Golden Festival
5:30PM Downtown Development Authority Meeting @ City Hall Council Chambers
- Meeting Agenda
- Watch the meeting streaming live starting at 5:30PM
- Attend the meeting @ City Hall Council Chambers - 911 10th Street - (map)
- Send comments on any of the following topics to dda@cityofgolden.net
- Provide in-person comment during the meeting, at 5:30PM.
Tonight's Topics:
Representatives from the Golden Hotel will describe plans to enlarge both the outdoor dining area and the hotel itself. They may come back with requests for grants and/or or a T.I.F. deal. (More info on pp. 10-13 of the meeting packet.)
They will continue their discussion about improved "wayfinding" (signage) in the downtown area. This has been on their to-do list since at least 2016, but a recent assessment project by a graduate student has provided new inspiration. (More info on pp. 2 and 3 of the meeting packet.)
Staff will report on several ongoing projects, including improved traffic lights, installing power outlets in Parfet Park and the Farmers Market lot, improved lighting on the Highway 58 bridge, and painting the crosswalks downtown.
See the meeting packet for more information.
Location:
City Hall Council Chambers
911 10th Street (Map)
When:
5:30-7PM on Monday, Jun. 16th
Thank you, Golden!
Golden Community Donates Over 21,800 Pounds of Food to Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
Golden Pantry & Thrift extends its heartfelt thanks to the entire Golden community for the incredible outpouring of support during the 2025 USPS Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. This year, with your help, we collected over 21,800 pounds of food. This incredible effort will provide nourishing meals to hundreds of our neighbors in the months ahead. This annual event has deep roots in our community. The National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive began nationally in 1993 and has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive! In Golden, the effort took shape through an early and impactful partnership between the Golden Post Office/NALC and Golden Pantry & Thrift, with invaluable support from the Golden Lions Club. This continued partnership with the Golden Post Office and NALC has ensured that families facing food insecurity receive critical support. We have been grateful to also collaborate with the Golden Young Professionals, who brought new energy and hands-on volunteer support to the drive, marking the first time in our history that a new partner has joined this long-standing effort. Their commitment is a testament to the future of community-driven service in Golden. We were also supported by over 100 dedicated community volunteers who generously donated 8 hours that day, sorting and stocking all the donated food to ensure it quickly reached our pantry shelves. The longstanding and evolving support of past and present partners is a shining example of what makes Golden a uniquely caring place to live and work.
Every can, box, and bag of donated food represents a gesture of kindness and solidarity. These donations will directly support our food pantry, which has seen a growing need in recent years. Your generosity allows us to continue offering dignity and hope to those facing crisis and hardship.
To our postal carriers, young professionals, volunteers, and every resident who gave—THANK YOU. Because of you, 21,864 pounds of food are now being distributed through our pantry to neighbors facing food insecurity. Together, we are building a stronger, more food-secure Golden.
For more information about Golden Pantry & Thrift or to get involved, please visit www.goldenpantryandthrift.org or follow us on social media.
Golden History: Sedgy Banks, Pensile Willows, and Pellucid Waters
This postcard image was taken in the early 20th century, but it looks remarkably like George West’s description of June 12, 1859
Click to enlarge
120 and 166 Years Ago
In the June 15, 1905 Colorado Transcript, George West recalled his arrival in Golden on June 12, 1859:
…an anniversary of more than passing interest to the writer of this article, as just forty-six years before he arrived for the first time upon the sedgy banks of Clear creek, then known as Vasquez fork of the South Platte. The remarkable pellucidity of its waters, filled as they were with myriads of trout, and the banks skirted with countless pensile willows and waving cottonwoods made it the admiration of all, and it was voted an ideal spot for a camping ground, a veritable haven of rest after more than two months journey with ox teams across the arid plains from St. Joe., Mo.
Our immediate company, known as the Boston company, which made the journey together, comprising seven members who had left the “Hub” late in March, crossed the Missouri at St. Joe on April 1st… Upon our arrival here there were perhaps half a dozen small outfits encamped along the banks of the creek, some of them already preparing to push farther on into the mountains, packing their belongings upon ponies, and even upon the backs of their oxen, as at that time no roads had been opened into or through their rugged fastnesses. This circumstance struck us at once as evidence that if the mines which had at that time been discovered should amount to anything, this as a location for transfer of goods, would be just the place for a town.
Lots were selected by the Boston company and a party sent to the mountains to prepare the timbers for a substantial building, as there was at that time no lumber to be had in the country. Logs were cut and hewn and hauled to the site selected, and a substantial log building, two stories in height was erected as rapidly as possible. It was the first business house to be completed and occupied in the town, and as an evidence of its merit it is standing today, in good repair…all the windows intact with their 10×12 glass the largest to be had when the structure was built…..
On June 16th, four days after their arrival, members of the Boston company and other men in the area met to organize and town and made arrangements to have it surveyed.
In an earlier description, written in 1877, General West reported that their campsite had been “upon the ground now occupied by Fitzpatrick flouring mill.” Today, that spot at 11th and Washington is occupied by the Golden Hotel.
Weather
Overnight: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. West wind around 7 mph.
Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. North wind 3 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy. Low around 59, with temperatures rising to around 61 overnight. Northwest wind around 8 mph.
Monday Night: Partly Cloudy, 59°F
Tuesday: Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 80°F
Tuesday Night: Mostly Clear, 55°F
Wednesday: Sunny, 84°F
Wednesday Night: Mostly Clear, 60°F
Juneteenth: Sunny, 93°F
Thursday Night: Partly Cloudy, 65°F
Friday: Sunny, 97°F
Friday Night: Mostly Clear, 66°F
Saturday: Sunny, 96°F
Saturday Night: Mostly Clear, 65°F
Sunday: Sunny, 91°F
News About Golden - June 16, 2025
National Ski Patrol and YoColorado Team Up to Promote NSP and Outdoor Safety with Style
Collaboration Offers Exclusive Merchandise that Stitches a Story and a Safety Mission
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (June 5, 2025) – National Ski Patrol (NSP), one of the largest organizations committed to safety and rescue education for the outdoor industry, and YoColorado, a retro-inspired outdoor lifestyle apparel company based in Golden, Colo., today announced a meaningful clothing and accessory collaboration. This dynamic partnership fuses NSP's deep-rooted legacy and critical mission with YoColorado's signature fun and bold retro style, telling the vital story of outdoor safety in a fresh and engaging way – while also generating support for NSP’s critical education programs.
Under this new collaboration, co-branded products will be available to the general public for purchase, and more than 30,000 dedicated members of NSP will get exclusive early access to a specially designed line of co-branded apparel built for year-round life outside. Summer and winter collections will include t-shirts, beanies, hats, button-ups, fleece, sweatshirts, outerwear, and accessories. A preview of this co-branded collection debuts today at the 2025 GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, Colo., showcasing the complimentary blend of NSP's commitment and YoColorado's mix of modern-day functionality with flair.
“This isn't just about looking good. It’s also about doing good. It’s ‘safety meets style,’ elevating outdoor safety education with every stitch. It’s clothing with a purpose,” said Stephanie Cox, CEO of National Ski Patrol. “Pairing the expertise of National Ski Patrol with the retro-inspired vibe of YoColorado is amplifying our mission and story with style. The synergy between NSP's unwavering focus on safety and YoColorado's fun-loving spirit perfectly capture the heart of the outdoor community.”
Starting winter of 2025, consumers nationwide can purchase the first apparel collection to support NSP’s legacy and mission via YoColorado’s website and wholesale partners and in its Golden, Colo., basecamp store. A portion of all sales will benefit NSP to generate support for its outdoor safety and education programs.
For the NSP-YoColorado “Safety Meets Style” graphic, click here. For images reflecting the NSP-YoColorado preview product collaboration, click here.
“We’re honored to partner with such a legendary organization like National Ski Patrol that keeps our slopes safe and open to adventure,” said Brad Miller, YoColorado’s Co-Founder & Managing Partner. “Our goal with this partnership is to broaden the reach of both brands and to especially help National Ski Patrol deliver their message of service and safety in a fun, playful way. Together, we’re building a one-of-a-kind collection that’s all about honoring the mountain lifestyle and bringing good vibes wherever you go – from sidewalk to summit.”
This collaboration highlights both organizations’ commitment to inspiring the experiences of outdoor enthusiasts across the country.
Cox added, “We’re not just talking about safety; we’re making it cool, accessible, and good-looking! We get to tell the NSP story with more swagger.”
About National Ski Patrol
National Ski Patrol (NSP) is a federally-chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and membership association. As the leading authority of on-mountain safety, NSP is dedicated to serving the outdoor recreation industry by providing education and training to emergency care and safety service providers. With more than 30,000 members across 650 patrols, and affiliated organizations in Canada, Europe, and Asia, NSP is one of the largest organizations committed to safety and rescue education for the outdoor industry. Members include ski and bike patrollers, as well as mountain and bike hosts, alumni, associates, and physician partners, working on behalf of local ski/snowboard areas and bike parks to enhance the overall experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Founded in 1938, NSP continues to advance its commitment to safety and its vision by leveraging the latest technology, innovation, and education. Visit NSP.org, and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
About YoColorado
Founded in 2013 and based in historic Golden, Colo., YoColorado is a retro-inspired outdoor apparel company that celebrates the free-spirited adventure of the Colorado lifestyle. Blending bold design with quality craftsmanship, YoColorado offers a curated collection of outdoor apparel and gear designed to feel good and fuel the fun every time you step outside. From small-batch manufacturing to upcycling materials into unique apparel and accessories to community-first partnerships, YoColorado is all about doing good and making our customers look and feel good. Visit yocolorado.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Inquiries
For NSP media inquiries or interview requests with Stephanie Cox, CEO of National Ski Patrol, contact Diane Amdur at Diane@AmdurCommunications.com or 303-521-3305.
For YoColorado media inquiries or interview requests with Brad Miller, Founder & Managing Partner of YoColorado, contact Julie Bartos at julie@yocolorado.com or 303-653-3330.
Golden’s Jackie McBroom is All-Colorado baseball Coach of the Year after leading Demons to Class 4A title
By Kyle Newman
Denver Post
Two years ago, the trophy that Golden earned at the state baseball tournament wasn’t welcome on the bus ride home.
The Demons had just lost a 1-0 heartbreaker in the Class 4A title round to Severance after the would-be tying run was thrown out at the plate to end the game. So the runner-up trophy was sent back to Golden in the car of head coach Jackie McBroom’s wife instead of on the team bus... Read more...
The Denver Post’s 2025 All-Colorado baseball team
By Kyle Newman
Denver Post
The Denver Post’s 2025 All-Colorado baseball team, a 40-man roster determined by statistical analysis, a player’s relative value to team success and coaches’ feedback... Read more...
City of Golden Police Blotter
Crimewatch
June 6, 2025
June 7, 2025
June 8, 2025
June 9, 2025
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 City Brewery, 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, Tom Reiley, Michael Mason, Colorado Railroad Museum, and Goosetown Station
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, Beth Bidwell, 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, and Robert Thresher.
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, and Mary Rains, Richard Caldwell, Janice Waring, Sam & Marilyn Baron, Carmen Johnson, Cherryln Parker, Mary Eiberger, and Kevin Nichols
Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Mel Perkins, Bob Hamilton, Kim Linton, Steve Stevens
