March?
Photo by Nancy Torpey
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What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Monday, Mar. 23rd
- 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
- 9:30-10:30AM - Fit and Energize Exercise Class
- 10:15-10:45AM - Let's Dance - Registration Required
- 2-3PM - Virtual: Active Minds Monday
- 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 Native Tree in Golden – Rocky Mountain Maple
Figure 1. A, Edwin James, MD. B, Major Stephen H Long. C, Flowers of Rocky Mountain maple. D, Leaves. E, Large Rocky Mountain maple in northernmost Jefferson County.
By Tom Schweich
Of the trees native to Golden, my favorite is Rocky Mountain maple — Acer glabrum Torrey — in part because of its deep connection to Jefferson County. In 1820, the Stephen H. Long Expedition followed the South Platte River to the base of the Front Range, then pushed up what is now Platte Canyon. Near the present-day boundary of Jefferson County, the expedition’s botanist, Edwin James, collected a small maple unknown to science at the time. That plant was later named Rocky Mountain maple.
Knowing that this species was first documented here, in our own foothills, I added one to my yard.
Around Golden, Rocky Mountain maple has been found on North and South Table Mountains, Mount Galbraith, and in the mouth of Clear Creek Canyon. It prefers ravines, north-facing slopes, riparian edges, or other sites with concentrated water runoff.
Rocky Mountain maple is usually 15–25 feet tall, though it can grow to 30–40 feet in ideal canyon conditions. Often multi-stemmed, the trunk diameter is typically modest (6–12 inches, occasionally more) so it is not a towering tree like sugar maple. In full sun our tree will grow more like a large shrub. Rocky Mountain maples turn yellow, orange or occasionally red, bringing fall color to the garden.
In Colorado urban gardens, Rocky Mountain maple offers native genetics, support for local food webs, structural diversity, and appropriate size for smaller lots. Maples in general support caterpillars of many moths and butterflies (Tallamy, 2007) though there is little specific research about Rocky Mountain maple. Generally, native trees host the insects that evolved with them. Those insects feed birds. For birds, Rocky Mountain maple provides nesting sites in dense multi-stem growth, cover from predators, and seeds for small birds to eat (Lackschewitz 1991). Finally, multi-stemmed shrubs/small trees are often underrepresented in urban forestry plans, yet they create vertical layering, provide mid-canopy habitat, and increase structural diversity.
In an urban setting, Rocky Mountain maple is not a xeric street tree. It will require supplemental irrigation in typical urban landscapes. It would be best suited to swales, rain gardens. north or east exposures, and landscapes already receiving irrigation
Genetically, our Rocky Mountain maple is most closely related to two maples native to Japan, so it may have an Asian origin. However, it is not closely related to the common “Japanese maple” — Acer palmatum Thunb. (Li, et al., 2019).
Rocky Mountain maple is distantly related to the two other native Colorado maples: Acer negundo L, “box elder”, and Acer grandidentatum Nuttall “big-tooth maple.” Box elder is found throughout Colorado and across north America, whereas big-tooth maple is widely distributed around the western US, but in Colorado it is found only in southwest corner of the state.
Rocky Mountain maple was not the only plant collected by Edwin James in Platte Canyon. Among the others were Eriogonum umbellatum Torrey (sulphur flower), Physocarpus monogynus Torrey (mountain ninebark), and likely Cercocarpus montanus Rafinesque (alder-leaf mountain mahogany) and Rubus deliciosus Torrey (Boulder raspberry).
Like Rocky Mountain maple, these are plants first documented from the foothills we now call Jefferson County. They are not just natives of the region — they are part of its botanical history, and they deserve a place in our gardens.
References
Anderson, Michelle D. 2001. Acer glabrum, Rocky Mountain maple. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/acegla
Goodman, George J., and Cheryl A. Lawson. 1995. Retracing Major Stephen H. Long's 1820 Expedition. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 1995.
James, Edwin. 1820. Acer glabrum. NY16280. Rocky Mountains; 1,000 ft. elev. fr. the plain. Biodiversity occurrence data published by: SEINet - AZ/NM Node. https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/collections/individual/index.php?occid=6594447
Lackschewitz, Klaus. 1991. Vascular plants of west-central Montana--identification guidebook. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-227. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 648 p.
Li, Jianhua, et al. 2019. Maple phylogeny and biogeography inferred from phylogenomic data. Journal of Systematics and Evolution. 57(6):594-606.
Tallamy, Douglas W. 2007. Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press.
Construction Status on the New City Hall
Photo by Patrick Klein
Patrick Klein got several interesting photos showing the status of Golden's new City Hall as of mid-March, 2026.
Clayworks Updates
Clayworks Open House, held at the former American Mountaineering Center on 3-16-26
Clayworks held a very well-attended open house last week to show their plans for the property.
This past weekend, Patrick Klein got several interesting photos of the project. The CoorsTek Headquarters building looks just about ready for occupancy.
The surface parking lot in front of (south of) that building is slated to contain a parking structure.
The 5-story building remaining from the previous industrial site will become an office building.
The former Mountaineering Center (former Golden Junior High, former Golden High School) will be remodeled to become a hotel. They will be building a taller addition on the back (north) side of the building. Guests will park in the new parking garage mentioned above.
Many other buildings are planned for that property.
2-3PM Virtual: Active Minds Monday
Today’s theme: Van Gogh
Join Active Minds for a journey into the life and art of Vincent Van Gogh, whose painting career spanned only 10 years, during which time he produced over 900 paintings, selling only one. We will explore the many challenges of his relatively short and troubled life as well as explore the mystery of his death and the lasting impact of his art. Save your spot for this Zoom program.
The Golden Word - 03/23/26
Golden History: Safecrackers
Golden Express Depot & Telegraphic Office, formerly located at 8th and Washington - Golden History Museum Collection
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121 Years Ago
The March 23, 1905 Colorado Transcript reported that safecrackers had blown the express safe in the Colorado & Southern telegraph office. An employee from the roundhouse noticed the office door open at about 5AM, Monday morning. He contacted the Agent and the Telegraph Operator, who entered the office
…and found the safe door blown open and the books, papers and office paraphernalia scattered about in great confusion…. One small hole was drilled in the safe door where nitro-glycerine was inserted. The door was blown open and the combination shattered.
The robbers found nothing of value, since all cash was sent to the Denver office every evening. The police and an agent from the railroad were investigating the incident but had found no clues.
Several suspicious looking tramps worked the town the day previous for hand-outs, but they were conspicuous by their absence on Monday.
Weather
Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Low around 44, with temperatures rising to around 47 overnight. Northwest wind around 3 mph.
Monday: Mostly cloudy. High near 73, with temperatures falling to around 71 in the afternoon. North northwest wind 2 to 9 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy. Low around 52, with temperatures rising to around 55 overnight. West southwest wind 3 to 9 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 52°F
Tuesday: Partly Sunny, 82°F
Tuesday Night: Partly Cloudy, 56°F
Wednesday: Sunny, 87°F
Wednesday Night: Mostly Clear, 55°F
Thursday: Mostly Sunny, 71°F
Thursday Night: Slight Chance Light Rain then Mostly Cloudy, 40°F
Friday: Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain, 57°F
Friday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 39°F
Saturday: Partly Sunny, 68°F
Saturday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 48°F
Sunday: Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Light Rain, 75°F
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 or $1,175/year)
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 , Unite Fitness, Clothilde Elingbow, Michael Mason, Goosetown Station, and Earth Sweet Boutique
Friends:
($50-99.99/month or $575/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 $285/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, Jeremy & Stephanie Keller, AC Development
Members:
($10-24.99/month or $115/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, Marge Frueh. Nannette Johnson, Edgar Walker, Bivy Beer Bar, and Nancy Cooper
Followers:
($5-9.99/month or $55/year)
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, Chris Toney, and Alicia Zimmerman
