A Brief Glimpse of White on the Mountains...Soon Gone
Photo by Joyce Davell
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Monday, Mar. 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
- All day - Denver Restaurant Week (in Golden)
- 8AM - Municipal Court Criminal Arraignments
- 9:30-10:30AM - Fit and Energize Exercise Class
- 10:15-10:45AM - Let's Dance - Registration Required
- 12-12:30PM - Mondays with the Mayor
- 2-3PM - Virtual: Active Minds Monday
- 4-5PM - Art 101
- 4:15-5PM - Thought Bubble Guild: Travel
- 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
Another Tree We Would Rather Not Have in Golden – Siberian Elm
Figure 1. A. Winter buds on small twigs (Santa Fe, NM). B. Mature leaves. C. Fruit and juvenile leaves (Arizona). D. Mature tree (Abo Ruins, Mountainair, NM). All images from iNaturalist.
By Tom Schweich
A third tree we would rather not have in Golden is the Siberian elm — Ulmus pumila L. It is called the Siberian elm because Linnaeus wrote in the first modern flora, Species Plantarum, that the tree grew in Siberia. Today, we know the native range of Siberian elm extends from Kazakhstan through southern Siberia to Korea.
Siberian elm is easy to recognize, even in winter because the buds look like little balls closely spaced along the smaller branches (Figure 1A). The mature leaves are small with a serrate margin (a single row of saw-like teeth, Figure 1B). The fruit is a samara, like maple trees, except that the wing surrounds the seed (Figure 1C). The wing makes it easy for the seeds to fly around the neighborhood in the wind and explains why there are Siberian elm seedlings in our gardens every spring. The tree has an irregularly furrowed gray bark, and the limbs often grow at odd angles (Figure 1D).
Siberian elm was first introduced to North America in the 1860s as an ornamental tree valued for hardiness, rapid growth, and tolerance of cold and drought. It appeared in 19th-century U. S. Nursery catalogs, so wide distribution began quite early. The oldest record of Siberian elm in Colorado is from Colorado Agricultural College, now Colorado State University – Fort Collins, in 1923. The tree was thought to be about 10 years old at the time (Longyear, 1923).
After the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s, the USDA encouraged Siberian elm in shelterbelts and windbreak plantings across the Great Plains because it was thought to protect soil and livestock from harsh winds and drought (Klingaman, 1999). Through the mid-20th century, it was sold commercially as a shade and hedge tree and widely planted in towns and cities for quick cover and ornamental purposes.
Siberian elm is now considered invasive in many parts of the United States; it escapes cultivation and spreads into prairies, riparian areas, grasslands, and disturbed sites in at least 25 states (USDA, 2025). Dense colonies of seedlings can displace native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and alter community structure. The tree can resprout from stumps and roots, making it difficult to eradicate once it is established. Urban and roadside plantings have been criticized because Siberian elms have brittle wood and poor form, producing weak branches that break easily, especially in windstorms.
I had thought that Siberian elm was poorly adapted to the dry conditions of our Colorado climate. It turns out that it is not true; the tree will thrive in very dry climates though in times of extreme stress major branches or even the crown will die back to the trunk.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has declared Siberian elm a List C Noxious Weed because it is widespread, well-established, and highly invasive, yet not mandated for state-level eradication. Instead, the state provides resources for voluntary management, while local governments may require control. City staff are currently working on Golden’s first Local Noxious Weed Management Plan.
There are no elms that are native to Colorado. However, the American elm (Ulmus americana L.) is native to adjacent states of Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming (POWO, 2026). The earliest record in Colorado was also found on the campus of Colorado Agricultural College (Cowen, 1893). Linnaeus (1753) knew of American elm from records made in Virginia.
I have received a few nominations for other trees we would rather not have in Golden, such as Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana Decne.), though I think it might be time to write about native trees we would like to have, just to balance things out.
References
Cowen, J. 1893. Ulmus americana L. CS154003. Date: 1893-06-19. Locality: United States, Colorado, Larimer County, College grounds. Biodiversity occurrence data published by: SEINet - AZ/NM Node. https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/collections/individual/index.php?occid=515014
Klingaman, G. (1999). Plant of the Week: Siberian Elm. Extension News, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture. https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/siberian-elm.aspx
Linne´, Carl von. 1753. Species Plantarum. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/358245#page/238/
Longyear, B. O. 1923. Ulmus pumila L. CS190072. Date: 1923-04-27 Locality: United States, Colorado, Larimer County, C.A.C. Arboretum. Biodiversity occurrence data published by: SEINet - AZ/NM Node. https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/collections/individual/index.php?occid=27215750
POWO, 2026. Ulmus americana L. Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:304464-2
USDA. 2025. Siberian elm. Weed of the Week. https://www.invasive.org/weedcd/pdfs/wow/siberian-elm.pdf
2-3PM Virtual: Active Minds Monday
Today’s theme: Harriet Tubman
Born a slave in Maryland around 1820, Harriet Tubman escaped to freedom in 1849 and became the most famous “conductor” of the Underground Railroad that led slaves to freedom through a complex system of secret people and places. Nicknamed “Moses” for her efforts, she made over 19 trips and helped free hundreds. Join Active Minds as we review her life and legacy, including her efforts fighting in the Civil War and later fighting for Women’s Suffrage.
Save your spot for this Zoom program.
4-5PM Art 101 @ Foothills Art Center - Creative Campus
Art 101 is for beginners and artists getting back to their art after a time away. Join artist John Passaro as we explore the basics of creation in an ongoing exciting month-to-month journey. Everyone is welcome. You’ll find us a warm and supportive group enjoying our weekly get-togethers.
Whether you’re looking for a particular medium to express yourself, or if you already work in acrylics, oils, watercolor, drawing, or fabric, the ideas remain the same: color, dark and light, composition, line, and more.
This class meets weekly in March (except 3/2). Register
Location:
Foothills Art Center - Creative Campus
809 15th Street (Map)
4:15-5PM Thought Bubble Guild: Travel @ Golden Library
Traditional text isn't the only way to read! Teens are invited to share their favorite graphic novels, comics, and manga with fellow fans at this nontraditional book club. After a quick book chat, teens will get to make and enjoy gourmet popcorn with their choice of mix-ins.
Teens can choose any illustrated story that fits the theme of book versus film, or investigate the suggested reading.
ONLY teens in 6th through 12th grade will be allowed into this program. Please be respectful of this age limit for safety and to encourage peer learning with other teens.
Suggested Reading: A First Time for Everything: A True Story by Dan Santat More information
Location:
Golden Library
1019 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.
Welcome New Member
Rob Reed completed his term on City Council in January, so Don Cameron will take over as the City Council representative on GURA.
Grant Request
The owner of the apartment building at 2401 East Street (map) recently removed a concrete wall separating the building's courtyard from the street. He now plans to landscape the courtyard and add planters along the street. (pp. 9-15 of the meeting packet)
Small Business Support
In response to the power shutdown in December, the City's economic development programs are offering financial assistance to help businesses and residents purchase power backup devices. GURA staff is recommending grants of $1,000 to businesses in the various GURA areas. This would cover 78 businesses in the West Colfax area ($78,000), 13 businesses in the Central Neighborhoods are ($13,000), and 1 business (the Eddy Hotel) in the Parfet Briarwood area ($1,000). They are also budgeting money for some kind of area-wide backup power: $100,000 in West Colfax, $30,000 in Central Neighborhoods, and $66,000 in Parfet Briarwood. (pp.3-5 of the meeting packet)
New GURA Areas
They have completed a blight study for the Nazarene Church property (map), where developers plan to build affordable housing.
They will issue an RFP for companies to perform a blight study on the ranch land at the north end of Golden (map), which was annexed into the City in December. (pp. 16-24 of the meeting packet)
New Housing Project
Staff is negotiating a tax increment agreement with developers who plan to build a new affordable housing project at 17200 W. Colfax (map).
Location:
City Hall Council Chambers
911 10th Street (Map)
Restaurant Week
Denver Restaurant Week is happening right now, and several Golden restaurants are participating. Each will offer multi-course meals at four price points: $25, $35, $45 and $55.
Cast Iron Tavern - Menu (Closed on Tuesday)
Footprints at Fossil Trace - Menu
Indulge Bistro & Wine Bar - Menu
Nomad Taqueria + Beer Garden - Menu
Nosu Ramen - Menu (Closed on Monday)
It's a good opportunity to try a new place!
The Golden Word - 03/09/26
Golden History: Coal to Gas to Coal
Golden Transcript - March 9, 1977
Click to enlarge
49 Years Ago
The March 9, 1977 Golden Transcript reported that Coors was building a temporary bridge across Clear Creek. This was in preparation for delivery of a new coal-fired boiler.
In 1970, the plant had converted to natural gas, to improve their emissions. By 1977, in response to the "Energy Crisis" of that decade, they were reverting to coal. They were meeting emissions requirements by burning low-sulfur coal, using a coal gasification process, and installing improved air filters on their stacks.
Weather
Overnight: Mostly clear. Low around 45, with temperatures rising to around 50 overnight. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 67. West southwest wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear. Low around 43, with temperatures rising to around 46 overnight. West southwest wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly Clear, 43°F
Tuesday: Mostly Sunny, 70°F
Tuesday Night: Partly Cloudy, 35°F
Wednesday: Mostly Sunny, 56°F
Wednesday Night: Partly Cloudy, 43°F
Thursday: Partly Sunny, 67°F
Thursday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 47°F
Friday: Partly Sunny, 70°F
Friday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 46°F
Saturday: Partly Sunny, 72°F
Saturday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 48°F
Sunday: Chance Light Rain, 64°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 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, Marge Frueh. Nannette Johnson, Edgar Walker, Bivy Beer Bar, and Nancy Cooper
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, Chris Toney, and Alicia Zimmerman
