The Arch in May
Photo by Richard Luckin
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Monday, May. 11th
- 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 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
- 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
Shrubs for Golden’s Climate – Three-Leaf Sumac
Figure 1. Three-Leaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata Nuttall ex Torrey & Gray). A. Leaves, B. Flowers. C. Fruit. D. Large three-leaf sumac along Eagle Ridge Drive in Golden. Copyright images from iNaturalist.
By Tom Schweich
With Stage 1 water restrictions now a regular part of life in Golden, it makes sense to ask not just how to water our landscapes—but what we should be planting in the first place.
One shrub that checks nearly every box is three-leaf sumac (Rhus trilobata Nuttall ex Torrey & Gray), a tough, adaptable native that already thrives on the hillsides around town
Three-leaf sumac earns its name from its distinctive three-lobed leaves, which emerge glossy green in spring. Small, greenish-yellow flowers appear just as the leaves unfold, followed by clusters of fuzzy red berries on female plants later in the summer. In fall, the shrub turns a brilliant mix of red and orange. Crush the leaves, and you’ll notice the strong scent that gives rise to one of its common names, skunkbush
This is not a delicate plant. Three-leaf sumac ranges from West Texas to California and north through the Rockies into the northern plains. Around Golden, it’s everywhere once you start looking—along trails, on dry slopes, and tucked into open spaces—quietly succeeding without irrigation or care.
It goes by many names: three-leaf sumac, skunkbush, sourberry, and lemonade sumac, a nod to the tart flavor of its fruit. In the Southwest, it’s often called “lemita,” likely derived from limón, reflecting that same citrus quality. An older name, “squawbush,” has rightly fallen out of use.
The plant was first collected in the Rockies in 1834 by the botanist Thomas Nuttall during his journey west. His work was later published by John Torrey and Asa Gray (1838), which is why their names remain attached to the scientific name today.
Three-leaf sumac is in the family Anacardiaceae (ana-car-di-A-see-ee), a medium-sized family of flowering plants. It contains about 800 species and is commonly known as the cashew or sumac family. The family is economically significant, containing staples like mangos, cashews, and pistachios.
In the landscape, three-leaf sumac can grow 2 to 8 feet tall in its natural form, but it’s also available in more controlled varieties. ‘Autumn Amber’ stays low—about 1 to 2 feet tall—and spreads outward, making it useful for groundcover or stabilizing slopes. For similar purposes, gardeners often use ‘Gro-Low,’ a related species (Rhus aromatica) that fills much the same niche.
Like many native shrubs, it rewards patience. It may take a couple of years to become established, but after that, it largely takes care of itself.
Three-leaf sumac is often included in fire-wise landscaping lists. While no shrub is fireproof, it tends to hold more moisture and contains fewer flammable oils than many common ornamental plants. Combined with its drought tolerance, that makes it a practical choice in a warming, drying climate (Carter, et al., 2023; Idaho Firewise, 2017).
People have found value in this plant for centuries. Its flexible stems were used in basketry, its berries for dyes, and in some traditions the fruit was mixed with meat and fat to make pemmican. (Anderson, 2004).
In a time when water is limited and conditions are becoming more extreme, planting species that already belong here is a practical step we can take. Three-leaf sumac may not be the showiest shrub at the garden center, but it offers something better: resilience. It has been quietly thriving on the Front Range long before our neighborhoods were built—and it will likely continue to do so long after.
References
Anderson, Michelle D. 2004. Rhus trilobata. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/shrub/rhutri/all.html
Carter, S., N. Goeckner, C. Julian, L. Langelo, I. Shonle and C. Dennis. 2023. Low-Flammability Landscape Plants. Fact Sheet 6.305. Colorado State University Extension. https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CSFS_CSU-Ext_Fact-Sheets_LFLP_FINAL_web.pdf
Idaho Firewise. 2017. Fire Resistance of Plants Master Database. https://idahofirewise.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/FireXResistanceXofXPlantsXMasterXDatabase.pdf
Torrey, John, and Asa Gray. 1838-1843. A flora of North America: containing abridged descriptions of all the known indigenous and naturalized plants growing north of Mexico, arranged according to the natural system. 1-2. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/ item/27717#page/241/
2-3PM Virtual: Active Minds Monday
Today’s topic: Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart was a pioneering American aviator famous for her numerous flight records, including being the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932. However, Earhart disappeared in 1937 over the central Pacific Ocean during an attempted circumnavigation of the globe, a mystery that continues to this day. Join Active Minds as we explore the life of this remarkable woman.
Save your spot for this Zoom program
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.
West Colfax URA Projects
Representatives from the Public Works department will provide an update on the Lena Gulch flood mitigation and West Colfax complete street projects. GURA has committed $200K for the Lena Gulch project and $700K for the complete street. "Complete Street" usually means adding a bike lane and sidewalk. Staff continues discussions with a developer who plans to build affordable housing at 17200 West Colfax (map).
Enlarging the GURA Board
In response to state legislation, GURA is required to increase the side of their board from 7 to 13. This increase was triggered by adding a new Urban Renewal Area (the Nazarene Church property). In the past, when an urban renewal area was created, not only the county but the school district and any special taxing districts lost out on property tax revenue. This new legislation gives them a seat at the table. The current board consists of 7 Golden residents. The enlarged board will include 13 Golden residents plus "1 seat each for Jefferson County, Jeffco School District, and a representative for all other special taxing districts (Mile High Flood is the only other for Golden)."
Appointing a New Executive Director
The City's Economic Development manager position has been vacant for more than a year. The Planning Director, Rick Muriby, has been filling in as the Acting Executive Director for GURA. Now that the City has hired a new Economic Development Manager, they will ask the GURA board to appoint the new EDM as GURA's Executive Director.
The Junction
GURA is hiring a consultant to work on the Junction property (newly annexed area at the north end of town). They hope to make this the next urban renewal area.
Power Resilience
There will be a June 3rd meeting for Golden businesses to learn more about power resilience. This is a response to the power shutdown the weekend before Christmas, which was hard on Golden merchants.
Location:
City Hall Council Chambers
911 10th Street (Map)
When:
5:30PM on Monday, May. 11th
The Golden Word - 05/11/26
Golden History: The Once and Future Bridge
14th and Ford - no bridge! - Google Satellite Image
Click to enlarge
115 Years Ago
The May 11, 1911 Colorado Transcript summarized business conducted at the recent City Council meeting. Among the items transacted was this interesting topic:
Alderman Curry, chairman of the street committee, reported on the various bridges reported in bad condition at the previous meeting. The big bridge at the corner of Ford and Fourteenth street seems to be in need of immediate attention, the piling and trusses being nearly rotted away. The replacing of this bridge will require considerable expenditure. Further investigation is to be made this week, and at the next meeting it is hoped that estimates will be forthcoming.
What "big bridge"? There is no bridge at Ford and 14th today. This sent me back to old maps and photos of that area.
A look at the 1873 Birdseye View Map of Golden shows that there was a bridge at that intersection at one time. It went over Kinney Run, a small stream that runs most of the year.
This photograph from the early 20th century shows that the bridge was "big," extending well beyond the width of Ford Street. The fact that Kinney Run ran diagonally to the street network made it awkward to bridge.
In 1959, the City "undergrounded" Kinney Run and built streets over it, thus eliminating the need for a bridge at 14th and Ford.
A few years ago, Coors began disinterring Kinney Run where it ran through their property. By providing such a large trench, they removed some of their property from the flood plain.
The City hopes to extend this project farther south. The rendering above shows a rather hazy view of the 14th and Ford intersection, but it appears that the "big bridge" (or more likely a big culvert) will be making a come-back.
Weather
Overnight: Mostly clear. Low around 49, with temperatures rising to around 53 overnight. West wind around 8 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 84. East southeast wind 2 to 9 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear. Low around 57, with temperatures rising to around 61 overnight. West northwest wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly Clear, 57°F
Tuesday: Sunny, 80°F
Tuesday Night: Mostly Clear, 56°F
Wednesday: Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 87°F
Wednesday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 63°F
Thursday: Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 85°F
Thursday Night: Partly Cloudy, 57°F
Friday: Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 80°F
Friday Night: Chance Rain Showers then Partly Cloudy, 55°F
Saturday: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 80°F
Saturday Night: Partly Cloudy, 56°F
Sunday: Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 78°F
News About Golden - May 11, 2026
Demon Dynasty: Golden baseball wins 6th straight conference title
By Dennis Pleuss
CHSAA
LITTLETON — Golden junior Dylan Paulson made a pretty solid final argument for being the MVP for the Class 4A/3A Jeffco League on Saturday afternoon.
Paulson went 4-for-4 from the plate, including a leadoff home run in the regular-season finale for Golden on the road against Dakota Ridge. He also threw a complete-game victory on the mound giving up just one run on a pair of hits while striking out 10 batters in the Demons’ 11-1 win... 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 or $1,175/year)
Buffalo Rose, Buglet Battery, Foothills Art Center, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Clothilde Elingbow, Michael Mason, Earth Sweet Boutique, and Colorado Railroad Museum
Friends:
($50-99.99/month or $575/yr)
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, 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, Unite Fitness, 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, and Golden PT & Pilates
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, 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, Nancy Cooper, Jane & Mike Templeton, and Vicki Greivel
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, Alicia Zimmerman, Tamara Feucht, and Carie Chimbel
