Peak Environment

Need to know where to take items like metals and electronics? Look to Colorado Industrial Recycling and ITAD Electronics for your needs. These businesses help make our region more sustainable and resilient by recycling challenging items.Want your business to be more resilient? Check out the Colorado Green Business Network! They offer free information and assistance to help your business to reduce energy, water and waste, save money, and thrive.Host Mary Barber welcomes Bryan Valentine of ITAD Electronics Recyclers, Andy O’Riley of Colorado Industrial Recycling, and Konrad Schlarbaum of the Colorado Green Business Network for this May/June Sustainability in Progress discussion.LINKS:ITAD Electronics Recyclers: https://www.ierpro.comColorado Industrial Recycling, Inc: https://www.coloradoindustrialrecycling.comColorado Green Business Network: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/dehs/sustainability/cgbnSustainability in Progress is a program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future.The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's 2030 Sustainability Plan (PPR2030) https://peakallianceco.org/rsp/ through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at https://peakallianceco.orgThe following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/350 Colorado Springs https://350colorado.org/colorado-springs/GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.orgKeep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

Stuck on how to grow food in our region of Southern Colorado? Don’t know where to start? Feeling overwhelmed? Or shoot, do you just want to pick good local food up? Peak Environment Cohost Ally Richardson joins Kristie Taylor at Vermijo Community Garden to talk about how the garden is transforming more than just the landscape. It’s sparking a movement, cultivating connections, and nourishing more than just vegetables. Featured in This Episode:Vermijo Community GardenContact: Kristie Taylor | vermijogarden@gmail.comFind the garden on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575044404344 and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vermijocommunitygardencos/Partnered with Flying Pig Farm https://flyingpigmanitou.org/Volunteer Day: Last Saturday of every month—drop in and lend a hand! Find Community Gardens Near Youhttps://coloradosprings.gov/gardenshttps://www.communitygardensppr.com/home A Mom’s Guide to SurviveThis nonprofit empowers Colorado Springs moms with resources, support, and a sense of community. Check out the Mothers Guide To Survive events on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/amomsguidetosurvive. Sankofa Community OrchardLocated in Richmond, Virginia, this five-acre green oasis is dedicated to food justice and climate resilience, featuring over 100 fruit trees. Learn more at https://thenaturalfestival.com/sankofa/. Pro Tip: Mulch!Mulching is essential for building healthy soil and conserving water in our dry climate. Free mulch is available in a pile next to the train tracks near 1401 Recreation Way, courtesy of Colorado Springs Park & Recreation Department. Upcoming Permaculture WorkshopSoil for Every GardenDate: Saturday, August 2nd, 2025Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PMLocation: Vermijo Community GardenStruggling with high-altitude gardening or pests like grasshoppers? Join this interactive two-hour class to learn about building resilient soil and practical pest control techniques. Each participant will take home a jar of homemade garlic spray. Register at http://wildoasispermaculture.com/.This episode was produced by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a sponsor and content partner with Studio 809 Podcasts. Visit http://pikespeakpermaculture.org/ for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture design – certifications, workshops, classes, field trips, and networking.The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/https://350colorado.org/GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.orgKeep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

The state of housing affordability and attainability in Colorado Springs, and what the Pikes Peak Housing Network is doing to improve it. “Colorado Springs and El Paso County aren't building enough homes that typical buyers can afford, while smaller houses and other types of housing options are needed to make housing more attainable for many people, including young adults… and seniors….” That’s the conclusion of a recent report by the Pikes Peak Housing Network. Jill Gaebler, Executive Director, tells us about how the PPHN is meeting the challenge of supporting “innovative and collaborative solutions to promote housing affordability, access and production” in the Pikes Peak Region. The Network’s mission involves advocating for sustainability principles like infill and redevelopment and access to transportation options, employment and living wages, cultural activities, green space, and more. Affordable, accessible housing is key to the establishment of a regional culture and resilient, sustainable built environment essential to a healthy economy, quality of life, attractive workforce environment, and personal health now and in the future.LINKS:Pikes Peak Housing Network: https://pphousingnetwork.org2024 State of Housing Report: https://pphousingnetwork.org/2024-PPHN-State-of-Housing-Report-1.pdfThis episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on May 21, 2025. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The next event is:Regional Transportation Planning UpdateJohn Liosatos, Transportation Director of Pikes Peak Area Council of GovernmentsJacob Matsen, Planning and Operations Supervisor for Mountain Metropolitan TransitJune 18, 2025Noon to 1 p.m.Virtual. Register here to get link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pEktJ5xCR7O2PjS3265dSgThe following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/350 Colorado https://350colorado.org/GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.orgKeep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

What do 68 monitoring sites and over $1.3 million annual investment in data collection tell us about Fountain Creek? Colorado Springs Utilities water quality expert Annie Berlemann provides some answers. She is Fountain Creek Watershed Project Manager for the utility.Fountain Creek is one of Colorado’s most closely monitored and ecologically diverse waterways—spanning urban neighborhoods, rural landscapes, and natural ecosystems from the top of Pikes Peak to Pueblo. The Fountain Creek Watershed tells a complex story of resilience, risk, and recovery. From the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires to the “Miracle May” floods – discover what it takes to track and improve water health for both people and wildlife, including the native Flathead chub, a species of special concern.LINKS:Presenter’s Slides: https://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Watershed-101-and-Water-Quality.pdfColorado Springs Utilities: https://www.csu.org/This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on April 16, 2025. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month.The next event is:Home Grown – Built to Live, Love, Last - Jill Gaebler of Pikes Peak Housing NetworkMay 21, 2025, Noon to 1 p.m., VirtualRegister: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QFVcv-2VRZGvEovtDnV9cQThe following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/350 Colorado https://350colorado.org/GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.orgKeep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

A panel discussion with Fountain Creek Watershed District Executive Director Alli Schuch and Jim O’Donnell, author of Fountain Creek: Big Lessons from a Little River, followed by a dynamic community conversation.Alli provides an overview of watershed basics and shares insights on the current state of Fountain Creek. She highlights future opportunities and challenges facing the watershed.Jim dives into key themes from his new book. Together, they explore environmental issues, community engagement, and the economic and cultural dimensions of the watershed—while offering a forward-looking perspective.Mary Barber of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future hosts, while Allen Beauchamp of Trails and Open Space Coalition moderates. Melody Daugherty delivers the land acknowledgment and blessing.Presenters’ Slides: https://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Complete-Presenters-Slides-SIP-March-19-2025.pdfThanks to These Hosts & Sponsors:Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future: https://peakallianceco.org/Fountain Creek Watershed District: https://www.fountain-crk.org/El Paso County Parks and Recreation: https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/parks-and-recreation/Fountain Creek Nature Center: https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/fountain-creek-nature-center/Peak Environment podcast: https://studio809podcasts.com/podcasts/peak-environment/ Thanks to These Participating Community Organizations:Colorado Springs Stormwater: https://coloradosprings.gov/stormwater-enterpriseCOS Creek Plan: https://coscreekplan.org/Trails and Open Space Coalition: https://www.trailsandopenspaces.org/Pikes Peak Chapter of Trout Unlimited: https://www.ppctu.org/ Jim O'Donnell, MCRP, CPDFreelance Writer/PhotographerFountain Creek: Big Lessons from a Little River https://www.aroundtheworldineightyyears.com/books/fountain-creek/http://aroundtheworldineightyyears.comhttp://www.jimodonnellphotography.com/This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on March 19, 2025. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The next event is:Fountain Creek Water Quality – What the Data Tells UsHow fire, flood, drought, and human development are shaping the watershed—and how partnerships and science are helping to protect it. In this Earth Week presentation, water quality expert Annie Berlemann shares what we know from 68 monitoring sites.April 16, 2025Virtual only, noon to 1 p.m.Register here to get the link:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Oan8kU2MR02EG_nmOT4J7QThanks to these Peak Environment sponsors: Pikes Peak PermacultureVisit pikespeakpermaculture.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking.Old Town Bike Shop - your local bike shop since 1976The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/350 Colorado https://350colorado.org/GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.orgKeep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

Components of nature connection and the basic skills that everyone's ancestors practiced. Host/co-producer Ally Richardson and guests Iraiah & Austin – who run Smokebrush’s Earth Skill Club – talk about facilitating opportunities in our local community to foster deeper connections, not only with fellow humans but with all living things in our surrounding ecosystems. Deeply engage your senses, so together we can witness how living closely with our earth is practical, accessible, & tangible. Tune in to explore how these ancient practices can enrich our modern lives.Mentioned in this episode:Join Earth Skill Club for three hands-on classes— 2nd Saturday of the month all spring long! ⏰12:30 pm - 2:30  Fiber & Cordage - March 8th. Learn the basics of fiber processing through cordage making, an essential for making tools, shelter, and clothing from the earth. Learn how to make rope with the help of your friends, tie knots to create proper leverage, and create an ultralight backpack tie. Stone & Bone Tools - April 12th. Dive into the art of crafting tools from materials such bone and stone all stemming from the simplest of measures - a sharp edge. Play with nature as we create our own biodegradable, primitive cutting devices. Tap into curiosity as we listen to the density of rock’s sounds, observing what they can tell us to discover their best uses. Friction Fire Building - May 10th. Ignite your instincts and get a work out as we tap into the age-old skill of fire building, a cornerstone of surviving and thriving. Practice creating a fire with sticks through the power of hand and bow drill friction kits, using different local woods to birth the coal that will provide nourishment to our bird nest kindling.Earth Skill Club on Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/people/EarthSkills-of-Manitou/100086610595176/Earth Skill Club on Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/earthskills_of_manitou/ Rocky Mountain Highway's Meadowgrass Music Festival May 23, 10am - May 25 · 11:30pm    https://meadowgrass.org/Be sure to check out Smokebrush's Puppet Show!Listen to last year’s Studio 809 podcast about Meadowgrass here: https://rockymountainhighway.org/meadowgrass-2024-featured-on-studio-809-podcast/ Pikes Peak Permaculture’s The Seed Garden Class March 15, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm   Go to https://pikespeakpermaculture.org or click here to register: https://form.jotform.com/250237033443043Join us for this class and discussion on the value of seeds. Learn about seed starting and saving techniques and participate in a seed swap. Learn the value of climate adaptation and landrace development in seed stock and how it helps to strengthen community food sheds. Build community and meet great people who face the same perils of gardening our region as you do. An Amazing List of Resources our guests recommend! Check them out at your local library.1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus, Book by Charles C. MannTending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources, Book by Kat AndersonWhat the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World, Book by Jon Young Eavesdropping on Animals: What We Can Learn From Wildlife Conversations, Book by George BumannForgotten Fires: Native Americans and the Transient Wilderness, Book by Omer StewartEdible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains, Book by Harold HarringtonMedicinal Plants of the Mountain West, Book by Michael MooreMammal Tracks & Sign: A Guide to North American Species, Book by Mark ElbrochParticipating in Nature: Wilderness Survival and Primitive Living Skills, Book by Thomas J. ElpelAnimal Tracking Fundamentals: Animal Track Identification, Flashcards by Silva TrackingColorado Wildflowers Search, Free App by Steve Sullivan (has a Columbine as the app image) A big thank you to sponsors:Old Town Bike Shop – your local bike shop since 1976         http://oldtownbikeshop.com/And thanks to Becky Elder for her support. You can provide support here.  https://www.patreon.com/studio809 This episode was produced by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a content partner with Studio 809 Podcasts. Visit https://pikespeakpermaculture.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture design – certifications, workshops, classes, field trips, and networking.The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/https://350colorado.org/GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.orgKeep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

Chelsea and Melissa at 350 Colorado discuss hope and art, in addition to specifics on exciting events in CO Springs coming up in 2025. This episode is a must listen! Also discussed: COP29 Climate Lobby Day – Friday, March 7 350 Colorado is the largest Colorado-based grassroots network focused on taking action to stop climate change. It’s an independent state affiliate of 350.org, the well-known global organization. Learn more at http://350colorado.org/, or email Melissa @ melissa@350colorado.org, and Chelsea @ chelsea@350colorado.org The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ 350 Colorado https://350colorado.org/ GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:

Learn how local arts nonprofit Concrete Couch has turned a concrete dump into a community asset – a park and learning center. Caitlin Hannigan and Jorge Estevez also share how Concrete Couch has contributed to increasing interest and engagement in the arts and sustainability in Colorado Springs. Concrete Couch is a nonprofit that works with kids and community groups to create public art, build community, and create environments and experiences that humanize our world. Speakers: Caitlin Hannigan is the Education Director at Concrete Couch. She was raised in Colorado Springs and worked as a teacher in China before working at Concrete Couch. Over the last 4-years she has worked with Concrete Couch to help make Concrete Coyote into a 7-acre community park and helped design and develop educational programming for community members. Dr. Jorge Estevez is an instructor with Concrete Couch. He has a doctorate in physics. He is passionate about trees, biking and the Colorado Springs community. With his work at Concrete Couch, he has helped plant over 50 native trees and plants and build over 2 miles of hiking and biking trails. This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on October 16, 2024. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free), normally the third Wednesday of every month. The next event is: November 13, 2024 John Olson of Urban Landscapes LLC Register here to receive Zoom link LINKS: Presenters' Slides Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future Concrete Couch Thanks to these Peak Environment sponsors: Pikes Peak Permaculture Visit https://pikespeakpermaculture.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking. Old Town Bike Shop - your local bike shop since 1976 https://www.oldtownbikeshop.com/ The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at https://peakallianceco.org/. The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: