CSU Extension Gilpin County

06/16/2026

Attention Gilpin! The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for portions of the county tomorrow, Wednesday, June 17, from 12 noon until 8 pm.

Gilpin County remains under Stage 1 fire restrictions. Please do your part to reduce the chance of fires by following guidelines set forth by the Gilpin County Sheriff's Office.

Very warm and dry conditions combined with west to northwest winds gusting up to 50 mph will result in critical fire weather conditions Wednesday afternoon and early evening for the mountains and mountain valleys.

06/16/2026

Experience an exclusive hike in Denver Mountain Parks' newest property - Axton Ranch - not yet open to the public!

This 1.5 mile loop hike is easy and kid friendly. During the hike, we will discuss the history of and future plans for Axton Ranch, as well as learn about plants, trees, and wetland ecosystems.

When: Thursday, June 25, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Gilpin County Community Center, 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk (participants will bus together to the site)

Read more and register early as space is limited: https://col.st/gq95l

Gilpin Extension is excited to partner with Gilpin County Parks & Recreation to host this event.

06/11/2026

REMINDER - SATURDAY!

Join us for a FREE workshop that explores water – our most valuable resource. We will discuss the current drought status in Colorado, the impact on Gilpin County, and the county’s ongoing response. We will also discuss residential conservation practices to reduce indoor and outdoor water use, as well as rainwater collection laws and practical applications for mountain communities.

Presented by Extension Director Jennifer Cook and Master Gardener volunteers.

When: SATURDAY, June 13, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Where: Gilpin County Exhibit Barn, 230 Norton Drive, Black Hawk

REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE A SPOT: https://col.st/nr4za

06/09/2026

If you're looking for volunteer opportunities this summer, here's one right in our backyard. Help preserve the natural beauty of the James Peak Wilderness by pulling oxeye daisies - a List B Colorado noxious w**d - with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC).

Despite how cute they look, oxeye daisies pose a significant threat as invasive w**ds. For over two decades, VOC volunteers have removed thousands of flowers and seeds from the East Portal access point to the James Peak Wilderness. By joining this crucial effort, volunteers will help protect native plants and prevent the invasive w**d from encroaching deeper into the Wilderness Area.

Gilpin Extension will be on-site to provide education and help with identification.

Space is limited so register by July 22. Additional information and registration can be found at the link below.

These weekday VOC projects have a limited number of group spots available and are a great way to give back while spending time outdoors.

06/05/2026

Heads up Gilpin County! Knowingly placing food or edible waste in a location accessible to bears is now a misdemeanor offense.

A few easy steps around your home can reduce human-black bear conflicts, protect the health and safety of both, and help avoid potential violations/fines:

- Close and lock all bear-accessible windows and doors (including homes, garages, and vehicles); consider replacing exterior lever-style door handles with round door k***s
- Contain and secure household trash; never leave containers (even if empty) outside overnight
- Remove food or scented items from vehicles
- Avoid using bird feeders from mid-March through early November; alternatively place feeders in inaccessible locations and keep the ground underneath free of seed

Home News Releases Governor Polis signs 'negligently luring bears' bill to enhance enforceability of state statute Governor Polis signs 'negligently luring bears' bill to enhance enforceability of state statute Statewide Share: John Livingston Southwest Region Public Information Officer 970-759-9590...

06/03/2026

REPORT: Pine beetle destruction expands dramatically on Front Range

"Aerial survey data from the USDA Forest Service and CSFS show that mountain pine beetles are spreading in ponderosa pine forests on the Front Range. These forests contain highly populated, high wildfire risk areas with many trees susceptible to this native insect. Mountain pine beetles impacted 5,544 acres of pine forests in a nine-county area of the Front Range in 2025, compared to 2,236 acres across this same area in 2024 – a 148% increase."

“What we’re seeing with mountain pine beetles along the Front Range isn’t cause for panic, but it is a reminder to stay vigilant and get to work,” said Matt McCombs, state forester and director of the Colorado State Forest Service. “Using good science and strong partnerships, we can build forests and communities that are more resilient in the long run.”

Colorado’s top forest health concern is a mountain pine beetle outbreak on the Front Range that has expanded by nearly 150% from 2024 to 2025, according to a Colorado State Forest Service report.

06/02/2026

Join us for a FREE workshop that explores water – our most valuable resource. We will discuss the current drought status in Colorado, the impact on Gilpin County, and the county’s ongoing response. We will also discuss residential conservation practices to reduce indoor and outdoor water use, as well as rainwater collection laws and practical applications for mountain communities.

Presented by Extension Director Jennifer Cook and Master Gardener volunteers.

When: Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Where: Gilpin County Exhibit Barn, 230 Norton Drive, Black Hawk

REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE A SPOT: https://col.st/nr4za

05/29/2026

The Gilpin County Community Garden has plots available for the 2026 season!

Details: three (3) in-ground plots (12.5 ft by 4 ft), $5 fee (yes just $5!), water/fertilizer/amazing view provided; gardeners provide seeds/plants and green thumb.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact [email protected], 303-582-9106.

05/28/2026

FRIDAY!

Join us for a FREE workshop that explores various composting systems appropriate for the mountains. We will discuss construction and maintenance of a successful compost setup and how to avoid problems with wildlife. To apply the principles discussed, attendees will participate in hands-on demonstrations of indoor vermicomposting (composting with worms) as well as maintenance of an outdoor compost pile.

Presented by Extension Director Jennifer Cook and Master Gardener volunteers Nancy and Jane. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather as a portion of the workshop will be held outdoors.

When: Friday, May 29, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Where: Gilpin Exhibit Barn, 230 Norton Drive, Black Hawk

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUESTED: https://col.st/dp5k3

05/27/2026

Are you interested in gardening in Colorado? Maybe you're new to our unique climate and landscape and not sure where to start? Or you're a seasoned gardener but tackling a specific issue or project this year?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, Plant Talk Colorado is a great resource for you. There you can find research based gardening information for the diverse Colorado climate. From informational pages to videos and webinars, they've truly got it all (incluyendo contenido en español).

Check it out!

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), detected in Boulder, Westminster and Larimer county, is a nonnative insect with no natural enemies to keep it in check.