Non-runners, get to work!

If you're not running the Ascent on Saturday - or working it, or cheering on a beloved runner - why not lend a hand on a beloved trail?

Former OT writer Deb Acord sends word that volunteers are needed to work Saturday, Aug. 18, at Aiken Canyon Preserve.

You'll repair water bars, trim overgrown vegetation in the parking area, and remove non-native weeds.

You should take your own work gloves and wear sturdy shoes. Work starts at 8 a.m. and a potluck will follow at noon in the Aiken Canyon Field Station.

To get to Aiken Canyon, take Highway 115 south to Turkey Canyon Ranch Road (watch for Army sign). Turn right, and then right again into the Aiken parking lot.

For more info, e-mail Deb at dacord@tnc.org.

If you plan to go, please let Deb know; I'm sure it'll help with planning for that day.

More blooming beauties

Out There friend Rhonda Van Pelt was working on a trail in Aiken Canyon on Saturday. She says there's an amazing display of wildflowers, and she sent these pix.



This looks like a mountain bluebell in my book. It's pretty and fairylike, regardless. No, says OT friend Zen, they're "Leather Flower in the genus Clematis L. which are in the buttercup family."



The paintbrush is really vibrant set against these tiny violet blooms. Rhonda says when she was a kid they called them wild snapdragons. Our friend Zen says: "Based on the leaf structure, the one labeled snapdragon looks an American Vetch sometimes called a Climbing Vetch. Vetches are in the pea family and there are tons of variations making it very difficult to get an exact identification."




Aiken Canyon can use some more friends like Rhonda. Workdays are the third Saturdays of the month. Rhonda says the gang meets at the visitors center between 8 and 8:30 a.m. and heads out with tools (furnished) about 9 a.m. They get back about noon and enjoy a potluck lunch with plenty of beverages (adult and otherwise).

Forgot to label the prickly poppy. Purdy.


How to find Aiken Canyon: From Interstate 25, take exit 135 (Academy Boulevard) to get to Highway 115. Go south 11.5 miles to Turkey Canyon Ranch Road (0.1 mile south of milepost 32, across the highway from the sign for the Turkey Canyon Recreation Area). Turn right (west) and drive 200 yards to the preserve parking area on the right, and watch for the Nature Conservancy sign

Do you love Red Rock Canyon?

Show it.
Join the Springs parks people and construct a trail Saturday. Get there by 7:30 a.m.

Parks people will bring tools and know-how. REI folks provide food and water.

All you need to do is dress for hard work and potential rain. Take work gloves, sunscreen, and a hat.

You'll work till the group runs out of project, energy, daylight, or workable weather.

Register at REI, 1376 Woodmen Road. For info: 260-1455.

(Photo by local photog Rhonda Van Pelt)