Take a journey back in time
The Miksch-Helmer Cabin is the oldest standing structure in the Chatfield region. A pair of free guided tours on May 14, at 9:30 a.m., give area history buffs the opportunity to learn about some of Douglas County’s first inhabitants – from the mammoths of prehistoric times to the pioneering homesteaders of the 1860s.
In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month pay a visit to the Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve and the oldest standing structure in the Chatfield region, the Miksch-Helmer Cabin.
“The County’s investment in historic preservation, and the tremendous community support for these assets, is evidence of the value we collectively assign to our County’s history and heritage,” said County Commissioner Roger Partridge.
Amos Miksch, a former corporal in the Colorado Volunteer Calvary who acquired a 160-acre plot through the Homestead Act of 1862, built the cabin, made of Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine. Miksch, who later sold the cabin to the Helmer family, was among those who testified against Col. John Chivington for Chivington’s role in leading 700 Colorado Territory militiamen at the Sand Creek Massacre.
After purchasing the small cabin along Willow Creek, the Helmers kept it in the family for generations, buying and developing approximately 3,800 acres in the surrounding area and turning it into a cattle and mining operation.
Members of the Helmer family stand at the cabin circa 1910. Photo courtesy of the Douglas County History Research Center Members of the Helmer family stand at the cabin circa 1910. Photo courtesy of the Douglas County History Research Center While the cabin is the site of some of the older known tales in Douglas County, the history at nearby Lamb Spring dates back even further — to the end of the last Ice Age. The Smithsonian led multiple excavations at Lamb Spring in the 1960s and 80s, resulting in discovery of remains from more than 30 mammoths that trace back between 11,000 and 13,000 years. Those interested in a tours should RSVP in advance, as space is limited. Please visit www.lambspring.org to sign up or call 303- 660-7460 for more information.
Research orchard grows knowledge and feeds the hungry
Susan Kentroti volunteers at the Hidden Mesa Open Space Research and Demonstration Orchard.
Not long after the County integrated edible plants into its research and demonstration orchard, an idea was born. Why not share the harvest with a local nonprofit that serves families and individuals in need?
Planted in 2011 on a four-acre plot in Hidden Mesa Open Space, the orchard began with help from volunteer master gardeners from the Colorado State University Extension-Douglas County Office, who, in 2012, began regularly donating fruits, nuts and vegetables to the Parker Task Force.
Between April and October of 2015, a record 4,300 pounds of food was given to the Task Force so that the organization could help feed people in need.
“The research and demonstration orchard serves multiple purposes, mainly to study the ability to grow hundreds of varieties of vegetables, fruits and nuts in the unique climate along the Front Range,” said County Commissioner Roger Partridge. “A reflection of our strong agricultural history in this region, the orchard not only serves as a place of research but also serves those who are in need of some assistance putting food on the table.”
Funded by grant dollars, County staff and local volunteers have planted more than 500 varieties of fruits and nuts not commonly seen in the region, many of which — strawberries, raspberries, bush cherries, blue haskap and sea berries for instance — have been successful. In 2012, some of the master gardeners came up with the idea of planting a separate vegetable garden on site, solely for the benefit of the Task Force.
“Our County has a rich history of cattle, horses, hay and nursery products thriving here, but research has shown that we grow less than one percent of the food we consume,” Partridge said. “The purpose of this orchard is to help expand economic opportunities and strengthen our community by inspiring innovation in scalable agriculture, edible landscapes, gardening, and community gardens and orchards, creating new opportunities for people to create better food for our citizens.”
In 2016, volunteers will plant a windbreak tree line around part of the orchard, add new vegetable and melon beds, focus more on composting, and add mason bees to help with early pollination of some blossoms inside the orchard’s high tunnels. For more information on the orchard, click here.
A doggone good time awaits
Douglas County offers 130 miles of dog-friendly trails in its open space and features four leash-free parks.
Did you know that your canine companion is welcome on 130 of the 137 miles of trails that weave through the County Parks System and Douglas County Open Space?
Whether hiking the heavily shaded surroundings of Spruce Mountain and breathing in the fabulous views at the peak of the 5-mile jaunt, or taking the lower 4-mile loop at Lincoln Mountain where your dog can enjoy a drink and dip in Cherry Creek, options are aplenty when it comes to spending time with your four legged friends on County land. When it comes to County trails, only the Sharptail Ridge Trail and Columbine Trail don’t allow dogs.
Unless otherwise noted, leashes are always required for your furry friends. Glendale Farm Open Space, home to a 17-acre dog off leash area — as well as a moderately easy 1.6 mile hike for leashed dogs — is one of four County-maintained off-leash areas. Following the latter link will also guide dog lovers to a half-dozen other off leash areas in Castle Rock, Parker and Highlands Ranch.
When out exploring with your dog, it is important to remember to bring water and not spend too much time in the hot sun. Those enjoying the trails are also asked to be responsible pet parents and pick up after their animals. Please exercise caution on longer hikes. The heat may feel good to you, but to them, too much can be deadly.
For more information on the County’s parks, trails and open space, please visit DC Outdoors.