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KRISTIN HEGGEM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT KHLA, LLC
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Patty Jewett Junction Ribbon Cutting

7/22/2020

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Photo by Christian Murdock with the Gazette
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  • By Mary Shinn mary.shinn@gazette.com​  Jul 21, 2020
Residents celebrated a year and half of work and $40,000 in fundraising Tuesday that transformed an aging swing set, gravel and weeds at Columbia and Corona streets in central Colorado Springs into the new Patty Jewett Junction playground that celebrates the area's history. 
"For years Patty Jewett neighbors have been discussing the potential of this space," said Jessica Barnett, chairwoman of the Patty Jewett Junction Committee. "...We wanted the project to celebrate the past and the future."

The city of Colorado Springs provided a $50,000 in funding for the $90,000 playground that features vertical climbing structures inspired by the roses grown by early Colorado Springs resident Patty Jewett. The 2,000-square-foot playground also has train-themed equipment inspired by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. The train's right of way is now Shooks Run Trail, a part of which is adjacent to the new playground. 
The city also recently repaved Shooks Run from Columbia to Uintah streets replacing the asphalt trail with a 10-foot wide concrete path, using a portion of the funds that voters allowed the city to keep in November for parks projects. The money would otherwise have been refunded as required by the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights.
The play structure is the largest part of a project for residents who want to see climbable sculptures, trees, a butterfly garden and other features stretch along the repaved Shooks Run trail between Columbia and San Miguel streets, Barnett said. Residents expect to raise another $40,000 for the beautification project, Barnett said. 

Patty Jewett neighbors would also like to help other neighborhoods with similar projects along the trail by providing guidance on fundraising and other aspects of the project, she said. 

Mayor John Suthers praised the residents' work at Tuesday's celebration and highlighted the importance of outdoor spaces, particularly while coronavirus prevention measures require social distancing. 
"It has never been more important than it has been over the last couple of months to have these parks and open spaces available to our citizens," he said. 
Genevieve Butterfield, 9, oversaw the event, in the literal sense, as she sat on a modern set of monkey bars that she said provide a sense of freedom. She also enjoyed the metal rollers on the slide that added a little boost in speed, she said. 
"They are a little scary," she noted.
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Oak Leaf Rollers

6/3/2020

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They’re back! They’re in your trees, on your house, in your flowers, and, inevitably, on your face.  They string their webs up and down trees, across rooftops, and even hang down on long strands from tree branches.  They’re known as oak leaf rollers, due to their tendency to “roll” themselves up in leaves, like a worm burrito.
These caterpillars are eating the leaves of live oaks, post oaks, water oaks, and even crepe myrtles, but rest assured, they will not kill your trees.  This insect undergoes only one life cycle each year, so in a couple of weeks they will be forming cocoons, and in June they will begin to emerge as moths.  Once they enclose themselves in cocoons, the leaf-feeding will stop and trees will start to put on new leaves.   Healthy trees can recover from a complete defoliation 3-7 times in one year.  The tree will use energy reserves stored in the roots to make new leaves.
So what can you do about these pests?  I only recommend spraying high-value trees or trees that hang over a patio or walkway, where the webs will be a serious nuisance to people.  The caterpillars are a natural part of the local ecosystem, thus, birds and many other predators probably look forward to each spring and the worm-buffet that comes with it.  While the caterpillars are small (less than 1 inch) I recommend liquid insecticides containing Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), a naturally occurring bacteria that targets only caterpillars and poses no threat to beneficial insects, pets, or humans.  This product is commonly used in organic gardening.  Sprays such as malathion or carbaryl (Sevin) are broad-spectrum insecticides that can potentially kill beneficial insects, but will also work to control the caterpillars.
Insect populations cycle up and down naturally. Next year we may have very few caterpillars, or we may have more than this year. Keep an eye out during the first of April next year to determine if and when you may want to spray.

By Stephen Janak, County Extension Agent – Ag/Natural Resources
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New Water Restrictions  for Colorado Springs

1/6/2020

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Starting this week, residents and business owners in Colorado Springs can only water their lawns three times per week.
The ordinance went into effect Jan. 1, 2020. Colorado Springs Utility customers can choose which days they want to water each week. Customers can not water their lawns between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The actual enforcement and fines for not following the new rules won't start until 2021.
There will be exceptions for recently planted vegetation and turf grass on sports fields.
Colorado Springs Utilities will be working on educating the public about the new ordinance through 2020.
The Integrated Water Resource Plan, approved by the Utilities Board in 2017, includes water efficiency as a source of future supply and the proposed ordinance changes are expected to meet 10 percent of the efficiency goal.
The proposed changes align us with other Front Range cities and are considered foundational water practices in Colorado. (re-printed from KKTV article, link below)

https://www.kktv.com/content/news/New-water-restrictions-in-Colorado-Springs-in-2020-566663221.html
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Installation Video: Nakakihara Project

10/24/2019

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Patty Jewett Junction is right on track!

7/10/2019

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"A huge shout-out to local neighbor and landscape architect Kristin Heggem for donating her time PRO BONO to design the beautiful plan for our new space. Check out her work at kristin heggem.com if you are interested in landscape design."
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Speaking at Chit Chat

2/8/2019

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February 12, 2019, 7:00-8:30pm at the Galleries of Contemporary Art @ UCCS. 5225 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs. Tickets available through  tickets@uccspresents.org

Dan Boyd will talk about a controversial art exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, and Kristin Heggem will chat all about bees. Sure to be a sweet and salty mashup!


ChitChat is a series of mash-up talks on contemporary culture and DIY topics. Each program features two speakers, hands-on and participatory learning, and a whole lot of lively conversation. This program sparks diverse discussions on contemporary life-specifically in the Pikes Peak Region-and features some of the most interesting minds in Colorado Springs. We are in our 5th season of this popular series; join us and reserve your seat today!

ChitChat tickets include snacks + beverages, two speakers, lively conversation, and more fun than you can shake a stick at.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Dan Boyd is a senior theatre major at UCCS. He has performed all over the United States in places such as San Diego, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Philadelphia. He also recently directed Romeo & Juliet here at UCCS. He is currently the Senator of the Arts in the Student Government Association. As the Senator of the Arts, he is a proud member of the GOCA Advisory Board, Theatreworks Advisory Board, and Ent Center Programming Board. After graduating in May, he plans to attend Grad School for a Masters in Arts Administration.

Kristin Heggem is a landscape architect, specializing in residential landscape design. She established her business, KHLA, in 1990 and has completed over 400 projects. Most are in Colorado, but also in California, Connecticut, Delaware and Hawaii. She’s a member of the national professional society, ASLA, and is licensed to practice in Colorado and California. She has received the distinguished ASLA Honor award and more recently, the 2018 HBA “Best Outdoor Entertaining Space”. Her projects have also been published in Trends Home & Architecture magazine and Colorado Patio & Landscape magazine. Kristin is an enthusiastic gardener and certified backyard beekeeper, and is a member of Pike’s Peak Beekeepers Association.
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Colorado Springs Beekeeping Ordinance

1/27/2019

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Colorado Springs City Code Chapter 7, Article 3, Section 105, A.2.b. Beehives:

2. Any structure or use that complies with the definition of an "accessory use" and the standards described below may be allowed. All accessory structures and uses shall comply with the use limitations applicable in the zoning district in which they are located. Accessory uses and structures include, but are not limited to, the following list of examples. The Manager will determine similar uses which are not listed but meet the definition and standards of an accessory use. This section does not apply to mobile home parks.
a. Antenna: Antennas, i.e., radio, television, CB and satellite dishes are allowed in any residential zone district.
b. Beehive(s):
(1) Properties Less Than Ten Thousand Square Feet: Properties that are less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet in area are permitted a maximum of two (2) beehives.
(2) Properties Between Ten Thousand Square Feet And One Acre: Properties that are between ten thousand (10,000) square feet and one acre in area are permitted a maximum of four (4) beehives.
(3) Properties Greater Than One Acre And Up To Five Acres: Properties that are greater than one acre but not more than five (5) acres in area are permitted the following:
(A) Up to two (2) acres a maximum of five (5) beehives.
(B) Over two (2) acres and up to three (3) acres a maximum of six (6) beehives.
(C) Over three (3) acres and up to four (4) acres a maximum of seven (7) beehives.
(D) Over four (4) acres and up to five (5) acres a maximum of eight (8) beehives.

(4) Properties Greater Than Five Acres: Properties that are greater than five (5) acres in area are permitted an unlimited number of beehives.
(5) Setbacks:
(A) On properties less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet in area, beehives must be a minimum of five feet (5') from the nearest side or rear property line, measured from the nearest point of the hive box to the property line, and may not be located within the front-yard setback.
(B) On properties between ten thousand (10,000) square feet and five (5) acres in area, beehives must be a minimum of fifteen feet (15') from the nearest side or rear property line, measured from the nearest point of the hive box to the property line, and may not be located within the front-yard setback.
(C) On properties that are more than five (5) acres in area, beehives must be a minimum of fifty feet (50') from the nearest property line, measured from the nearest point of the hive box to the property line.

(6) Flyway Barriers:
(A) A flyway barrier shall be installed within five feet (5') of the entrance of all beehives on properties of less than five (5) acres in area. No flyway barrier is required if the beehive(s) is located fifty feet (50') or more from any property line.
(B) A flyway barrier shall be a minimum of six feet (6') in height.
(C) A flyway barrier shall be located no further than five feet (5') from any beehive(s).
(D) A flyway barrier shall be constructed of an opaque fence or fast growing, dense evergreen vegetative material capable of reaching six feet (6') in height at maturity.
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(7) Fresh Water Supply: A fresh water supply shall be provided within five feet (5') of the beehive(s).

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Wildfire Mitigation Stipend Guidelines Announced

1/16/2019

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The Colorado Springs Fire Department is pleased to announce the Wildfire Mitigation Cost Share Program
Excerpt from Ashley Whitworth, Education & Outreach Program coordinator
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The Colorado Springs Fire Department is pleased to announce the opportunity for grant funding for the Wildfire Mitigation Cost Share Program. This is not a grant award, but a dollar for dollar match up to $500 per household to address wildfire risk within 30 feet of your home. Each household must contact the Wildfire Mitigation Section on the front end for a free onsite consultation and to complete the proper paperwork. This funding cannot pay for retroactive work and is not intended to “landscape” or maintain your property. Work must be completed by a licensed and insured contractor with the City of Colorado Springs. This program is currently available to households in the following neighborhoods:
Broadmoor - Broadmoor Bluffs (Upper and Lower) - Broadmoor Downs - Broadmoor Hills - Broadmoor Park - Broadmoor Resort Community - Canyons at Broadmoor - Constellation - Country Broadmoor - Gold Camp - Highland Oaks - Highland Terrace - Mountain Oaks - NCC - Old Broadmoor - Overlook Colony - Skyway - Skyway Heights - Spires - Star Ranch - Stratton (Includes Forest, Pines and Preserves) - Top of Skyway

“Sharing the Responsibility”...Wildfire Mitigation Stipend Guidelines
  • Intended to address wildfire risk to homes dealing with surrounding fuels in the homeignition zone (first 30’.)
  • This is not a grant award but a DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR MATCH up to $500 per household.
  • Cannot reimburse residents for work already completed.
  • Not intended to “landscape” or maintain your property – has to follow mitigation
    standards. Funding will be for hazardous fuels removal, not stump grinding, vegetation
    replacement or mulch replacement.
  • No money to exchange hands; City and residents will be invoiced directly from the
    contractor.
  • Must use a tree service licensed / insured with the City of Colorado Springs.
  • Walk-thru with CSFD, resident and contractor is required prior to work being done –all
    work discussed will be noted on work form and signed off by the owner and the
    contractor. Homeowner will receive an estimate for the work beforehand.
  • Each participant must sign a stewardship agreement.
  • Limited funds – First come, first served. Additional sign-ups will be on the “stand-by” list
    in case not all funds are used up.
  • Call Ashley or Solomon to schedule a walk-thru of the property with the contractor.​ Ashley Whitworth: 719-385-7342 or awhitworth@springsgov.como Solomon Schmidt: 719-385-7368 or sschmidt@springsgov.com
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Colorado Xeriscape Demonstration Gardens

11/28/2018

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This information is provided by Colorado Waterwise.

Attributes of good xeriscape education gardens include plant labels, interpretive materials like brochures and plant lists, hydrozoning, ease of public access, and availability of knowledgeable staff to provide interpretation. Feedback from visitors to the garden owners/managers is encouraged.
Plant Select® is another resource for learning about plants that thrive in Colorado, and most are xeric. Plant Select® showcase gardens across the West are listed at their website.

In Colorado, we're fortunate to have a wealth of xeriscape garden examples. Listed below are gardens along the Front Range. If you know of a garden that is not represented here, please contact Colorado Waterwise.


Aurora Water-wise Garden 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., Aurora, CO 80012

Broomfield Xeriscape Demonstration Garden 1 DesCombes Dr., Broomfield, CO 80020

Colorado Springs: Mesa Xeriscape Demonstration Garden 2855 Mesa Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Colorado Springs: Cottonwood Creek Park Xeriscape Demonstration Garden 3920 Dublin Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Fort Collins Xeriscape Demonstration Garden 300 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521

Fort Collins: The Gardens on Spring Creek 2145 Centre Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80526

Greeley Water Conservation Garden 2503 Reservoir Rd., Greeley, CO 80631 

Loveland Service Center Xeriscape Garden 200 N. Wilson Ave., Loveland, CO 80537

Northern Water Conservation Gardens 220 Water Ave., Berthoud, CO 80513

Thornton: Margaret Carpenter Xeriscape Demonstration Garden 11151 Colorado Blvd., Thornton, CO 80233 

Thornton: Fire Station 5 14051 Colorado Blvd., Thornton, CO 80241



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Sky High Growth

11/28/2018

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I was interviewed last month about designing green roofs and the green roof ordinance in Denver. This is a link to the finished article in Colorado Patio and Landscape magazine: coloradopatioandlandscape.com/design/sky-high-growth-what-landscapers-need-to-know-about-green-roofs/#.W_9qZS2ZMkg

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    Kristin Heggem is passionate about landscape design, architecture, and travel.

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