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Louisville Open Space & Parks Update |
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Love the Land? Lend a Hand!
As Open Space and Parks staff, we’re proud to be stewards of the land every day—protecting, maintaining, and enhancing the places our community loves to explore. So when April rolls around, we’re especially excited to celebrate not just Earth Day on April 22, but Earth Month all month long.
Earth Month is a great reminder of all the ways we can connect with nature right here in Louisville—walking your favorite trail, spotting wildlife, or simply taking a moment to sit on a bench and breathe. It’s why so many of us choose to live here, right?
It’s also a time to give back. From planting trees to restoring habitats, our volunteer opportunities help keep Louisville’s open spaces and parks healthy and thriving for generations to come.
This April, join us as we celebrate the Earth, soak up the outdoors, and care for the land we all share.
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April - October | 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
First Saturday of the Month (4/5, 5/3, 6/7, 7/5, 8/2, 9/6, 10/4)
Proof of residency will be required at the gate and checked by City staff.
- Drop off Branches
- Pick Up Mulch
- Pick Up Compost* (spring only-while supplies last)
*Note due to muddy conditions compost will not be available on Saturday, April 5. To schedule a time to pick up compost contact the City Forester Chris Lichty at (303) 335-4733 or chrisl@louisvilleco.gov
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Got #2 Plastic? We need it! (1000 pieces to be exact)
Bring your #2 plastic to the Branch Recycle Site on Saturday, April 5
This year, the City of Louisville has a chance to earn a Buddy Bench — and we need your help. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is donating 20 Buddy Benches, made entirely from recycled #2 plastic, to communities that collect at least 1,000 pieces. These benches promote kindness, connection, and sustainability in public spaces.
Bring your clean, dry #2 plastic recyclables (with caps and labels removed) to the Compost Giveaway and help turn everyday items into something meaningful for our community.
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Volunteer Opportunities & Education Events
The following events are free. Registration required for most events.
Sunday, April 13 @ 8:30 a.m.
Beginner or expert, join us at our booth to see what migratory birds/ducks we have returning or passing through at Hecla Lake Open Space. Registration is not required.
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Friday, April 18 @ 10 a.m.
Volunteer to help plant a tree! Celebrate Arbor Day by joining Louisville Parks staff members to plant trees in the Louisville Arboretum. To sign up contact the City Forester Chris Lichty at (303) 335-4733 or chrisl@louisvilleco.gov
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Tuesday, April 22 @ 9:30 a.m.
LIMITED SPACE! Help Open Space staff replant native wildflowers and forbs in one of the City’s Pocket Prairies. This event is open to all ages. Registration is required.
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Tuesday, April 22. Multiple times available
Celebrate Earth Day by providing a trash pick-up on an Open Space property. Staff will help identify property and provide materials. Contact cmanian@louisvilleco.gov if interested.
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Sunday, April 27 @ 8 p.m.
Join the Open Space Stargazers for a nighttime hike of Aquarius Open Space and an easy science project.
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Volunteer to adopt an Open Space! Not quite ready to adopt a cat or dog (or perhaps you already have too many furry friends)? How about making a meaningful impact on your community by adopting a Louisville Open Space or trail. Open Space may not be little and furry but adopting one of these areas means embracing it as part of your community and giving it the love and care it deserves.
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We need volunteers to lend a hand at the Family Fishing Frenzy on Friday, April 18. The event has two session times, at 9 am and 11 am, and we're seeking help at various stations including snack distribution, casting assistance, and knot tying guidance. Volunteers have the flexibility to commit from 8:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. or for a shorter duration. Contact Catherine at cmanian@louisvilleco.gov by April 15.
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Learn all about tree care in this free workshop hosted by the PLAY Boulder Foundation's Tree Trust, the City of Louisville, and Boulder County OSCAR (Office of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience). This is a chance to learn hands-on and ask an expert in your community! Professional arborists from SavATree will be teaching best practices to plant and care for young trees. You will be joining a network of tree lovers with the goal of growing the urban tree canopy in Boulder County.
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Fishing season is here! Colorado law requires anyone 16 and older to have a valid fishing license. Be sure to renew yours so you can enjoy casting at Harper Lake, Lake Park, and Warembourg Fishing Pond.
Help protect local wildlife and waterways by properly disposing of your discarded fishing line in the designated recycling tubes located near each site.
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Louisville became a Bee City in 2023, and the Bee City Committee is buzzing with efforts to promote pollinators, native plants, and pesticide-free gardening. Local students are invited to submit artwork to help share the message!
Artwork must be 2D and between 9”x9” and 14”x18”. Accepted mediums include pencil, crayon, paint, photography, and computer-generated art.
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Harper Lake 2025 boat permits are now available for purchase. Permits are sold online from April 1 through September 30. Motorless boating on Harper Lake is allowed beginning on May 1 each year. Permits are required for boaters 12 years and older. Boat permits are only valid for use in the current calendar year. Paddleboards are not permitted.
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 Open Space staff restored the shoreline around Hecla Lake this spring! This effort builds upon the Hecla Shoreline Fence, which was put in place last November.
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 Spring has sprung in Louisville! Flowers are blooming and days are getting longer. It's the perfect time to get outside, explore a new trail or simply enjoy the season.
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 Ranger Naturalist to the rescue! Two young great-horned owlets were found on the ground at a local park and safely transported to the Birds of Prey Foundation. They will be cared for until they’re ready to return to the wild.
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 Harper Lake just got a big splash of rainbow trout—2,000 of them! Grab your fishing gear and cast away. Reel in the fun and recycle any discarded line in the designated tubes.
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