Friends of the Forest
Kristi Smouse loves the outdoors and volunteering is how she spends a good part of her free time. When she saw an opportunity last summer to spend a day volunteering in the Colorado mountains west of the Golden brewery on a conservation project, she jumped at the chance. Not only that, she invited her younger sister and 62-year-old mother to participate.
“We live in one of the most beautiful states,” said Kristi, who during the work week is a human resources specialist for Coors Distributing Company in Denver. “The three of us planted about 75 willow cuttings along a stream bank and scattered wildflower seeds nearby.”
Kristi and her family were among more than 40 Coors Brewing Company employees, family members and friends who worked on the Cumberland Gulch watershed restoration project sponsored by the National Forest Foundation, the US Forest Service and the Clear Creek Watershed Foundation.
The project took place at the site of the former Lombard Mine and Mill, an abandoned precious metal mill dating back to the 19th century. The mill produced a large amount of waste rock material and had been a source of metals loading, especially during storms. In addition to planting willow cuttings along a restored streambed, volunteers installed erosion control matting, mulched and seeded the area with native grasses, and built buck and pole fencing to protect the reclaimed area. “It was so rewarding to see the results of all of our work,” Kristi noted.
“When we turn on our faucets, we tap into our forests,” said Glenn Casamassa, supervisor of the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest. “Helping the public see this link and inspiring them to get involved is vital for a steady supply of clean water in our future.”
Coors made a donation to the National Forest Foundation to help underwrite costs of site preparation and materials. The outcome of the project was a restored stream channel, newly planted wetlands and riparian vegetation, and ultimately improved water quality.
“All it takes is one time to get out and make a difference,” Kristi said. It’s contagious and it gives a person that ‘feel good’ feeling.”
Coors is looking at future Friends of the Forest volunteer opportunities in the Clear Creek watershed, to which Kristi responded, “Count us in!”