Peak Environment

Dave Gardner
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Environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

  1. APR 24

    152: Biochar Turns Wildfire Fuels Into Climate Resilience

    Wildfire seasons are intensifying, but what if the very fuels driving these fires could become part of the solution? In this episode, firefighter and regenerative farmer Will Vogl, Douglas County Environmental Inspections Supervisor Jared Tanaka, and Pikes Peak Permaculture’s Becky Elder and Ally Richardson explore the growing role of biochar in building climate resilience. Douglas County’s new biochar facility is projected to be complete in 2026 and is poised to benefit not only its own community but neighboring counties as well. It offers a forward‑looking model for land management and wildfire mitigation along the Front Range, reminding us that wildfires do not stop at county lines. Mentioned in this episode: Douglas County Biochar Facility Open House Discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T32CCRhMLyc&t=3146s Douglas County residents can dispose of “Green Yard Waste” at the County’s Slash/Mulch site at 5675 Delva Way in Sedalia. This is a NEW location for the 2026 season. https://www.douglasco.gov/public-works/green-yard-waste/ Black Forest Slash and Mulch Program for El Paso County residents: https://communityresources.elpasoco.com/environmental-division/black-forest-slash-mulch/ Vogl Homestead Regenerative Farm in El Paso County, Colorado: https://www.facebook.com/VoglHomesteadFarming/ Complete Solutions. Biochar Funding Company for feedstock handing equipment, chippers and grinders: https://csc-int.ca/ Wilson Biochar, LLC. Ring of Fire Kiln which can be assembled in field: https://wilsonbiochar.com/ Pueblo’s SUN SOIL WATER SUMMIT Keynote Speaker John Christenson of Native Lumber: https://pueblofoodproject.org/sunsoilwater/ Pikes Peak Permaculture’s Upcoming Events: May 3rd, Tending Points of Light in the “Long Dark” with Carolyn Baker. Sign-up here: https://pikespeakpermaculture.org/event/tending-points-of-light-in-the-long-dark-with-carolyn-baker/ MeadowGrass Festival May 22nd through May 24th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/17th-annual-meadowgrass-music-festival-tickets-1977435259091?aff=oddtdtcreator Earth School for 2026/2027. Currently enrolling for our homeschool enrichment program beginning this August, tuition FREE for ages 9-13. Find out more about this program here: https://pikespeakpermaculture.org/ppp-earth-school/ Help us fund a living classroom to be built this summer, where we will grow a more resilient community. Donations include access to our summer permaculture‑in‑action tours. https://pikespeakpermaculture.org/donations/ This episode is brought to you by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to teaching the ethics and principles of permaculture design in Southern Colorado. Permaculture is all about working with nature rather than against, to regenerate land, water, and food systems, and build resilient communities for generations to come. Learn more about their work with schools, organizations, and community members at pikespeakpermaculture.org The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ 350 Colorado Springs: https://350colorado.org/ GrowthBusters: https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

    1h 14m

  2. APR 7

    151: Our Home Watershed - Fountain Creek Update

    Everything you ever wanted to know about our home watershed. Hear about water supply and conservation, creek restoration, the regional trail, and the upcoming Great American Cleanup. This is a Sustainability in Progress presentation from Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Host: Mary Barber Guests: Alli Schuch, Executive Director, Fountain Creek Watershed District Mary Wilson, Outreach Coordinator On the table in this episode: Water supply Water conservation Reducing nonfunctional turf, adding native plants to conserve water and support restoration and wildlife (especially pollinators) Stewardship of Fountain Creek Creek restoration Brewshed Alliance and Liquid Lectures Fountain Creek Watershed Great American Cleanup Creek Week in the Fall Hydration celebrations after cleanups Fountain Creek Regional Trail Scoop the Poop Both crew leader and group registration are open for the Great American Cleanup. Volunteers can register up to May 2, and even on site on May 2: https://www.fountain-crk.org/great-american-cleanup-f0de636 LINKS: The Future of Fountain Creek – Panel and Community Discussion – episode 135 of Peak Environment: https://studio809podcasts.com/future-of-fountain-creek-panel/ State of the Watershed Summit: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcq7pJhVKqDhXPwCeyRROogdUI6r6Bv_l&si=qdauhTlDenfyn9sr Purchase a rain barrel from the watershed district: https://www.fountain-crk.org/rain-barrel-sale Fountain Creek Watershed District: Website: https://www.fountain-crk.org/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fountaincreekwatersheddistrict Events Calendar: https://www.fountain-crk.org/event-calendar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fountaincreekwatershed Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FountainCreekWatershedDistrict/ This episode was recorded as a Sustainability in Progress (SIP) episode of the podcast. Sustainability in Progress is a program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Thanks to these Peak Environment sponsors: Pikes Peak Permaculture Visit https://pikespeakpermaculture.org/.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking. The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's 2030 Sustainability Plan (PPR2030) https://peakallianceco.org/rsp/ through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at https://peakallianceco.org The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

    44 min

  3. MAR 13

    150: Manitou Springs Garden Club

    How does a small garden club grow into a powerful driver of community resilience? Host Ally Richardson and leaders from the Manitou Springs Garden Club explore how plant sales, community grants, and hands‑on education strengthen our local ecosystems. Their work shows how simple, community‑rooted actions can create lasting impact. As Bill Mollison reminds us, “Though the problems of the world are increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple.” Manitou Garden Club Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ManitouSpringsGardenClub Join their plant sale on Sunday, May 24th, from 9AM to noon at the pool parking lot of Schryver Park, 202 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs Come help out at April’s club meeting and see if the garden club is your flavor. Then, join! They meet every second Thursday of every month at the Community Congregational Church (except for special club member Summer months in member’s gardens). City of Manitou Springs Tree Voucher Program: https://cityofmanitousprings-parksandrec.app.transform.civicplus.com/forms/22690 Colorado Spring’s Grow Shade Together, the City's Neighborhood Tree Planting Program: https://coloradosprings.gov/GrowShadeTogether Recommended Reading: The Wild Wisdom of Weeds - by Katrina Blair BIG OL EARTH DAY CELEBRATION! https://www.concretecouch.org/ Community orgs collaborating to Celebrate Mother Earth, connect people of all ages with nature and support the ongoing land restoration at Concrete Coyote Community Park! Wednesday, April 22·12:00 – 6:00pm, 1100 S Royer St, Colorado Springs, CO This episode is brought to you by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to teaching the ethics and principles of permaculture design in Southern Colorado. Permaculture is all about working with nature rather than against, to regenerate land, water, and food systems, and build resilient communities for generations to come. Learn more about their work with schools, organizations, and community members at pikespeakpermaculture.org The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ 350 Colorado Springs: https://350colorado.org/ GrowthBusters: https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

    1h 17m

  4. FEB 25

    149: Burning Coal Past 2030 Deadline - Colorado Springs Asks for Extension

    Colorado Springs Utilities wants to delay closing its last coal-fired powerplant. CSU is currently obligated under its clean energy plan to close its Ray Nixon plant by the end of 2029 in order to meet a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030. It claims the extension is necessary because it is too costly to meet the current deadline. Learn about proposed legislation that would allow the plant to continue operating up to an extra ten years, and why many environmental groups oppose it. This episode’s guests: Jim Lockhart, conservation chair of Pikes Peak Group of Sierra Club Ciara Guerrero, Colorado Springs team coordinator for 350 Colorado Olivia West, environmental organizer for Sierra Club and Green Corps LEARN MORE: Colorado Springs Utilities Enlists State Lawmakers To Keep Ray Nixon Power Plant Running Into 2030 – CPR news story: https://www.cpr.org/2026/01/13/colorado-springs-ray-nixon-power-plant-legislation/ Update on the Nixon Plant Decommission – Sierra Club update: https://www.sierraclub.org/colorado/pikes-peak/february-2026#:~:text=Update%20on%20the%20Nixon%20Plant%20Decommission&text=CSU%20is%20currently%20obligated%20under,emissions%20by%2080%25%20by%202030 SB26-022 - Challenge Meeting 2030 Emissions Reduction Goals: https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/110720/download Clean Energy for Colorado Petition: https://forms.gle/9eiwmh52x463DJuz9 HB26-1030 - Data Center & Utility Modernization: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb26-1030 350 Colorado Springs: https://350colorado.org/colorado-springs/ Pikes Peak Group of the Sierra Club: https://www.sierraclub.org/colorado/pikes-peak Subscribe to Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future Email Updates: https://peakalliance.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=8b6c85fea7b70fac39688c409&id=bbba41d918 The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ https://350colorado.org/ GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

    34 min

  5. JAN 28

    148: Before You Hire a Landscaper

    What if ten weekends could change the way you see your land, your home, and your future? Host Ally Richardson interviews three recent graduates of the 2025 Permaculture Design Certification Course where they share the moments that surprised them, the skills that reshaped their thinking, and the unexpected community they found along the way. Before you hire a landscaper, hear what a PDC can unlock. Step into your power and shape the land for good! Mentioned in this episode: 2026 Permaculture Design Course Register here: https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/2025-permaculture-design-course/ Pikes Peak Permaculture’s PDC follows the Permaculture Institute of North America curriculum and meets the 72 hour certification standard. The course emphasizes ethics, principles, whole systems thinking, and collaborative site design. The program runs 10 weekends from February to August across Southern Colorado, with a few regional field trips. Lunches are prepared by students on rotation, with snacks provided. Children may attend with prior discussion. Work trade options and financial aid are available. Few spots left, so sign-up today! This episode was produced by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to teaching the ethics and principles of permaculture design in Southern Colorado. Permaculture is all about working with nature rather than against, to regenerate land, water, and food systems, and build resilient communities for generations to come. Learn more about their work with schools, organizations, and community members at https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

    1h 27m

  6. JAN 15

    147: Cut Your Energy Bill with Help from Energy Resource Center

    ERC helps cut wasted energy consumption through energy-efficient home upgrades, now available to all households in their 27-county service area, regardless of income level. Upgrades are free to income-qualifying households. ERC collectively saves $300,000 in utility bills each year by upgrading about 2,000 homes. Energy Resource Center Director of Programs Mike Mazzola fills us in on what ERC can do for you. LINKS: Sustainability & Resiliency Info and Networking Survey: https://forms.gle/aJCcs4Lv9ZAVk6E69 Energy Resource Center: https://erc-co.org Colorado Energy Savings Navigator: https://puc.colorado.gov/energy-savings The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

    22 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    146: Joyful Holiday Tips to Help Minimize Waste

    Shrinking your holiday footprint on the planet can seem daunting – but this episode offers tips to make it a joy. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future (PASF) is deviating from the norm this month. Instead of the usual live, third Wednesday Zoom event, the November Sustainability in Progress is this pre-recorded studio conversation. This conversation is about the holidays, discovering local resources to give meaningful and lifelong gifts to reduce waste. Host Mary Barber of PASF is joined by Ally Richardson of Pikes Peak Permaculture and Dave Gardner of GrowthBusters (both are regular co-producers of the Studio 809 Podcasts Peak Environment podcast). We’re considering making some changes in SIP, and we’re inviting collaboration. Help Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future and the entire sustainability/resiliency community make plans for 2026. Please take this poll: https://forms.gle/aJCcs4Lv9ZAVk6E69 LINKS MENTIONED:  Pikes Peak Bulletin Winter Holiday Calendar with local-maker markets: https://pikespeakbulletin.org/events/2025-winter-holiday-calendar-events-and-markets-in-the-spirit-of-the-season/ Colorado Springs Mom winter markets calendar: https://cospringsmom.com/parenting-wisdom/winter-markets-in-colorado-springs/ Downtown Shopping Gift Card: https://downtowncs.com/event/shop-local-win-local/ Resource Central Garden in a Box:  https://resourcecentral.org/gardens/ Center for Biological Diversity’s Simplify The Holidays Helpful Tips: https://simplifytheholidays.org/ So Kind Gift Registry: https://sokindregistry.org/ Who Gives a Scrap for the crafty: https://whogivesascrapcolorado.com/ Volunteer with the City of Colorado Springs: https://hr.coloradosprings.gov/VolunteerOpportunities Find opportunities at Flying Pig Farm, community farm practicing permaculture and building resilience: https://flyingpigmanitou.org/ Divert waste with Galvanize Recycling:  https://www.galvanizerecycling.com/services/ El Paso County Hazardous Waste Facility: https://communityresources.elpasoco.com/household-hazardous-waste/ Compost with Food To Power: https://foodtopowerco.org/ Other holiday-related podcast episodes we mentioned: Sustainable Holiday - Peak Environment episode #66 Have Yourself A Low Impact Holiday - Peak Environment episode #112 Plastic Bags Update & Moving Toward Zero Waste: Policy Wins, Advice and Resources - Peak Environment episode #115 Rebelling Against Black Friday Consumerism - GrowthBusters podcast episode #61 Thanks to these Peak Environment sponsors: Pikes Peak Permaculture Visit https://pikespeakpermaculture.org/.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking. The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's 2030 Sustainability Plan (PPR2030) https://peakallianceco.org/rsp/ through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at https://peakallianceco.org The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

    53 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    145: Bright Idea: Conserving Energy

    Energy rates are changing, and so is the demand. Pikes Peak Permaculture’s Ally Richardson, frequent producer and cohost of the Peak Environment podcast, shares practical ways we can reduce energy use and rethink consumption. She’s joined by panelists Becky Elder (a permaculture instructor) and Scott Harvey (a structural and electrical engineer). They delve into the current state of energy usage in the Pikes Peak region, examine the primary sources of energy and identify the sectors that consume the most. They also explore the factors driving changes in energy rates and demand, providing us with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face. Feel empowered to take action towards a more sustainable and resilient future. This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) event on October 14, 2025. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. You can view a video recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX1btxPC1BY The October meeting was presented by Pikes Peak Permaculture, which is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to teaching principles and practices of permaculture design in the Southern Colorado region. The organization educates about working with nature instead of against it, building stronger connections with our landscape and all inhabitants, regenerating land, water, and food systems, and making sure our region thrives for generations to come.  Mentioned in this episode:   Colorado Energy Savings Navigator: https://puc.colorado.gov/energy-savings Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP): https://cdhs.colorado.gov/leap Colorado’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP):  https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/weatherization-assistance-program Project Cope. Donation based fund for community members utility bill assistance in time of crisis and emergencies:  https://projectcopecs.org/ The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's 2030 Sustainability Plan (PPR2030) https://peakallianceco.org/rsp/ through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at peakallianceco.org Thanks to these Peak Environment sponsors: Pikes Peak Permaculture Visit https://pikespeakpermaculture.org/.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking. Subscribe to receive email notice of news and events: https://peakalliance.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=8b6c85fea7b70fac39688c409&id=bbba41d918 The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

    48 min
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About

Environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Gardner
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    152
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dave Gardner
  • Show Website
    Peak Environment

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