COAL CREEK -- On Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m., locals of Coal Creek gathered in the Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association (CCCIA) for a forum on local flowers and plants. The forum, High Altitude Gardening and Native Seeds and Plants, featured two presentations, Q&A, resources, handouts, and snacks.

First, Denise C. Wilson, a local botanist and plant ecologist, presented Collecting, Saving and Sowing Native Seeds for Your Montane Garden. In her presentation, she explained the ecological benefits of growing native seeds, different species of native plants, and how to properly grow them.

Second, Jennifer Cook, Gilpin County CSU Extension Director and Educator, presented Growing Mountain Gardens, where she discussed the realities of gardening in the mountains and how to most effectively work around those logistics.

The forum was the first of its kind hosted at CCCIA, with resources made available both for attendees and for the general public.

To see what events are coming up at the CCCIA, located at 31528 CO-72 in Coal Creek, then head to their website at coalcreekcanyon.org. As of this writing, the two presentations from the forum are also available on the website’s homepage.