So excited for seed season OPINION

stories high, separated by CMU blocks, each level is a repurposed fluorescent light ballast with four LED tubes. Each level will hold four flats. Each flat contains 96 eco cones, most often, of a single species.

Branching Out

By Geneviève Villamizar

Every spring starts in my living room in February and March.

I collected seeds all last autumn, a compulsive habit born of years of desire. Rambling about, Juniper and I inevitably see something—

“Oh, my god, I want that!” I say, pointing to an unfamiliar plant.

“Mom, you always say that!” she teases…

Thanks to friend Sid, a 30-gallon tub waits by our door. A bale of peat moss is thawing in the bathtub; bags of ocean/guano compost, thawing by the easy chair. Cases of seed flats, root pruning flats and eco cones fill the truck bed. Over the next two weeks, all of these materials will coalesce into a production line that ultimately will become thousands of seedlings.

This is our second year of Seedling Hotel, built with the help of friend Art. Four

Letters

Seeds germinate under different conditions; a most fascinating puzzle! All species in the Seedling Hotel will be simple seeds with simple needs. We can sow them directly into the soil mix; sometimes on the surface because they need light to sprout. Others will be sown an eighth- to quarter-inch deep, and tamped, for seed-to-soil contact. Seeds absorb moisture directly from the soil, so if we didn’t tamp, there might be too much air space around the seeds for them to absorb water.

In comparison to simple seeds, there are species with more demanding seeds. Some seed species need a “winter nap” or they won’t flower or perform the way they’re supposed to. Think of garlic, which we plant in the fall. It sprouts a bit and goes to sleep. Upon waking, it shoots up, sets a flower, and forms its bulb. Without that cold nap — were I to plant in the spring — the garlic would shoot up but not flower and bulb out.

So, in the next several weeks, I’ll also fill 30 to 40 seed flats with the grasses and forbs species in need of cold naps.

Charles Wicker Moses II

The shockwaves from Wick’s passing generated a tsunami of emotions and memories for me. Wick and I were married in 1975, and we split up four years later. Wick was too young; I was way too young. While I now refer to this as my starter marriage, he loomed large in my life for many of my young and almostadult years.

Wick and I remained friendly, though, virtually all of the years. We communicated occasionally via phone or email and saw one another from time to time — usually when I made it back for Mountain Fair.

I last saw Wick at his home in August 2022. I knew of his health challenges and “close calls,” yet I was surprised by how compromised his health seemed to be; his breathing sounded labored. He assured me he was seeing his doctor.

During the visit, Wick showed me framed photos covering his walls. He had surrounded himself with good memories and photos of many of the people in his life. The photos and corresponding memories clearly provided daily comfort and nurtured him. Then, he proudly showed me a map of the Western United States,

I’m especially excited about the multitude of milkweed species we’re growing, and the slew of Astragalus species.

To paint a picture — you know those islands of fluffy ground covers at the Nature Park that have those black rattle pods every autumn? Those are Astragalus. In addition to white, they bloom throughout the West in pinks, yellows, lavenders. But more importantly, they perform an ecological service. As legumes (think pealike), they’re “nitrogen fixers,” pulling nitrogen from the air into the soils, usable as a fertilizer. And, of course, they provide habitat: nectar and pollen for pollinators; protein-rich seeds for the voles and mice — food for the hawks and buteos that flock to that park!

I use “forb” versus “wildflower” for the species I choose intentionally, based on their roles in an ecosystem. These species have evolved through millennia to attract specific insects versus human appreciation! So they’re worth the extra work of wintertime naps!

Other seeds need their coats cracked or nicked to sprout. This lets the seed absorb enough water to sprout before it simply rots. You might be familiar with “scarification” from starting your own morning glory seeds. So, we’ll do the “tedious” work of highlighted with the routes and the thousands of miles he’d covered on his motorcycle. Then, on to Jazzy the cat — a major focus of his attention, love, and devotion.

After viewing the photos and related stories, the motorcycle map and doing my best to show an appropriate level of admiration for Jazzy, Wick directed me to sit down. The chair was optimally positioned for sound. He insisted I close my eyes and immerse myself in the phenomenal music coming from his “best ever” sound system. It was a Joni Mitchell album, my favorite. Wick was eager for me to deeply experience the music, as he had spent so much of his time doing. I did my best to chill out, slow down and listen deeply.

As an aside, in the ‘70s, Wick, in fact, fell in love with, and became a devoted Dog Dad to, the Welsh corgis I had brought into his life: Bootie, and then Paws and Pooka. However, it was all over once those cats got their claws into him. Wick was indoctrinated into their world and came to “know” dogs were lesser beings and not worthy companions for him. Cats ruled. Period.

Wick’s love of all — well, most — things Carbondale was evident. He was immensely proud of what rubbing layers of seed between sheets of sandpaper, binging on our final season of “Stranger Things.” (It’s definitely time for a lighter series!) the town had become with its cultural facilities, events and various nonprofits. Only with Wick’s passing have I begun to appreciate the depth of his contributions to the community and his impact on the lives of so many people over the decades. He never tooted his own horn to me about having had a hand in so many aspects of the community.

For me, sitting in a living room or a greenhouse filled with living plants is heaven. It just feels nourishing, as though their health and vigor could rub off on me, fill me… summer all around me in the midst of winter, still. These seeds we sow are “friends,” discovered on hikes and walks, or in another’s garden, or in a sexy-ass photo online or in a book. Most of the seeds I’m growing are because I simply can’t find these species in a nursery.

My aesthetic has changed significantly in the face of species collapse and migration, planetary systems collapse, global warming and climate change. The big and colorful have their place — in fact, my favorite flower catalog is Annie’s Annuals and Perennials, a California nursery featuring some really far out stuff (Google: “echiums”).

But here, in the Roaring Fork Valley, where I directly experience this accelerating change on so many levels, I’ve found that the subtleties and nuances of native plant ecosystems blow my heart wide open in ways that exotics simply cannot. And it is these lesser known, seldom grown plants that I’m dedicating my attention to these days.

Wick was a beloved character and absolutely one of a kind. He will live on in all of us, and in what Carbondale has and will become.

Hugs and condolences to all; and Rock on, Wicker!

Mary Wilmer Mills

Los Altos, California

Wild and Scenic

I would like to thank the Gunnison County Commissioners and the Marble Town Council for their commitment to the upcoming Crystal River Wild and Scenic stakeholder collaborative.

Only a very small percentage of rivers in the United States are eligible for Wild and Scenic designation. The Crystal was chosen for its historic, cultural, recreational and geologic values; its fish and wildlife properties; and its natural unspoiled beauty. Wild continued on page 18

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com

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The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center.

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Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.

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Spring forward

Don’t forget to set your manual clocks one hour ahead on Sunday night, March 12. The next morning will feel especially early and dark, but the sun will be setting later than we’re accustomed to to make up for it.

Holy Cross rates

Holy Cross Energy plans to adjust its rates this September. According to a press release, the updated rate structure decreases the cost of energy but adds a delivery charge “to increase flexibility to make it easier to manage costs through electrification and behavior changes.” Members will be able to save money by decreasing their use during peak hours, 4 to 9pm. On average, rates will increase by 2% and continue to be within the lower third of Colorado’s utility bill rates.

Road closure

RJ Paddywacks

Cool Bricks Studio

White River Books

Alpine Animal Hospital

Novus Glass

Nonprofit Partners

Wilderness Workshop

5point Film Festival

Basalt Library

Aspen Strong

Carbondale Rotary

Carbondale Animal Shelter

Carbondale Arts

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce

Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner in 2023? Email Todd@ soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866

Two Rivers Road in Basalt will be closed between Homestead Drive and Cottonwood Drive from Thursday, March 9 at 6:30pm through Friday, March 10 at 7am to install a sewer line at Midland Avenue and a new water line near Midland Spur. Midland Avenue between the Basalt Library and Two Rivers Road remains closed due to the Basalt Sanitation District’s new sewer line project.

Gone fishing

Colorado fishing licenses for the 2023-2024 season are now available. The license is valid March 1 of this year through March 31, 2024. People can pick theirs up at a local Colorado and Public Wildlife office, an authorized sales agent or online at www.bit.ly/ gonefishingCO

Sweetwater Eagle Valley Land Trust, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the White River National Forest hosted a virtual meeting on March 6 to update the public on the Sweetwater Lake planning process. A full National Environmental Policy Act process is planned for this spring. In the meantime, the public can review the presentation, make comments and access a public survey (open through March 27) at www.evlt.org/sweetwater

Let it grow

Ready to get your hands dirty? Support Seed Peace in their mission of providing fresh, local and organic veggies to the Roaring Fork Valley as a volunteer on Wednesdays in March from 2 to 4pm. You can also trade volunteer time for a CSA share this summer. For more information, contact Heather at heatherfroelicher@gmail.com

Get gardening

The Carbondale Community Garden on Hendrick Drive at Holland has plots available for the 2023 gardening season. Plots are about 10 by 10 feet, with irrigation from the Town’s ditch system. For more information about joining this organic garden, contact Kay at 516kware@gmail.com

Busy bee

The 25th annual Dandelion Day is on May 13! All artists are invited to submit a design for this year's theme, Bonedale Bees! The winner will be selected by the Environmental Board and printed on all t-shirts and posters. Entries are due by March 15! Handmade pictures can be dropped at Carbondale’s Town Hall and digital entries sent to dandelionday81623@gmail.com

Common Reader

Colorado Mountain College’s 2023 Common Reader is “Woman of Light” by Kali Fajardo-Anstine. This multicultural novel — available at local bookstores

Astragalus is a workhorse of a plant at the Carbondale Nature Park, attracting pollinators, feeding rodents, drawing hawks and buteos. When the snow melts, we'll see rodent tunnels to and from these mounds, like ancient maps of European medieval cities. Photo by Geneviève and libraries — spans five generations of an Indigenous Chicano family’s history, with depictions of southwestern Colorado in the 1880s and Denver in the 1930s. Fajardo-Anstine will speak at Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs on March 29 at 7pm. An affiliated creative writing and art contest explores “Indigenous roots, rights and responsibilities” with a submission deadline of April 9. Learn more at www.coloradomtn.edu/ common-reader

Mountain Pearl Mountain Parent magazine is now called Mountain Pearl!

“Dropping PARENT from our name welcomes teachers, coaches and outside-ofschool heroes to join our conversation, whether or not they’ve procreated,” wrote publisher Kathryn Camp. The newest edition features a comprehensive local CSA guide, the ever-popular summer camp planner and so much more. Check it out!

They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Laura Kuhl (March 9); Vicky Browne and Pat Curry (March 11); Laura Bartels, Dean Bowlby, Hilary Burgess, Rose Rossello, Laura Segura and Lee Swidler (March 12); Alex Alvarado, Denise Barkhurst, Mike Cuseo, Jared Kennedy, Justin McBride, Mark Nieslanik, Grant Stevens, Nancy Thal and Caitlin Walker (March 13) Sonya Meyer and Athena Wright (March 14); Paula Stepp and Sierra Thompson (March 15).

JOIN US

MARCH 4

Ute Theater - Rifle at 6pm

MARCH 11

Hotel Colorado - Glenwood Springs 4pm and 7pm

TO BUY TICKETS OR LEARN MORE: www.advocatesafehouse.org

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Heather Craven is well known in the Roaring Fork Valley. Born and raised here, she returned to with her partner, Matt Creer, more than 20 years ago. She now owns and operates a homecare service focused on enriching the lives of clients, some of whom have been family friends for decades, while assisting with basic at-home needs. The company started in 2018, though Craven previously did this work as an independent contractor.

Here to There, a name derived from Dr. Seuss’ “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” now assists people recovering from an operation — working often with referrals from The Steadman Clinic — plus short-term companion care seekers, palliative care patients and persons nearing the end of their life. Most of the clients are in their later years, but it’s not uncommon for Here to There to work with young people, including children.

“I’ve taken care of people my whole life, that’s lovely in any capacity,” Craven told The Sopris Sun. Her service area encompasses Eagle, Pitkin and Garfield counties, though clients reside primarily between Glenwood Springs and Aspen. Here to There works in concert with other home care and assisted living services in the Valley to meet the high demand. “Everyone’s got something amazing to offer,” she said.

As far as its offerings, Here to There operates with creative programming, incorporating animals for therapy, field trips and even virtual reality (VR) to enhance the daily experiences of homebound persons. It is a family business, incorporating Craven’s daughter and two sons to help with the marketing, digital presence, VR and other aspects.

“Heather has always been looking for ways to improve their lives, even if they only have three months left, that’s important,” said Creer, who also helps with the company. “It’s horrid sitting in a room, isolated and lonely.”

Here to There currently uses Oculus Quest 2 headsets developed by Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook, Inc.) to broaden opportunities for their clientele. “For seniors, virtual reality is becoming more and more popular in three main areas,” said Creer. He described these as: reminiscence, revisiting nostalgic places and experiences; recreation, enjoying new or familiar games and activities to keep the mind sharp; and distraction, taking the mind away from anxiety or pain through art and entertainment. VR also affords elders the opportunity to interact with loved ones despite geographic distances by meeting in a virtual room.

“We’re trying to do things a little different as far as quality of care,” he continued, “and VR is just another tool in that overall philosophy.”

They also place emphasis on practical balance exercises. “A fall can change somebody's life significantly as you age,” Craven chimed in. They are currently looking into certifications for programs that match our active community.

“I love where we are,” she continued. “I love that we get to really know our clients and our families and I would like to just continue to do that, to sustain it.” She values the intimate and personal approach they are able to offer. Here to There can also help clients explore end-of-life options that are available legally in Colorado. “We believe it’s their journey and we’re there to support them in any way we can,” she said about clients facing a terminal illness.

“Our American society hasn’t exactly embraced the golden years like other cultures,” Craven said. “Something that I see and I learn more and more about every day is, it’s a beautiful and rich time; it doesn’t have to be shunned or sad.” She especially enjoys hearing stories from elder clients. “You get to be 70, 80, you’ve had a big life.”

You can learn more about Here to There’s services and philosophy at www.heretotherecare.com