Every year the Colorado Open Space Alliance acknowledges outstanding projects through the Blue Grama Awards.
Awards are given within the following categories:
- Outstanding Achievement by an Organization
- Outstanding Achievement by an Individual
- Outstanding Outdoor Recreation or Environmental Education Program
- Outstanding Ecological Management Program
Outstanding Achievement Award – One award is given to an individual and a second to a group or organization that have made significant contributions to the conservation of Colorado's open spaces. Nominees should have made a contribution recognized throughout the State of Colorado, an accomplishment with impact beyond the individual’s organization or agency. Nominees should show outstanding leadership achievement through acquisition, land management actions, or public policy.
Outdoor Recreation or Environmental Education Program – Given to an open space program that shows innovation and leadership in the area of outdoor recreational management and/or environmental education and interpretation. Recognizes outstanding, innovative and successful recreational management programs such as facilities development, conflict resolution, recreation monitoring, ranger activities, environmental education/interpretation, or the application of research findings (such as through evaluation of carrying capacity, pet management, etc.).
Ecological Management Program – Given to an open space program that has demonstrated leadership in the area of ecological management. Recognizes outstanding, innovative and successful research, restoration, or monitoring programs targeted at ecological resource management.
2018 Nominations
Submit your nominations for the 2018 Blue Grama Awards.
Nominations are due August 10.
Past Award Winners
Outstanding Achievements by an Organization
2016 El Paso County Fountain Creek Master Plan
2015 Eagle/Pitkin County
2014 Fort Collins - Black Footed Ferret Project
2013 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District
2012 Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado
2011 Colorado Office of TPL
2010 Arapahoe County - South Platte Working Group
2009 Great Outdoors Colorado and Adams County - South Platte Heritage Project
2008 Boulder County IGA
2007 Yampa River
Outstanding Achievement by an Individual
2016 Larry Kueter and Bill Silberstein
2015 Ron Stewart - Boulder County
2014 Rick Anderson - Adams County
2013 Rich Koopman - Boulder County
2012 Lise Aangenbrug - GOCO
2011 John Swartout - CCLT
2010 Ralph Schell - Jefferson County
2009 K-Lynn Cameron - Larimer County
2008 John Litz - Jefferson County
2007 Jim Crain - City of Boulder
Outstanding Ecological Management Program
2016 CPW - Aquatic and Fisheries
2015 South Suburban P&R Dist. - Rehabilitation South Platte Park
2014 Ft. Collins Natural Areas Department Resource Mgmt. Work Group - Cache La Poudre Restoration
2013 Rocky Mountain Field Institute Volunteer Restoration Projects
2012 Devil's Backbone Restoration Project - Larimer County
2011 Breckenridge - Cucumber Gulch
2010 Bryon Shipley - Rattlesnake Research (Denver Zoo)
2009 Boulder County - Platt Rogers Stream Restoration
2008 Ramsay Shockey - Larimer County (Forest Mgmt.)
Outstanding Outdoor Recreation or Environmental Ed. Program
2016 Native Plant Master - Barbara Fahey
2015 City of Boulder - Classical Music Nature Hikes
2014 CPW - Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments
2013 Ag. Division of Boulder Co. Parks and Open Space - Ag. Tours
2012 City of Boulder - Access to Trails Videos
2011 Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
2010 Castle Rock P&R - Colorado Bluebird Project
2009 Saddle Rock Golf Course - Native Plants, Aurora Parks and Open Space
2008 Preda-Tour, Aurora Parks and Open Space